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Roy Ahlgren Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Roy Ahlgren
Sponsored by Rose, Cheryl and Judy & families.
David Ahlgren
February 2, 2022
Hard to believe he passed in 2011! Time has moved on, and we miss him still.
Cheryl Fulton-Sears
February 1, 2022
Still miss you and love you.
Carolyn Zaborowski
January 18, 2015
I just learned of your passing. It's January 18, 2015. I was proud to know you. Thanks for taking me to the Buffalo museum.
Debi Cantoni-Sementelli
August 21, 2011
Though this is a bit late, I just wanted to extend my sympathy to Roy's wife Martha and family.
Along with Ronnie Walter and Claire Marschack, I was a student of his at Tech,graduating in 1974. As they mentioned previously we all went out to visit him while in Erie for our 25th re-union. It was wonderful to see him and he beamed as we told him of our careers in art.
And like them, he had a profound influence on me as a person and an artist. His belief in my talent and desire to see me develop it to it's fullest potential was such an important part of my life.
We also exchanged Christmas cards yearly. He would always jot a note about his recent work, sometimes including pictures. I was amazed at his continued passion for art. So he literally was in my life long after high school.
When I am working on projects in my art studio I, I will continue to think about Roy B. who gave so much to so many.
Judy Guthrie
July 6, 2011
Happy Birthday Uncle Roy
You were and still are a great influence on so many lives.
May 11, 2011
I just learned about Roy's passing this morning and wanted to send my condolences to the family. He was my art teacher for three years at Tech and was my favorite. I had the honor of seeing him on my last day living in Erie and was thankful that I did. Goodbye Mr. Ahlgren, you are truly misssed.
-Cathy McCarthy Walker (Brownsburg, In.)
April 4, 2011
I just learned of Roy's passing and am so sad. He was a lovely man and a great artist. Sandra Berarducci
Tom Stazer
March 6, 2011
Condolences. As one of Roy's most erratic anti-establishment students, who went so far as to parody him in a little comic book, I want to say it took a long time to recognize what an oasis of encouragement and wisdom he provided in a town geared mostly towards factory workers. Erie has produced many creative people and more than a few got a push from the much-missed Roy Ahlgren..
I will come back and post a picture of our art class later this week,
Mark Weber
February 15, 2011
I can't put into words how sad I am to hear of Roy's passing.
As a teacher he was inspirational in his knowledge , energy and constant support. I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to study under him and will always cherish the time I spent with him at various art gatherings in my adulthood as a friend and fellow artist.
Roy was not only a damn good artist but he was a helluva guy.
He could really make you laugh! He will be missed but never forgotten. My deepest sympathy to Martha and family.
Noelle Berkhof
February 14, 2011
We might have not spend as much time together as a family as I would have liked due to the geographical distance(The Netherlands & Germany). However, the times we did share we sure had some good times playing Triominos and cards. These are memories that have and always will stay with me. Grandmom, many hugs and prayers for you.
Psa 34:18 The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart. And saves such as have a contrite spirit.
Patricia Smith
February 12, 2011
I am so saddened to learn of Mr. Ahlgren's passing. He was a great commercial art teacher and mentor. I have a picture of him looking over my shoulder while I was drawing giving me a few tips. Even years later when I saw him at the Srs store, He began mentoring and telling me I need to start drawing and painting again. He's one of Erie's finest artist. To his wife and family, I express my deepest sympathy. May God strengthen you.
Cheri Campbell-Godfrey
February 9, 2011
I was also in his first class after Mr. Plavcan retired. Class of 1972.
Mr. Ahlgren was a teacher that I really related to, because I wanted to be a commercial artist. I loved hearing his stories from when he worked at Marx Toys and knew that was what I wanted to do.
I ended up in the sign & mural business as an artist and when I was working around town, hanging off a ladder on the side of a building, I was frequently visited by Roy. He was so happy that I was had continued my art. It seemed that I would run into him every couple of years and he always knew what I was working on.
He was a true inspiration to me. I will always remember him as cordu-Roy because of his Brown corduroy suit he wore to school.
RIP Mr. Ahlgren. Paint the sky!
Cheri (the other Cheri in our class)
February 9, 2011
Martha and Families,
Please accept our deepest sympathy in the loss Roy. We always thought VERY highly of him. He was a very talented and artistic person. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers! Mike & Becky Barto
Juliana Ahlgren
February 9, 2011
I shall always remember your passion for your art work,the love you had for your wife. We always use to joke around when you said be at the top, everything goes,enjoy life and have fun. My prayers go out to mom and the family knowing Jesus is near
Claire Marschak
February 8, 2011
To Martha and family,
I feel saddened but want to reflect on what a wonderful man and teacher he was. I was a student at Tech and he was an amazing mentor, not just to me but countless others. Roy had the rare gift of recognizing your potential, pushing you to work hard, and made us aware of the bigger world. I can truly say that he changed my life by helping me get accepted to The Cleveland Institute of Art. Preparing an art college portfolio is one thing, but convincing my parents to let me go is something I will always remember.
A favorite memory was when he was silkscreening images of Tom Jones on fabric because Martha was such a huge fan - how cool was that?
I'm so happy that we visited at the 25th reunion and got to share stories of our art careers. Roy, your spirit lives on in all the students you nurtured and I am so lucky to have been one of them.
Thoughts and prayers to his family,
Claire Marschak
Tech Memorial Class of 1974
February 8, 2011
I have nothing but wonderful memories of Uncle Roy. He was always very loving and humerous and entertaining. When I was pregnant with my first child, my husband and I attended a Fourth of July celebration at his house (1994) and we will always remember those fun times. My mother (Cheryl Fulton) always spoke so highly of him and how much he meant to her growing up. Although I cannot physically attend his final goodbye, I am there in heart and spirit and wish his family peace and love in the future. My condolences to all. Corie and Randy Chavanne
Bob Hagle
February 8, 2011
Roy was a precise artist. His many early works were exacting and technically complete. Later he changed direction and painted the surroundings of northwest Pennsylvania. But more than his art, his family was Roy's first love. He spoke constantly of Martha, Alan, Debbie, David, Brian and Roger and how they helped him. He thrived from their support and closeness, and in turn loved all of them very, very much.
I was fortunate to be his friend.
David Ahlgren
February 8, 2011
From the #2 son, David, I thank you all for your loving and kind thoughts and prayers for our family in this time of loss. For those unable to attend the viewing and funeral, we know that you were there in your hearts and that is greatly appreciated. This all was sudden in a way, as he was appearing to recover, but it shows that we do not know the day or hour we will go to stand before the Lord. May we all strive to use our gifts and talents till that day as well.
http://WorksOfLightByDave.com
February 7, 2011
Martha and family, We are so sorry for the loss of your husband and father. He was such a wonderful person whom we feel privileged to have known. The art that he leaves behind surely will live on. His smile and friendly way were so special to all who knew him. You have our deepest sympathy.
Sharon Ulrich, Elizabeth Kimberlin and family
Dale and Maryann Hannah
February 7, 2011
Martha, I'm sure you know how much we treasured the friendship we shared with Roy and you. Roy was a great guy,an exceptional artist, and a good friend over many years. We will miss him.
February 7, 2011
To Martha and family. We feel privileged to have known Roy and enjoy his art work in our home. There are many fond memories of Auction days. Our sympathy to you all. His beautiful art is his wonderful legacy. Arny and Rosemary Vollbrecht
February 7, 2011
Our Uncle Roy, Aunt Martha, and their kids I've known my whole life, and love them all very much. It was always fun to go to picnics there, and interesting to see what Roy would be creating next. We"ll all miss him, no question about that.
Love to the whole family,
Judy Guthrie
rodney ahlgren
February 7, 2011
dear aunt martha and Debbie, Al, David and Brian. im so sorry too hear of your loss of uncle roy. he is in good hands up there with my dad and mum. i miss the picknics we use too have out at your place. love you rodney ahlgren
Ronnie Walter
February 7, 2011
To the Ahlgren Family,
I was a student of Mr. Ahlgren's, graduating from Tech in 1974. He was a huge influence to me and my classmates, he taught us so much technique-wise but also helped to hone our aesthetic eye. He was so happy with our successes and I contribute so much of my success as a professional artist to his teaching. I have always said that I learned more about drawing from Mr. Ahlgren than any other teacher I ever had. I was so happy that we got to see him when we were back in Erie for our 25th class reunion and of course, I like to think that Debi, Claire and I were his "favorites". My sympathies to all of you, know that he left an incredible legacy to the world.
February 6, 2011
Martha & Family, I was in his first class at Tech Memorial & we fondly referred to him as "corda-roy". I am glad to have known him years later as a fellow erie artist. Cheri & Q
Cheryl Fulton-Sears
February 6, 2011
I can't believe he's gone. Anything that you you need Aunt Martha , Debbie, Al, David and Brian...let us know. We love you and are here for you.................Cheryl and Dennis
Paula Grack Holmes
February 6, 2011
To Martha and family,
Mom, Phil and I are so sorry for your loss. I remember Roy (Mr. Ahlgren to me) as a great artist but also as my father's good friend. Together they were part of a small group of creative men, including Dan Kelleher and V J Kaiser, who spent their retirement years inspiring one another through their painting, photography, and fellowship. I shall not forget, years ago, unexpectedly seeing one of Roy's prints hanging in a gallery in Belgium - my dad was there too and he was so proud of this. We are fortunate enough to have a few of Roy's works, which he kindly gave to our family, displayed in our home...I think of him and you, Martha, whenever I look at them...I will remember Roy as a world-class artist, but more than that, as a wonderful friend to my father and a lovely, lovely man. May you feel the comfort of God's presence during the coming days.
Paula Grack Holmes
February 6, 2011
Dear Debbie and Mrs Ahlgren and family to read the death of your dad and husband and grandfather.You have my deepest sympathy I remember you showing me your dads art when I was at your house. It was truly beautiful.
your in my prayers. Julie B. Heitmann-Urso of Lakeland, Florida contact me..
Alicia (Bielanin) McDonald
February 6, 2011
To the Ahlgren Family, Mr.Ahlgren was my shop teacher at Tech Memorial, actulally I was in the last class he taught in 1990..He was a great teacher and artist, he taught me so much..May he rest in peace, my sincerest sympathies to your family..
Carla Molder
February 6, 2011
Serious, genuine, professional, educator, are words that come to mind. I was very fortunate to have been a student of his for three years in Commercial Art at Tech Memorial. Mr. Ahlgren was everything an artist and teacher should be. He wanted to share his knowledge, and wanted each of his students to aspire to all they could be. He was one of my greatest cheerleaders, and only helped to push me towards the very best of myself. He has left this world so much for the better in his art and teachings, which will carry through in so many people and images indefinitely.
A rare and wonderful human being.
Blessings to his family.
Carla Molder
Tech Memorial Class of 1986
Elaine Marino
February 6, 2011
Dear Martha and family,we were so saddened to learn of Roy's passing.Your loss is shared by so many who appreciated not only Roy's talent but the enthusiasm for art that he was always so happy in sharing.We who knew him are the better for it.God bless and keep you in the days ahead.Your Boyer Rd. neighbors for thirty years.Gene and Elaine Marino
February 6, 2011
Dear Martha,
Sending sincere sympathy on the death of your husband. He was an outstanding person with so much talent.
Dolores Hickernell, Trinity, Florida
Peggy Brace
February 6, 2011
Dear Martha, what a beautiful love you have had for one another. I am so fortunate to have had you and Roy in my life. You are a treasure. Sincere sympathy to you and all your family. May you be blessed in comfort and love beyond life. Peggy
Fred & Marilou Trott
February 6, 2011
Dear Marti and Family,
How deeply saddened we were to learn of Roy's passing. We have so many fond memories of the times we shared with the two of you and the faculty of Tech. Our biggest treasure is his art pieces we have collected through the years.
natalie-trocki elkovitch
February 6, 2011
i remember him being a great teacher and person while attending twin tech-the world has lost a wonderful painter/artist/person.
Matthew Borczon
February 6, 2011
To the Ahlgren family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I was one of Roys students at Tech memorial 1984. He was one of the greatest influences in my artistic life. His encouragement led me to Edinboro university to study art. Over the years I had many wonderful conversations with him about art and how my life turned out. He was a teacher till the end. I wish I could attend the service to give him a proper send off but I am currently in Afghanistan serving with the US Navy, something else in my life I know he approved of. I can not tell you how sorry I am and how much he influenced generation of young artists. He was a rare human being
HM2 Matthew Borczon, Helmand provice Afghanistan
David & Connie Suminski
February 6, 2011
Our sincere condolences to the Ahlgren Family.
It was an honor to eventually meet Roy and spend some time with him a few yrs back, he was a colorful character.
May the memories you shared bring you comfort and joy during the days ahead, and know that those of us who knew Roy, share deeply in your sadness
Kristine (Lombardo)Copeland
February 6, 2011
My prayers to all of Mr. Ahlgren's family. He was a great man. I will cherish the memories of him always. His artwork was an inspiration to all.
Judith Emling
February 6, 2011
Dear Martha and Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy; Roy's legendary talent will continue to influence the art communities forever. A fine man, he will be sorely missed.
You are in my thoughts and prayers, Martha.
Sincerely,
Judy
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