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Joan COTTER Obituary
(née Wilma Joan King)
November 8, 1928 - January 16, 2016
Canada has lost a highly respected Artist. Joan Balzar (Cotter) passed away, at Lions Gate Hospital, on January 16, 2016. She was predeceased by her husband, Alex Cotter. Joan was raised in Victoria, BC by her loving parents Wilfred and Mae King. Though she travelled the world, Joan loved living on the North Shore most of all. Art was Joan's passion and she left behind a legacy of amazing work. She will be missed by friends, family and admirers. A memorial will be held at Highlands United Church in North Vancouver Saturday, February 6, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the West Vancouver Museum in support of the memorial acquisition fund.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
9 Entries
Liz Abbott
February 27, 2016
First I wish to express my condolences to Joan's family and friends.
I met Joan on a flight down to Mexico City in 1990. She approached me where I was seated ahead of her and asked, " Are you going to San Miguel?" I replied that I was and asked her how she knew that. She replied, " Oh, you look like the type." We went on to sit together, share our life stories and even to share a room overnight in the Zona Rosa, before bussing up to San Miguel ion the morning. I knew Joan for several years before I ever saw her paintings. How to describe such a force of nature? Yes, fiercely independent of thought and execution. Big energy and clear minded talent to have created such powerful and precise large works. Most of all for me, I will remember her wit and her humour. A keen observer, she didn't miss much. She loved to have fun. She was very elegant and a real lady. I will always treasure her friendship and contribution to my life. A Dios dear Miss Joan.
Nadine Baumann
February 13, 2016
To all of the family-What an amazing spectacular artist! and ...what a special sister (and sister in law), aunt and great aunt. She has left some history behind for the world. I am so sorry for your loss.
Tanya Williamson
February 4, 2016
To my dear friend, you will be sadly missed. I only had the pleasure of knowing you for the past year and a half, but you had such a passion for Art and you taught me so much about it. Rest in peace oxox
Joan in front of her work
Ted Lederer
February 1, 2016
It was a privilege to represent Joan's art when it was at the gallery. But what I really remember and treasure is what a character she was. Funny, fierce and independent. My, how the world could use more Joan Balzar.
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Claudia Tessier
January 30, 2016
We were very sorry to hear of Joan's passing. She will be missed. A talented and colourful lady. As Joan would say ' she is with the angels now'.
Peggy Westcott
January 30, 2016
I have known Joan since 1978 and always admired her ART . We both graduated from Vancouver Art School at different times ,she with HONOURS. I will miss her wonderful ways and her zest for life. A very interesting elegant lady and an outstanding artist. A true angel of a friend.The sun will not shine quite so bright now with her gone.
Jessica Bennett
January 26, 2016
What a beautiful, elegant lady. It was truly a pleasure to of spent time with her. She held her elegance in tact, right til the end.
Enda Bardell
January 26, 2016
An art icon is gone but not forgotten.
We were friends since 1968, which seems like forever. Hard to believe she is gone.
She will be remembered for her powerful abstract work, which had a profound influence on me having been her student in the late 1968. Her "best" student,according to Joan.
sheila moore
January 26, 2016
Very sad to learn of Joan's passing.
A good chum and gifted artist.
Peace, dear Joan.
Sheila Moore, Victoria.
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