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Morley Bedford Funeral Services

159 Eglinton Avenue West

Toronto, Ontario

Anthony BATTEN Obituary

ANTHONY JACK BATTEN It is with profound sadness that we share the sudden passing of our Beloved Anthony Jack Batten on December 27, 2020. Tony, cherished son of the late Jack and Eileen Batten, adored brother of Geoffrey Batten (Sandra) and their children, Justin (Heidi), Samantha (Matt), David (Carmen), Victoria (Kyle); many great-nieces, great-nephews; the Jones family; extended family and friends; the "PORD's"; and his lifelong friend and companion, Robert Rash. Tony was born November 6, 1940 in Eynsham Hall, Oxfordshire, England. Receiving his early schooling in the UK, he moved to Canada in the 1950s. He attended classes at L'Ecole des Beaux Arts and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. He moved to Toronto in 1968 where he pursued his career as a visual artist. His talent was rewarded with several prestigious awards including the 1996 A.J. Casson award, the 1996 CSPWC Julius Griffith Award, the 2002 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee medal, to name a few. Website at anthonyjbatten.com. Tony was a well loved member of the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour, the Ontario Society of Canadian Artists, the Society of Canadian Artists and the Federation of Canadian Artists. As an art educator, he was a respected staff member at Sir Oliver Mowat and Stephen Leacock schools, in Scarborough. In recent years, Tony was a passionate member of the Toronto Arts & Letters Club. A private cremation service will be held at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto. Details at Morleybedford.ca. Donations in his honour may be made to the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library in Toronto or the Toronto Arts & Letters Club.

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Published by The Globe and Mail from Jan. 2 to Jan. 6, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Anthony BATTEN

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25 Entries

Tania Gurr

June 6, 2024

Your guidance, support, humor and patience have not only shaped our minds but also touched our hearts.
You will be forever missed and remembered.

Michele

February 16, 2021

Oh Tony... Mom and I are going to miss you so much. From our neighbourly potluck dinners at South Algiers, to getting together for cocktails, foraging for food in whatever the fridge could yield and laughing our faces off, to exchanging gifts... did you ever use that paint by number joke gift? Your larger than life personality... we are devastated by your loss. We are so thankful for your friendship, your beautiful paintings and your bold and beautiful soul. You have left an indelible mark on our hearts.

carol nesker

February 2, 2021

Tony was an asset to the Volunteer Committee of the National Ballet of Canada. He was a very talented artist and a gentleman. He will always be remembered but never forgotten.

Jay Brown/Doug Nesrallah

January 30, 2021

Doug and I learned with great sadness of Tony's sudden passing over the Christmas holiday, and mourn the loss of a great man who remained a true friend right to the end. Tony leaves several legacies: As a friend he was an unparalleled raconteur peppering dinner parties and get togethers with stories interesting, ribald, or both. He was a prolific painter who leaves both a professional legacy with a large body of work he produced but also a historic legacy with the completion of important commissions for our Federal Parliament Buildings.

To say that Tony will be missed is an undestatement; for his death leaves a void in several communities, his friends, his artistic community and in the hearts of those who looked forward to every occasion he graced. We love you and will remember your thoughtful remembrance of us each Christmas with your panache for selecting ornaments for our tree, which was added to by your thoughtful and kind generosity of spirit.

Kevin E. Proulx

January 25, 2021

Wish we'd gotten together for that coffee.

Caron Tindale

January 25, 2021

I was gutted to learn of Tony's passing. He was a force of nature, filled with love, laughter and talent. He was one of the best storytellers I knew and his contribution to art education and art lovers is great. I will miss his laughter and those crinkles around his eyes. Condolences to the many folks who loved Tony.

Carlita Hawke

January 23, 2021

It is with profound sadness that I read this obituary today January 23rd 2021. Tony was an amazingly talented and kind person whom I will never forget.
I first met him around 1995 in the John B Aird Gallery. From that day on I was a fan of his work. I told him
once that if I was a wealthy woman I would be his art patron. In October 2019 we had a lovely visit when I went to pick up a commissioned painting he had done for me.
I send my deepest condolences to Robert and to Tony’s extended Family. May his beautiful, talented, kind, and generous soul Rest In Peace.

Andy & Bren

January 21, 2021

You will be missed dear friend.

Terri Williamson

January 12, 2021

I am deeply saddened by the news of Tony's death. My first teaching job at Mowat was with Tony. He was a great mentor and became a wonderful friend. I will miss his stories and his memorable laughter.

I will think of you often.
Terri

Anne Stanley

January 10, 2021

Mr. Batten was my art teacher at Stephen Leacock C.I. for one semester and he made quite an impression being my favourite teacher. I was lucky enough to run into him Dec. 2019 after 40 years!! He had not changed a bit, great sense of humour and glee for life and such talent!
It was nice to catch up with him. We exchanged websites as I am a professional illustrator and got my start with Tony. We had planned to have lunch at the Arts and Letters Club.
You are missed:)
Anne

Marlene Hutzul Reesor

January 10, 2021

My deep condolences to the family. I own three of his paintings. One was purchased at Sony Centre when art was used to raise funds for The National Ballet . I assisted him at Paper Things for his stationery.
My last purchase was of one of his favourite locations, a coach house near St. James cemetery. He was kind to invite me to his home on Avenue Rd. to make my selection and to share our interests in the arts, antiques and education. Very sorry to hear of his passing.

Thomas & Leslie McConnell

January 7, 2021

Our sincerest condolences to Robert and family. Tony will be dearly missed by so many, us included. May you all find some solace in your beautiful memories.

Demmy Restakis

January 5, 2021

I will miss Tony terribly who has been a dear friend to me. He was taken too soon and I will cherish the times we spent together through the years. I will miss the wonderful stories he shared with me. My deep condolences to Tony's family and to Robert his lifelong companion and friend.

Audrey Avison

January 5, 2021

The new of Tony's passing hit like a brick. He was a truly wonderful man and our correspondence continued well after high school. He actually provided me with the "Batten's guide to Italy" when I told him I was traveling with my family. It was definitely appreciated.
Godspeed!

Helen Hermanns

January 4, 2021

Helen Hermanns ( Bumby)
I consider myself so lucky to have had Mr. Batten teach me about art. From when I met him at Leacock high school, 1974-1977, right up to our last chuckling email on Dec. 26 2020. He was a mentor, a person that could encourage anyone to do anything, he had the best sense of humour possible, he was a gentleman, he was extremely talented, he included people ,and he always had time for you.
To those he has left, there will be a big hole in our hearts. I will be forever grateful to have had him in my life . Rest In Peace.

Samantha

January 4, 2021

My dear Uncle Tony, he brought culture, art and funny stories to myself and his great nephews. He was a powerful force of joy. He is truly missed. Love, Samantha

Linda Ballantyne

January 3, 2021

Mr. Batten was simply the best. That smile. Oh that smile. And then the laugh that would follow. Thank you for being in my life. You helped guide a crazy young girl and made art an important/accepted part of my life. Anthony Jack William Edward Horatio Batten. You were one of a kind!

Jay deNottbeck

January 3, 2021

Tony was larger than life. His infectious laugh always rang out through the halls at Leacock. He had a gift of encouragement that lifted up all who knew him. I was fortunate to have him as my art and home room teacher 70-75. It was a privilege to connect again this past year. Sincere condolences to all who miss him.

Julie

January 2, 2021

Mr. Batten was my Art Teacher at Mowat in the 80’s /90’s and he fuelled a love for Art and Art History that I have to this day. He was an amazing teacher who left an impression on so many, he’ll be missed. Rest In Peace.

Rena

January 2, 2021

Mr. Batten was my art teacher throughout high school. He was absolutely one of the best teachers, and one who influenced me to enter the world of education. Condolences to his family...... he will be greatly missed.

Laurel Dodham

January 2, 2021

Tony was my homeroom teacher all the way through high school at Leacock. He was a true mentor for a scared little grade 9 student. That cohort learned to look out for each other under his leadership. He also made our March break trip to London, England a highlight of my life! We kept in touch over the years and always loved to hear that laugh of his. Thank you for all you have done for the world! We will miss you.

Gary Kahoon

January 2, 2021

Mr.Batten simply was an amazing caring Art Teacher respected by All....so many fond memories ! He truly will be missed but Not forgotten , may his soul Rest In Peace.

Nancy Harasym

January 2, 2021

So very sad for the loss of my favourite teacher from Stephen Leacock CI. He believed in me as a silly teenager with big dreams. Thank you You will live on for every in my heart May you Rest In Peace Dear Sir

Lori

January 2, 2021

Mr Batten was my high school Art teacher in mid 70’s and I remember him to this day, he stood out to me. My condolences to his family and friends

John Beadle

January 2, 2021

A wonderful teacher, full of enthusiasm and a laugh that would light up the room. My condolences to his family.

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results

Memorial Events
for Anthony BATTEN

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Morley Bedford Funeral Services

159 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto, ON M4R 1A8