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THOMAS ROBERTS 1953 - 2016 Artist, father, husband, educator, quinzee builder, Scout leader, gardener, friend. We want to celebrate Tom Roberts' life as we regretfully acknowledge his death. We will miss him like crazy. We are Brigitte, his wife; Nicole, Gabriel and Kai, his children; sisters, Marguerite (Geoff) and Glennis (Lauren and Alexandra); Susanna (MIL). Tom was a Manitoban who made forays to other parts of the world, but always returned. He said his first love was ceramics, discovered at the University of Manitoba's School of Art. An apprenticeship in Cornwall was followed by the pursuit of a MFA at the NYS College of Ceramics at Alfred University. He hoped to become a ceramics professor, but it was not to be. Realizing that much of his energy had been focused on teaching art and ceramics in community programs and the WAG, he became an art educator (which was the equivalent of going to the dark side when in Art School). This was often a source of philosophical discussion as he analyzed the benefits of working as a full-time artist versus art educator. Obviously this was an excellent choice, because he received the Fitzhenry Whiteside Art Educator Award (1997) and the Canadian Art Educator of the Year by the Canadian Society for Education in Art (2012). He talked about the road not taken, and how it always created the best ways forward - an apprenticeship with Michael Cardew at Wenford Bridge Pottery in Cornwall; production potter in Scotland; residences at the Banff Centre and the Bray in Helena; painting murals with his students from RB Russell with Take Pride Winnipeg; teaching art at all levels of Manitoba's school system; building his own studio; an Exchange Teaching Fellowship in Australia; a school Europe trip focused on art and food; firing kilns on several continents; a founding member of SOAG in South Osborne. He taught vocational, commercial, elementary, junior and senior art in Manitoba and Victoria, Australia. He loved talking with people and the connections and social engagement that came with teaching. He was an object maker whose studio is full of work and art. His art is found around the world. His wicked sense of humour, honesty and love of engagement kept things real as he dealt with metastatic prostate cancer since 2011. Piotr Czaykowski and Denise Klassen were his touchstones throughout his time with CancerCare...appointments with Tom probably created havoc with your schedules, but he appreciated every minute. We thank the friends and colleagues who visited at home, kept in touch via email and phone calls, milkshakes and other treats. The MTS support team, Ron Arnason and Barbie Nault, is superb. The Manitoba Prostate Cancer Support Group provided a much-needed outlet. Medical and psychosocial support kept him going for a long time. He has been cremated, which is fitting for a potter who loved to talk about the high temperatures that are used to fire kilns in order to transform clay and chemicals into beautiful glazes and functional work. He loved our cottage and will be buried nearby in an urn he made himself. We will celebrate his life in July, with an announcement to follow. If you so wish, donations in Tom's memory may be made to the Tom Roberts Memorial Scholarship at the University of Manitoba. Gifts may be made online at: give.umanitoba.ca or sent to the following address: Alumni and Donor Relations, 200-137 Innovation Drive, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg MB R3T 6B6. Cheques made payable to the University of Manitoba.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 21, 2016
Condolences & Memories (11 entries)
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Sorry to hear about Tom's passing .. It was just a couple of years ago we reconnected and he sent pictures of his beautiful kids ... They surely had a great Dad. My sympathy to all if his family and friends.. Dick Moffat - Posted by: Dick Moffat (Old friend) on: Sep 17, 2016
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Dear Bridgette, I was so saddened to hear of Tom's passing. My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. I always looked forward to visiting Tom at the Clifton Studio shows, and will think of him every time I use his tea pot, or his bowls, or his coffee cups. I enjoy them all. Thank you, Tom! May you have beautiful memories. Clare - Posted by: Clare Whiteman (Friend) on: Jul 21, 2016
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Our sincere condolences from our family to yours Brigitte. - Posted by: Lisa Bednar (friend) on: Jun 15, 2016
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Mr. Roberts was my favourite teacher in high school. He had a hands off approach in his teaching method, allowing us to explore our own interests. It wasn’t hard to tell that Mr. Roberts was talented and had a clear understanding of visuals. He would often give an impromptu tip as he was monitoring the class that was simple but lasting. I distinctly remember him mentioning that if I were going to draw a perspective (which I frequently insisted) to always have the horizon line cut through the heads of the figures in the picture. I am a recent grad from the faculty of architecture and I honestly believe I would not be where I am today with out his positive creative reinforcement. My condolences to the Roberts family, he was a great man and a true mentor. I will deeply miss him. - Posted by: George Vincent (Student) on: Jun 03, 2016
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Brigitte, I'm so very sorry to hear about Tom's passing. My heart goes out to you and your family. - Posted by: LeeAnne Penner () on: Jun 01, 2016
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I met Tom when we both worked at T Trouser in 1978. We immediately became friends and room mates. I adored him in so many ways, we laughed and laughed and even shared a puppy called Arrow. I had a VW convertible and he had a very old Volvo, We affectionately named our cars Woody and Annie. We were only twenty years old and it is forty years later now and when I found out that Tom had passed away I cried all day. I remember his spirit, his friendship, his many kindnesses and generosity of spirit. I was happy to know him even though it was for such a short time and so very long ago.I will always remember him with love in my heart. Sissy Federer - Posted by: Sissy Federer (Friend) on: May 27, 2016
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So sorry to hear the news of Toms passing; my condolences to his family and friends. We met at the U of M School of Art in the early 70's and became good friends, majoring in ceramics. I have great memories of the time we spent working with clay, firing kilns and traveling to NCECA conferences. We stayed in touch and saw each other over the years as our paths crossed. Tom's humor was ever present. His determination and skill set made him the artist potter he developed into and all the accolades and awards he received over the years were well deserved. He left his mark on the world and will be missed by all. - Posted by: Robert Harrison (Friend) on: May 23, 2016
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I am sorry to hear this. I remember Tom as a super nice guy....always calm, positive and stable. The kind of guy you appreciate more and more as time goes by. - Posted by: Michael Foort (School friend) on: May 22, 2016
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Beautiful tribute. What a life! Tom will surely be missed by his many friends and family. Love to Brigey and the kids! xoxo - Posted by: Ali Wood-Warren (Friend) on: May 22, 2016
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My condolences to Tom's family and friends. I was so sorry to hear of his passing. Tom welcomed me as a new member of the Clifton Studios and was always willing to talk about art of any kind. We swapped pottery for photographs and I used one of his bowls at a dinner yesterday, here is Whitehorse, Yukon. I thought of him too and how committed he was to his art- and also to his family, who regularly came to help at our open houses and art sales. I am so glad to have some of his work and that I didn't give in the the voice that said, "Pat, you don't need any more bowls/art!" I will remember Tom's encouragement and dry sense of humour and am glad to have had the chance to get to know him, even a little. - Posted by: Pat (Fellow Artist from Clifton Studios and In Plain View) on: May 22, 2016
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I met Tom at Gordon Bell High School and we became instant friends . We used to go back to his parents house and write pseudo news stories , kind of like ,The Daily Show ,Or this Hour has 22 mins , but Funnier,,, and literally fall down laughing for hours . Tom was an easy going , guy , deep thinker and a very responsible person . I have for the last few years talked to a few friends in Winnipeg about a Gordon Bell Reunion, I am sorry it didn't help make it happen sooner. Tom was friends with myself , my Girlfriend at the time Joy Van der Vliet , my partner at The Cocoon Judith Evers , & Bob and Al Hutchings , at the time , we all lived walking distance away . I moved away in 79 to Italy then California , then Toronto where I live now .We fell out of touch , but my Sister Patricia Geske and her husband Allan Geske , knew Tom and kept me informed of his Career and Accomplishments , I believe he spoke at Judith Evers Funeral in Winnipeg. I am sorry I didnt get in touch, you may be gone but definitely not forgotten. My condolences to Tom's family & friends, Winnipeg has lost a truly kind, giving,talented and artistic person and you will be missed .Good-bye old friend, til me meet again. Kenny McGrath - Posted by: Kenneth N.McGrath (Friend) on: May 21, 2016