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BORN
1928
DIED
2021
Hugh MACKENZIE Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Hugh MACKENZIE
16 Entries
Paul Cornell
April 16, 2025
He would come around checkinging up on my progress in his painting class holding a little note
book drawing possible improvements that might help
the piece.
He was a very kind and encouraging teacher.
Kitty Macaulay
February 19, 2023
I´m sorry to hear this. He was my very favourite teacher at OCA. Probably every student felt that way, had a wealth of knowledge and an kind way of teaching that made it all interesting and challenging and enjoyable. An extremely talented artist and a wonderful person. Having him as a teacher was a privilege that I appreciate greatly. He was a Light for all of us.
Avril Orloff
February 5, 2022
It was only this morning that I learned of Hugh´s passing last summer. While I´m grieved that he is no longer among us, I´m so grateful for what he has left us. I was a student of Hugh´s during my time at the Ontario College of Art (as it was then called) from 1978-82, and he was by far my most influential teacher. One of the things I especially appreciated about Hugh was that he never tried to impose his painting style on his students (indeed, I don´t remember him ever showing us his work). Instead, he helped draw out what was strongest in our own work so we could find our own authentic style. And he pushed us to go as far out of our comfort zone as we could. Play small and we would never make great art, he told us. Rather take chances, and "Dare to fail gloriously!" That phrase has stayed with me all these years, and I regularly quote it to myself when I´m playing it too safe.
My deepest condolences to all Hugh´s nearest and dearest. He was one of the greats.
Mary Lennox Hourd
August 29, 2021
The greatest gift an artist can give is the gift of seeing through example. I was fortunate to be one such student in Mr. Hugh Mackenzie’s Life Drawing Classes at H.B.Beal’s Grade 13 Special Art Program in London Ontario.
I will never forget the way he held the pencil, capturing the figure before us on paper. He would not correct my attempt, but rather illustrate his knowledge in light pencil to the right or left of my drawing.
I will forever be in his debt.
Mary Lennox Hourd, Oakville Ontario.
Judy Cochrane
August 27, 2021
Very sorry to learn of Hugh's passing. My condolences to you.
Chris Evitts
August 20, 2021
Hugh taught me how to paint.Without his input ,kindness and enthusiasm I would not be the artist I am ,or the man I am.He changed my world.My deepest condolences to his family.
Elizabeth Green-Verkerk
August 12, 2021
Dear Patrick, Mary, Charles and the entire Mackenzie family,
What an enormous privilege and joy it was to grow up with Hugh and Dot in my life from the very start. They both were incredible examples of the best kind of people: thoughtful, witty, clever, kind, considerate, fun and generous. I loved them both dearly and will miss them both deeply. With love, Elizabeth Green-Verkerk
Roly Fenwick
August 9, 2021
THOUGHTS OF WHAY FROM THE FUTILITY OF OLD AGE AND A HEAVY HEART
To me, Hugh has always been Whay; my oldest friend and buddy and a huge part of my life. As our friendship evolved over the years he engineered and encouraged opportunities that enhanced my vocation, becoming pivotal to me in many prospects.
Whay became an iconic teacher, revealing a philosophy and understanding of Art and it's processes that informed and endeared his students to him for life! He eventually motivated me to go into teaching to which I remain grateful. In his work he insisted on fulfillment over satisfaction and understood the necessary conditions for the expression of his genius.
We met in the Fine Art Department of Mount Allison University in 1951 and in the immediate attraction of our participating energy in the creative arts, we discovered our reality or nature was constantly supplanted by painting and all that involves. This continuity became a life-long friendship with shared qualities, discussions, critiques, humour and friends we both held dear.
Over the years we spent many hours in the landscape, seizing the day with our brushes and producing good magic; painting places became, "Places to Keep after Leaving."
Our somewhat parallel careers leave me with many paths of seminal memories. I realize art is an image of the Self. Leaving a great legacy his image is now complete. The studio is dark and the artist is at rest. Where he used to be, there is a powerful afterimage and a deep hole in my world.
Roly Fenwick
Aidan Urquhart
August 8, 2021
I remember Hugh well. Both he and Dot were great friends of my father and mother (Tony Urquhart and Madeline Urquhart) from way back in the day. I recall as a young boy seeing these fabulous black and white etchings of gritty Toronto street scenes that were hung in the staircase of my Dad and Jane’s place in Wellesley. Absolutely fantastic I can recall them well. And NOBODY could rock a rope pants belt better than Hugh !! God speed Hugh !
Alan Churchard
August 8, 2021
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. I never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Mackenzie. What a wonderful man. His humble, caring inspirational nature I did experience through daughter Mary during my rehabilitation from heart transplant . Thank you.
Julia Laidlaw
August 8, 2021
Dear step-Uncle Whey was a gentle and kind man and a wonderful artist. I’m so glad that Charles and I saw him at the closing of his show at the Bau-Xi gallery a few years back. He was gracious as always. My deepest condolences to the Mackenzie family.
Jamie Laidlaw
August 8, 2021
It was always an absolute privilege to be with Hugh. He had a way of searching the visual that was strong and compelling and at the same time gentle and respectful. Such a fine man and such a full life.
David Groff
August 7, 2021
The best work in my sketchbook is a tribute to Hugh MacKenzie. As for the rest, he used to say, "no one saw what landed in Rembrandt's wastepaper basket." Without a doubt, I learned more from Hugh than any other instructor.
Patrick Neely
August 6, 2021
To Hugh's Family
I have never met Hugh, but after reading his life story, I wish the hell I did!
May you find comfort in knowing him.
Patrick Neely
Julio Matassa
August 6, 2021
My condolences to Hugh's children and all of his family. I had Hugh as an instructor at OCA. He was a kind and thoughtful teacher. It dawned on me then that I was not as good as I thought. His guidance helped to remedy that for me. Sad that he has left us. I think he had a life well lived. RIP Hugh.
Dawn Copeman
August 6, 2021
I had the absolute pleasure of being a student of Hugh's in the mid 1970s at what was then plain old OCA. He was an inspiration and one of the best teachers I ever had. Also had great recommendations on a chiropractor. I still have a small board gessoed in his class with rabbitskin glue with an unfinished egg tempera painting on it.
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