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Richard PICTON Obituary

RICHARD PICTON Richard Picton, age 64, of Toronto, passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2020. Richard was one of Canada's leading professional photographers with a career spanning over four decades. Beginning as a print-maker in London, England, by the 1980s Richard had his own studio and his work was earning him prestigious international awards. His powerful images became the focus for many notable Canadian advertising campaigns for brands such as The Globe and Mail, Nikon, and Kaufman Footwear, and his portraits for Vanity Fair Magazine garnered him notice from New York's élite editors. Richard was an accomplished filmmaker and director, writer and poet; he loved fishing, India, his garden, and his cat, Smudge; he cultivated dozens of rich friendships; and despite its many frustrations, he enjoyed the game of golf. Richard is survived by his life partner, Augusta Brook; his daughter, Jessica Picton, her husband, Zak El-Baghdadi, and grandchild, Jacob; his brothers, Ben Spencer and Tim Spencer; and his mother, Anna Chester. Friends will be notified of a celebration of Richard's life when conditions permit. If desired, please make donations in Richard's name to www.camh.ca/tribute or send cheques to CAMH Foundation, Bell Gateway Building, 5th Floor, 100 Stokes Street, Toronto, ON, M6J 1H4.

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Published by The Globe and Mail from May 16 to May 20, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard PICTON

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19 Entries

Teresa

June 23, 2021

My deepest condolences. Although I knew Richard for a short period of time he was always extremely kind and his smile would light up any room that he walked into. Truly an amazing person with a kind soul. I regret that I was unable to experience the true talent that he displayed when he offered to take a picture of myself with my daughter. RIP Richard from your banking angel, Teresa.

Don Dekouchay

May 30, 2020

My earliest memory of Richard came in the 80's with the need for our first band photo. We were met by a unique and charming English gentleman who took us trudging through the back alleys of King St. East, and took a photo a that would be our calling card on posters, t-shirts and records, for years to come. Another great memory and quality of Richard was his love of nature, and his ability to capture it on film. He and Augusta created a lush jungle oasis on their roof top home on Queen St. East. He always looked so happy surrounded by his plants who equally loved him - judging by their size and health.
Augusta, we are so very sorry. Our deepest sympathies to you and Richard's family. Richard was an amazing, interesting and talented man. A wonderful person gone too soon.

Jessica Picton

May 30, 2020

Daddy, you were the best dad a daughter could ask for. You were loving, funny, generous, smart, kind, talented and cool. I am so incredibly proud of you and all your accomplishments. There were sooo many!! You lived a full and colourful life that was cut way too short. My friends always used to comment on how cool you were and tell me how much cooler you were than me. They were totally right! Im so happy that you and Mum got to walk me down the aisle and that we got to have our father-daughter dance to You Can Never Tell by Chuck Berry from Pulp Fiction. A dance we always did when I was a kid. I always show the video of us dancing to Jacob and play our song. Im so happy that you got to meet Jacob. He is so lucky to have had you as a Grandpa and we will make sure he knows all about you! I know GaGa (Augusta) and everyone else will tell him lots of stories about you! We have named the bunny that you got him for Christmas, Grandpa Bunny so you are always with him. Its also so nice to look down at Jacob and see his Picton lips.

I am heartbroken that you are no longer here with us. I find it extremely hard to believe that I wont have you here with me in the years to come. I miss your voice, your hugs, your ability to make me laugh and most of all you. I am so incredibly proud to be your daughter and will make sure you continue to live on through my life every day. I love you so much daddy and I want to thank you for being my dad.
Love always,
Snods

Bert Bell

May 29, 2020

Dear Richard,

Three weeks later and I'm still finding it hard to accept your passing. I shall always cherish the years we worked and travelled together, the reciprocal teaching we shared, our mutual love of art and photography, the excesses and the laughter. You, my friend, and your excellent work will long be remembered.

Rest in peace,

Bert

Michelle

May 28, 2020

RIP Richard A former Boss, mentor and friend. A creative, magical, artistic and kind soul. Even though time had passed I never forgot your encouraging words and time working for you in your studio on Richmond St. Im sorry I left and very sad to see you go. Peace and Love forever XOX M

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Margaret Deiseach

Planted Trees

Marie Picton

May 23, 2020

Richard. Richard. Richard. You've left us way too soon. It's just not fair. I'm so grateful that you were with us so that we could walk our daughter down the aisle and that you had a chance to get to know the wonderful man she's married. You were such an adoring dad, funny, generous and I will forever love you for Jessica. I'll never forget how happy you were to meet your grandson Jacob when you and Augusta came to the hospital the morning he was born. Jacob will get to know you through the many people who love you.

Your bright light will shine forever in our hearts.

With love,
Marie

Robin Benger

May 22, 2020

Richard.

A restless adventurer, a true artist, a great Bacchanalian friend.

He made his mark. A unique presence.

Sadness.

Condolences.

Robin Benger

Anna Chester

May 19, 2020

My lovely, free thinking, maverick son - so well read - so inquisitive about the world and human nature - outrageous, he had a sharp and wicked wit - was warm and loving and thoughtful and troubled Never to hear his gentle voice say "Mum" again - or to meet in the booth at Allen's on the Danforth. Richard lived a full life - England, India, Canada - a wonderful career - loving friends and family. The cliche fits - They broke the mould when he arrived - he left before me - it was wrong.

one the first tee.

Bob Johnston

May 19, 2020

We had the very best of times on the golf range together.He was a quick learner and always thankful. His talent to make memorable pictures, technique, composition, and the knowledge he learned from mentors was world class.

David Snider

May 18, 2020

Richard was a great guy and friend. Always loved working with him, he always gave it his maximum effort to push it over the top. From arriving at the studio early in the morning to a welcoming 'Would you like a beer, my love'? They're just there, in the pop machine. Brilliant. For me, being a young guy just getting going in the business, Richard was a breath of fresh air. You could be yourself with him, he just made you feel completely at ease. Used to love hearing his fishing tales, especially about the 'Woll-eye fisherman returning to shore, it was so descriptive... I can still see them to this day... as only Richard could describe it. I will miss him. My sincerest heartfelt condolences to his family.

William Lower

May 18, 2020

Richard was one of the greats. And a great photographer, too. Too soon, Richard. Who will continue your wit?

brian hannigan

May 17, 2020

Ah ! Richard way to early, you were a great friend and a great photographer.You represent some of my best moments in our game. I miss your creativity and your sense of humour. You leave a huge gap for us all. Brian H.

Angy Loftus

May 16, 2020

So sad to hear of Richard's passing. Sending my sincere condolences.
Angy

Marcelle

May 16, 2020

Richard was as generous as he was passionate in art and life. He will always have a special place in my heart.

So thankful to have you in my life....

Maggie Bill

May 16, 2020

Sorrow sits on my heart. So very glad to have known you Richard Darlin.. you so enriched life... will miss listening to your stories you told them so well.... miss laughing together and caring so much..thank you for all you taught me about life and work and play...thank you for every encouraging word you gave me and there were many...thank you for trusting me to work with you...we had some crazy days....each time you pop into my mind ..a thought of loves what I will find... I will miss you always..I'll never forget you ...xoxoxo Me

Courtney

May 16, 2020

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Ishan

May 16, 2020

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results

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