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Alvin Constant Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for Alvin Constant
Sponsored by Michelle, a friend.
31 Entries
Deborah and John Collins
September 7, 2023
My husband and I met Alvin on Robson Street in Vancouver. Yes his smile and talent. His stories ahhh Alvin you are alive and well in our hearts and in our home. Thank you for your gifts
Paul Crawford
August 24, 2023
I first met Alvin as a young child outside of the Hudson Bay on West Georgia St. in Vancouver in the early 1980's and then again in Victoria's inner harbour and along Government Street in the 1990's while attending U. Vic. The memories of meeting him and watching him paint made a deep and profound impression on my life and continues to do so even 40 years later.
I have long thought about the lessons learned from Alvin and I have hoped that I might be able to organize a public art exhibition of his work to shine a light on his life and art and also help illustrate the challenges faced by many Indigenous artists historically. In doing so it is my hope this exhibition will help us bridge this gap in our collective art history by raising our awareness of the lives and their legacies of so many artists who have fallen through the cracks.
The exhibition will take place at the Penticton Art Gallery from November 19th - January 20th 2024.
If you have any photos, stories, videos or artworks you would be willing to share and lend for this exhibition please contact me at:
Paul F. Crawford, Director/Curator
250.493.2928 [email protected]
Penticton Art Gallery, 199 Marina Way, Penticton, B.C., V2A 1H5
Gratefully located on the unceded territory of the syilx (Okanagan) Peoples.
Eric Clarke
August 10, 2021
I met Alvin in 1991 after work one early fall afternoon on Yates Street in Victoria. I remember his open friendly face and warm smile. He asked if I would be interested in seeing some of his art. I said I would and was privileged to see a half dozen works that he withdrew from the portfolio he carried. Each was stunning and could have easily been displayed in anyone of the city's many galleries. In those days I had a young family and money was tight. Yet Alvin could see how much I loved his work and sold me a piece for a fraction of it's worth. I have cherished and enjoyed it everyday since.
Julie
July 22, 2021
My husband and I met Alvin on Vancouver downtown streets in1995. He was cheerful and I watched him paint. We bought 3 of his paintings and they are still hanging in our bedroom. We had them professionally matted and they are lovely.
Rheen Herrick
December 21, 2019
I came across this painting in a thrift store. It immediately spoke to me. I searched online and learned the story of this talented artist. This painting titled Trust and Innocence came to me in a very difficult time, when my inner journey was to grieve the loss of these childhood qualities. A beautiful and healing artwork, and I am grateful.
The Thunderbird and me
Denise C
December 10, 2018
I purchased a storage locker, and found a painting, signed Alvin Constant in it. Its beautiful. I googled the name, and came to find that he had unfortunately passed away. My condolences, he appears to be quite the gifted artist.
Jamie Phillips
September 28, 2017
Here it is 2017, I had the walls in my apartment painted recently.
Today I selected a few paintings to put back up. I only have one original painting. It's one of the paintings me and 2 American friends bought in downtown Vancouver on Robson Street in 1992. Each of us fell in love with Alvin and his work. We wanted to chat more with him but he was very busy.
Today as I was hanging my painting, I got curious, an instinct, and googled his name for the first time. I learnt of his passing and felt a sad loss, even though I met him only once. What an artist! I'd love to have more of his work, but it wouldn't be the same without his gentle hand passing it to me. My American friends went back the next day to chat with him and purchase a few more paintings. I can feel his spirit through his painting which is placed on the best wall by my dining table.
Blessings to his family. What a legacy!
A J (Sandy) Fisher
December 15, 2016
He would tell me a story about what was happening within me without even looking up from the sidewalk. It began in '89. I spent considerable tme with my brother here in Victoria and before that in Vancouver. I have a 'Thunderbird of Old' that has become a bit tattered and has a small tear. It remains one of my few bur most valued posssessions. He also gave me my spirit name and I continue to prevail with him often on my mind.The saddest thing is that I lost him long before he 'died'.
November 8, 2016
Barry Malindine
November 8, 2016
I just rescued an early 1980 painting by Alvin
From a thrift store in Kindersley Sask
I just couldn't take my eyes off it, a rare find for $2
I asked Alvin to paint me a wolf, this was his gift to me.
Rosalyn Helgason
October 9, 2016
Here's a photo of the white wolf Alvin painted for me.
Stephen O'Neill
September 28, 2016
In loving memory of Alvin Constant whom I met in 1997 in Vancouver I purchased his thunderbird of old.
It hangs on my wall here in England.
Going Fishing
Dan F.
February 4, 2014
Yesterday I rescued a painting by Alvin, "Going Fishing". Spent much time reading about him and his life. I'm very proud to have found a new home for his beautiful painting. Thank you Alvin for having touched so many with your wonderful art and spirit.
Paintet by Chikako Hinners
Wolfgang Hinners
July 5, 2013
I only meet Alvin in Vancouver sitting on the ground in front of the TD Bank. we only chat for a little and he send me of with three of his paintings. I love them and they will be forever on my wall. Thank you again Alvin, RIP
Alvin's Woman on Horse
Melinda Price-Wiltshire
May 22, 2013
Thanks for keeping this guest book permanently online. Alvin deserves it!
George
May 20, 2013
I met Alvin in Edmonton in 1983 or 84. My band was playing at a local pub and Alvin was enjoying the music. He asked us to play Born To Be Wild and we did it just for him. After the gig, he came up to me and handed a large sketch book with a painting called "native pow wow dancer" he signed it Alvin Angel Constant and I have had the painting since that day, still in the sketch book with pencil doodles and words written on the cover. By all counts, a wonderful and talented artist and if memory serves, a real nice guy. I smile when I see the painting and knowing about his life makes it that much more special.
Mike Kozak
August 3, 2007
I never had the honour of meeting the man, but one of his paintings has been following me for close to 20 years. My heart goes out to his family and all those he touched in his life. I hope to see your website up, and hopefully there will be more of his paintings there for us all to enjoy.
Andrew Bear
June 3, 2007
I am working night and day to help the homeless people of the city of Prince Albert and to help to ensure that Men have a place to go when they are in need. I want to show honor to the Mike family,the Sanderson family, but most of all I want to do a Godly deed in honour of a Godly man.
In Love & Respect
Pastor Andrew Bear
Melinda Price-Wiltshire
March 1, 2007
Wandering Spirit was a fixture here in the Victoria bookstore where I work. Back in the late 90s he came in most evenings, and frequently during the day, too, to buy coffee and read books and engage in lively conversation with staff and customers. He stopped coming in about five or six years ago, and once or twice I thought of going down to the Inner Harbour to see if anyone knew what had become of him, but I never did. When I read the in-memorium story in the Calgary Herald, I was saddened and moved. Alvin was unique -- inquisitive and full of insights. Every time I look at my walls, at the paintings he never charged enough for, I'm reminded of his broad grin and infamous cackle. I miss you, Alvin. I won't forget you. Nor will I part with your paintings.
Christine Wallewein
March 1, 2007
I only met Alvin once back in the late '80's, but remember him fondly. I have wondered for years about who he was and what had become of him, and now that I know just a bit, I think his family must be especially proud of him and miss him alot. I only talked to him for a few minutes while he did a couple of drawings but he was easy to be around - friendly, gentle and had an unassuming confidence drawing quickly and easily in the (art materials) store. I wondered about him and am really pleased to hear about all the people he affected, not just me.
He signed his name Alvin Constant Wandering Spirit and was on his way home.
Val Sanderson
January 22, 2007
May God Bless you all, you must remember that he is in a better place. No more suffering in this world, he has to be talking and laughing with the loved ones that left before us. God Bless
Shelley Mike
January 20, 2007
Friends, with great heartfelt thanks to Uncles friends, Christine and Bill, have offered to set up a memorial webpage for Uncle, pls go to www.alvinconstant.com to view, thank you so much!!
Michelle Gorman
December 29, 2006
My condolances to Alvin Constant's family and friends. It is difficult to lose a loved one. My sympathies go with you.
It is interesting, how people can touch your life. 'Wandering Spirit' brushed mine through his art work and his presence down at the causeway and elsewhere in Victoria. His artwork appears profoundly simple on the surface but masterly brings form and space together to create a much more complicated picture. The paintings that I purchased tied the essence of the subject with its surroundings in such a way that no matter where that subject travelled, it brought with it a piece of their essential environment. Thus a wandering spirit wanders but always has its essential self within.
Alvin was funny, talented and he will be missed.
Lisa Sanderson
December 28, 2006
It's still hard to believe that Uncle will no longer be sharing his stories and paintings on this earth anymore, instead, I think of him now telling his stories to the angels above while helping God paint the beautiful sunsets we'll see. I will miss him, but am greatful to have had him be a part of my life. There will be no other special Uncle Punkle like him.
Cassie Roberts
December 28, 2006
Uncle Puncle....what would this family have been without you??? the crazy stories and your crazy wayz that let laughter be our guide at family functions...
i watch the sky and i question God why you had to go, and i see how you brought everyone together...with your passing...but why? its your first Christmas in heaven ugh i bet your dancing with the angels...and when i feel the cold air hitting my face it brings a thought of you in my mind...and i think of how you seeked shelter and warmth...well your in heaven with jesus, and thats the best shelter that anyone can EVER HAVE!!! so my dear unkle punkle...your alwayz FAR OUT in my memoriez....LOVE ALWAYZ YOUR "MOVIE STAR" cassie faith roberts....
Christine-Meulenyser Bill-Wilkins
December 27, 2006
We (Christine Meulenyser and Bill Wilkins) just found out about Alvin's death when friend of Christine's sent an article through the mail to Chris in France. Christine will leave a note a bit later, but I just want to say how much I am sorry for this loss.
Super Shell
December 26, 2006
I went to visit Uncles grave on Christmas Day and placed a Christmas Wreath for him, I love you Uncle, I take comfort in knowing you were a saved man and you have spent your first Christmas with our Lord Jesus Christ. As Remi said, you went from these old ratty streets of this world and now youre walking on streets of gold, I asked Jesus to give you a msg; to tell you that I love you and I miss you so much and I will always have you on my mind and a special place in my heart.
Lyndsay Daynes
December 25, 2006
Love, Peace and Gratitude this Christmas to Al's family. Our hearts are with you.
Remi Mike
December 25, 2006
I am Uncle Puncles nephew...I have many fond memories of uncle...He never had to much possessions...BUT he had a HEART of GOLD...Materialistic items never meant much to PUNKEES...
He had his way of doin things...He choose a simple way of living...Somethin we could all use in this world we live in today...
He was was a GREAT artist...I have many paintings that he has done for me...This was his way of repaying me for tobacco and stayin at our place...
We shared a connection and understood each others sense of humor...This is what I will miss the most...
I am PROUD to say the last thing I told UNCLE was "I LOVE YOU"...That was the morning he left to CALGARY...Not knowing that was the last thing I would say to him...
Now he's running on STREETS of GOLD...Lucky bugger...
Niece Shelley Mike
December 24, 2006
Friends, Im finding My Uncle had many friends across the western provinces. I welcome you to contact me, I want to hear those stories, I save everything I find on my Uncle, even your stories. Its all precious memories now. Thank you for taking the time for my Uncle.
Lyndsay Daynes
December 21, 2006
I was absolutely beside myself when I found out Al had passed away. The loss of his life has left a huge hole in this world.
He helped me and taught me many things on many occasions when I was 19. He was like a guardian angel - always looking out for his fellow man.
My heart aches for his family, his daughter and his many friends.
Such an awesome life, such a wonderful man.
I will miss him forever.
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