Jan Yates

Jan Yates --- at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, aged 66. Her loving partner Randy Cymbalisty, and dear friend Joan Dundas were with Jan 'til the end. Predeceased by her beloved daughter, Leah Oeltjen, and her parents, Marjorie Yates and George Yates. Dear sister of Bronwyn Lane (Chris), Fonthill; Elizabeth Yates (Mark Skeffington), Thorold; and John Yates, Saskatoon. Aunt to Sam, Liam and Grace.
Jan was an immensely talented and hard-working visual artist whose compelling landscape paintings and striking landworks expressed her passion for nature, highlighted the dangers of climate change and explored human connections with spaces and places. (www.janyates.com) An elected member of the Society of Canadian Artists, Jan received many grants and awards including residency grants which allowed her to paint and exhibit in Ireland and her beloved Shetland. She was a partner in the Jordan Art Gallery and taught art classes from her Grimsby studio. Her works are held in collections throughout North America, the United Kingdom and Australia.
Jan hiked and painted outdoors in all weather with her devoted dogs, Skye and Ruby, by her side. Niagara's orchards were a favourite site:
"Rare is the time I feel as transcended as when in the blooming orchard. Hunkered in the dandelions, inhaling sweet heady-ness of blossoms vying for the bees - and all amidst bird songs - magic."
Donations in Jan's memory can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or an arts-related charity of your choice.
A gathering to celebrate Jan's life will be held at a later date.