John Chalke Obituary
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38 Entries
Von Allen
October 22, 2014
Just devastated to have only just heard that we have lost John. I am so terribly sorry Barb. I retired from BYU and moved to Western PA last year and so am somewhat out of the loop. I hadn't heard. My world is forever less bright. Stop the clocks!
Phyllis Schwartz
June 7, 2014
Spending time working with John in Sundre and later that summer transformed my ceramics practice. His generosity of spirit, patience and wisdom are immeasurably treasured gifts.
June 5, 2014
dear barb & friends,
when john traveled to colorado, we walked in 'the garden of the gods', a spectacular formation of sedimentary rocks shifted from horizontal to vertical. as we turned a bend in a path familiar to me but new to john, he was struck by the sight of the small sharp mountain of red sandstone before him on the horizon. 'i just made that,' he said, smiling. he explained that he had just made ceramics in calgary of the same form. this was the start of many wonderful encounters with him. thank you john! -brian molanphy
Jane Sawyer
June 5, 2014
Dear Barbara and family, I've only just heard the sad news. John was so inspiring when he came to Melbourne, Australia, to judge the Sidney Myer Awards. I loved hearing him discuss everyone's work and seeing the care and attention he put into choosing the exhibition and the award winners. His quiet humour was infectious and so memorable. I send you deepest condolences from across the deepest of seas.
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Edward Peck
April 24, 2014
Dear Barb, I was saddened to hear of your loss with John's passing. It came as rather a shock he was a wonderful presence in this world. He will be missed.
April 9, 2014
Dear Barb and family, I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. What a loss to the ceramic community and you. Big Hugs from Janet Grabner.
Bob McRae
April 9, 2014
Dear Barb
The world is a poorer place without him.
He will be missed, and remembered.
My thoughts are with you.
April 8, 2014
Rembering John as an outstanding influence during my years at ACA primarily, I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. He went beyond the norm to get his students to explore clay.
My sincere condolences to Barbara and family
Jann Semkow (Edmonton AB)
Cory Koss
April 7, 2014
Dear Barbara
My deepest condolences. I will always remember John for his quick wit and sense of humour. John has left his mark on the world and forever will be a better place for having him.
Penny Smith
April 6, 2014
My deepest condolences to you and your family Barb. Although I did not know John well the few times I met him I was quite delighted by his sense of humour, and I could see the love he had for you. He was much admired and loved by many. Penny xo
doug maclean
April 6, 2014
R.I.P. John you were a wonderful ceramicist, working far beyond the norm, experiments that succeeded with wonderful objects. Thanks for your time with us. Best wishes to you Barbara. Doug MacLean
Scott Cressman
April 6, 2014
Dear Barbara
Sue and I extend our heart-felt sympathy to you and your family. I was very fortunate to have John as instructor in 1989 at ACAD where I was introduced to his amazing abilities. We are collectors of his work and so very thankful for John's boundless creativity and drive to innovate through the years. We will miss John very much.
April 5, 2014
Dearest Barbara, Deepest sympathy - a great,creative genius has left the world, but you have lost friend, companion, helpmate, and your deepest love - no words can hope to ease your loss, but loving thoughts and wishes are sent to you and the family with the hope that you may have some comfort. Love, Norman and Marie
Monica Martinez
April 5, 2014
Dear Barb,
I am so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed listening to John share his views on making and ceramics. I was inspired by how wholeheartedly he devoted himself to exploring his passions.
April 5, 2014
Dear Barbara,
It was with great sadness that I learned of Josh's passing. Bless him on his next journey, and bless you and your family on yours. Helen Sebelius
Kari McQueen
April 5, 2014
John was an influential instructor and I admired both his kindness and ability to push us hard when required. He changed how I though about art making as a youth and is an incredible artist. Very saddened, and my condolences go to you all.
Usher Fleising
April 4, 2014
Dear Barb, I am sitting in my study and the Lost Lemon Mine radiates John's personality and I love to look at it. I will miss my esoteric conversations with John, they were unique.
Puck Janes
April 4, 2014
Dear Barb, I was shocked and saddened to read of John Chalke's passing. I had the pleasure of meeting him in Saskatoon years ago. I was so excited to discuss his work with him as I had followed his career for a long time. HIs writings about glaze materials and development were savoured, studied, tested and retested! He didn't hand you an easy, tried and true glaze, no, you had to put the work in, walk it through. I wonder how many ceramic artists he reached in this way? Know your materials, try the weird ones, mix 'em up, share the results, and do it all again. I will think about John Chalke when the weird and wonderful comes up in my work.
Vincent Hanlon
April 3, 2014
My perception of the world changed after I took a course in visual design that John taught at the University of Calgary in 1977. I continue to see things in a different light, thanks to John.
Vincent Hanlon (Lethbridge)
Joan Matsusaki
April 3, 2014
Barb,
I'm very sorry to hear about John's passing. My condolences to you and your family.
April 3, 2014
We are very saddened to hear of John's passing.
Bob @ Connie Pike
Jamie Gray
April 2, 2014
Dear Barb and family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of this great craftsman. Brothers and sisters of the kiln stand together in remembrance and gratitude.
Best, Jamie Gray (ACC member)
Sarabeth Carnat
April 2, 2014
My deepest condolences Barbara to you & your family. John was loved by so many. He will be missed.
Sharon Aaltonen
April 2, 2014
Dear Barb and your family,
With fondness, I remember John's twinkling eyes, cute boyish charm and naughtiness! No doubt his persona, writings and work will remain fresh in our hearts for a long time to come. Bless you with strength and love xo
April 2, 2014
Dear Barb and family,
My sincere sympathy. I never had the pleasure of meeting John but have admired his work for many years. My heart goes out to you and all who love John.
Hugs, Loretta Kyle ACC member, Bonnyville, AB
Ray and Amy Gogarty
April 2, 2014
Dear Barb, it is so wonderful to read the words of the many people around the world who knew and loved John. He was one of the most inspired artists we have known, but his qualities as a beautiful human being are what remain in our hearts. We think of you both every day with love,
Ray and Amy
Delphine Smith
April 2, 2014
Dear Barb and family, I was very sad to hear that John had passsed. He was a wonderful man and always had a smile. I always loved picking up the phone when he was on the other end, a pleasure to talk to and we always had a laugh. Sending prayers to you and your family.
April 1, 2014
Dear Barb and family: We just learned of John's passing from Bob Archambeau. We were so touched to get John's recent letter in the mail and were hoping to visit later this spring. Our hearts and thoughts are with you and your family. John will be missed by the entire ceramics family. Love, Robert, Christel and Hanna Harrison; Helena, Montana
Moyra Elliott
April 1, 2014
John will long be remembered in New Zealand as our twentieth Fletcher Challenge Ceramic Awards judge in 1996 and one who brought a range of very special personal gifts with him. His quiet and sensitive humour will always remain with us and his marvellous research and abilities into the alchemy of glazes and his teaching was inspirational for many who were privileged to meet him. Our deep sympathies are with you and your family. We know he will be missed.
Glenys Marshall-Inman
April 1, 2014
Dear Barb, My life in Alberta was made so much richer for knowing you and John, and I am grateful for every minute that I spent with you both. John was and will always BE a force of creative energy and inspiration to the world of 'clay'. Love and heartfelt feelings. Glenys Marshall-Inman
March 31, 2014
John was such a lovely man, passionate about his ceramics and materials, he will be missed.
Greg Daly
Australia
Janet DeBoos
March 31, 2014
Dear Barb-
I was so sad to hear of John's death- he will be sorely missed. A gentle man and wonderful artist with a unique view of the world. he was a source of inspiration to not only me, but many of my colleagues and students. He had that wonderful gift- a kind sense of humour in a world increasingly bereft of such things. It was an honour to know him and my thoughts are with you and your children.
Colleen Flynn
March 31, 2014
Barb, I cannot tell you how sorry I am to hear of your loss. John was a wonderful man who was an inspiration to many, including my brother Bob. I like to think they are throwing pots together now with no restrictions and having their regular cup of coffee on Wednesday mornings. Lots of love to you.. from the Vancouver Island Reimer's..
Pamela + Bruce Rodger
March 31, 2014
Namaste
March 31, 2014
Dear Barbara,
Sending my heartfelt condolences to you.
Helena Hadala
Doris & Paul Mielke
March 31, 2014
Barb we are so sorry to hear that John has passed away - we would run into both of you at Stan and Patty's and we would enjoy chatting and catching up....the two of you were a lovely couple. John had a quiet and dignified sense about him that drew people to him. A beautiful accent that was warm and made his story telling more delightful. And John's years of playing with clay and glazes are also his legacy. He was a beautiful man and he will be so missed.
Anna Bjarnason nee Holbech
March 31, 2014
I'm so sorry to hear of John's passing. I was one of John's first students at U of C in 1968 and he inspired a life long love affair with clay and the Leach tradition of pottery. My condolences to his family.
Barb Haskell
March 31, 2014
My condolences!!
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