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Eugene Massin Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Massin
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Tess Ravenwood
August 21, 2023
Thought of you tonight Gene. Are you reaching out from the stars! I use to model for Gene at University of Miami along with visiting the studio home in Coconut Grove.
Your encouragement to become a better Artist is appreciated.
Mary Mass
June 12, 2020
Wow Gene . You would have been 100 years young this year . You were my gentle giant professor and friend . I loved Fridays at your studio . I loved how you protected me at U of Miami . I miss you . Thank you for going us all As much love Mary
Jon (Steve) Weeks
June 12, 2019
Unforgettable years at UM and beyond. Fortunate enough to visit Malaga but missed Balearics. Brilliant talent, teacher and, most important of all, a very dear friend
Donahue Silvis
June 12, 2019
Two of his paintings now adorn the walls of our new home.
January 26, 2019
How can I say this? It is January of the year 2019 and I am just now learning of Gene's death. Where have I been? He was my mentor in the late 1950s. I so lovingly remember his seminars at his place in Coconut Grove and his sometimes caustic prodding as he leaned over my work in class. Eugene was an artistic genius and I am so totally ashamed to only now learn of his passing. He surely is now with the Gods.
Richard Ruberti
January 23, 2019
Massin Family,
I happened to look up Gene today on the internet only to learn of his death in 2003. I can hobestly say that my interaction with Gene was a catalyst to me becoming an artist. After all, I entered the University of Miami to become an ocean engineer and graduated with a BFA with majors in painting an sculpture and minors in drawing and art history. In fact, I took Drawing 101 with Gene as an enginering freshman and the rest as they say is history as I have been an artist ever since. He was a great teacher and a kind man. I especially remember Friday afternoons at his studio with lots of guests and cheese and wine. What an inspiration he was to so many.
Donahue Silvis
October 16, 2017
My parents knew Mr. Massin and bought two of his paintings, a horse & also one with six people.
Lisa Rossario
March 5, 2017
I just thought of Mr. Massin today and saw this site... he was my first art teacher. As a pre-law student I thought it would be fun to have a relaxing course, instead I found myself in one of the most vibrant classes with a visionary. I had a truly authentic experience. I found art. And thirty years later I have had an art gallery and two children who are in college as artists. He was a remarkable and unique artist and such an inspiring person that he changed my focus as well as my life.
My Big Brother Mike Stewart
Phill Stewart
July 9, 2016
In Memory of Michael J. Stewart, Student and Friend of Gene and Barry, I was inspired in 1979 and have striven myself to have a lil prototype ( unfortunately, Not inside and under a Banyan Tree!)shop where I could make whatever has come to my mind. Mike Stewart Passed early in the 1990's and has been a great example of the inspiration Eugene and Barry have been sharing with OUR WORLD, since I was a kid of 20, I am 57 this year and I can Honestly say :Professor, Dr. Artist and Humble Dad,Grandpa and Great Grandpa has been the Mentor and friend of more Wondering Souls than Most. When we look to the stars we Know you are there soaring the universe for eternity part of the Greatest Canvas we'll ever know.
Peace and Tranquility to all and Thanks for Giving of you, Mr.Gene
Enid Sanford
September 25, 2015
It is now 2015 and I first had "Mr. Massin" as a teacher in 1955 at the old U.Of Miami campus. Later that summer, he took me in as his assistant at his studio where he gave me a basic knowledge of painting from Skira books: Matisse, Cezanne, Ensor, etc. At that time, I had very little sense of stability,and he provided that for me by taking me into his family including me in their dinners, etc. I am now a painter in New York City because of him. Think of his powerful effect through his teaching and generosity because he is so vividly on my mind after all this time. He changed my life.
he is vividly on my mind.
so powerfully on my mind. Now I'm a painter in New York City. He changed my life.
tom topolski
March 20, 2004
i knew gene when i was a student of his at u of miami, and briefly worked as his assistant and lived at his home. i have never forgetten his zest for life and kindness.
Mark Diamond
March 17, 2004
To The Massin Family . I can not express the kindness and scope of vision Gene shared with me. When I was first delving into uncharted visual realms Gene was receptive and offered openmindedness and encouragement. I will honor his spirit forever. I have posted a photograph of his memorial on Ye Little Wood on my site. http://www.diamondimages.com/massin/memorial.html please remember to scroll as it is a huge long pano.
God bless.
michelle hart-goodman
July 25, 2003
Hi Robin,
my cousin (Melinda in Miami) informed me of your father's passing
into heaven.
I'm sorry for that.
Especially since I never had the chance to meet him. WOW what an artist he must have been.
At least, you had the chance to hang with MY Dad.(who might be having some lobster w/YOUR Dad tonight)
My MOM is gorgeous as ever and I
hope that your MOM is handling this situation like we had to.......20 years ago.
All of you take care.
Michelle
Judge Howard Gross
July 9, 2003
To the Massin Family. Gene was a real Hero to me. He truly was the John Wayne in my life. Never judgmental, just caring and loving with no strings attached. He opened his arms to me, and, with that one great big eye he told me to laugh, AND I STILL AM. I will laugh with him again.
Linda Fairweather
July 4, 2003
Dear Massin Family:
It was in 1962 your father entered my life. While enduring a long, bedridden convalescence due to an auto accident, he took the time to visited me with slides of his paintings to lift my spirits. Little did I know he would go on to become one of the great teachers in my life. Whether a the University of Miami or as a friend, his philosophies will live in my heart. The world is a lovelier place because Gene was here.
Linda Proby Fairweather
MARY MASS
June 28, 2003
DEAR BARRY AND FAMILY......WELL IN THE MID SEVENTIES I WAS 16 AND GARY KLEIMAN FIRST INTRODUCED ME TO YOUR DAD WHO I ALWAYS THOUGHT WAS THE GENTLE GIANT......LATER I SKIPPED MY LAST YEAR OF BOARDING SCHOOL AND ENROLLED IN UM......THEN I IMMEDIATELY ENROLLED IN YOUR DAD'S CLASS......HE TAUGHT ME THE WORD TREPIDACIOUS,HE TAUGHT ME HOW TO SEE FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME......HE SHOWED ME COMPASSION AND WARMTH .....HE MADE ME FEEL SAFE.....AND HE PROTECTED DURING TRYING TIMES AT COLLEGE.......THEN BARRY ,I KNOW YOU DON'T REMEMBER THIS, BUT YOU AND DAD CALLED ME AT MT. SINAI TO MAKE FUN OF ME AFTER MY BREAST REDUCTION AT THE AGE OF 19 .......AND THE NIGHT BEFORE SURGERY MY MOM{BEING JEWISH OF COURSE] BROUGHT EMBER'S FOR THE WHOLE FLOOR......I REMEMBER WHEN YOU WORKED WITH GARY ON HIS PIECES AND YOUR DAD DID.....BEING AROUND YOU BOTH THEN, YOU HAVE MADE MY WORLD SO MUCH MORE SPECIAL ....TODAY
Nancy Kram - Yankow
June 27, 2003
Dear Leslie and family - my deepest condolences on the loss of your larger-than-life and ferociously life-loving father. Reading the obituary, I gather that you lost your mother earlier, and I extend my sympathies on that loss as well -- I hope your folks are already cavorting elsewhere, and acting as guardian angels over all of you. Your dad really was larger than life, in his heart, in his head and in his big bear body; attributes passed on to you and Barry (I've not met Robin). May his memory be as a blessing to you and help bring you peace. Nancy Kram Yankow (Palmetto High 1973)
Helen-Marie & Alan Gordich
June 26, 2003
Barry your father,s frail body may be gone but his strongly unique presence and ever expanding mind and great love of all things will always be with us.
He greatly enriched this world and the lives of many. We can only imagine what his next venture will be.
Our condolences and very best wishes to you and all Gene,s family and friends.
HELEN-MARIE AND ALAN GORDICH,
Beth Kipnis
June 23, 2003
My sincere condolences to your entire family at Gene's death. He was a remarkable man, bigger than life, and I will never forget him. My thoughts are with you all.
Jackie Tyler Lee
June 22, 2003
Dear Massin Family,
I will never forget the art class I took with Gene at UM. One day, after Gene had walked around the room and observed our pitiful attempts to draw, he took the whole class outside and made us get down on the ground and "LOOK" at blades of grass, flower petals, everything lying around us and explained how much we were missing by not "SEEING" our subject. It made a big impression on me and I never forgot the lesson he taught us that day. Not only did I respect his artistic talent, but I truly respected the kind and giving human being he was. My husband Bill was also a friend of Gene and Helen's and we will will always remember them with a smile in our hearts.
Liana and Valentin Stanton
June 21, 2003
Twenty-nine years ago, Gene Massin's creativeness and love of art revealed to us a world of beauty, in images that have never left us. His dedication to the great artistic tradition and to truth in art has left an indelible imprint on our hearts. He has taught us to see and to render the beauty he taught us to see. Later we made the acquaintance of Helen, and admired her graceful personality and the beautiful photography she was doing. We will always love Helen and Gene Massin. In all our drawings and paintings, there is a tribute to the great teacher and great artist who was Gene Massin.
Lynn Wiener
June 21, 2003
Dear Massin Family,
I just learned of Gene's passing yesterday. He was an extraordinary man and remembering him brings a smile (and tear) to my face.
He was my teacher and friend. He inspired me and still does-
Knowing Gene is a special gift I will treasure. Thank you for sharing him.
I wish you all peace.
Lynn Wiener
lisa colsky
June 20, 2003
Dear Barry,
I was saddened by the recent passing of your father. Your family has been a role model, both inspiring creativity and instilling a sense of giving and compassion.
Daphne Webb
June 20, 2003
The name Massin...
Ever since I have had memories, this name has represented talent, wisdom, and abundance of spirit! Massin is magic and they all are. When we lose one, we feel it in our guts. My guts are wrenching.
I love you all so much and am imaging Gene giving Helen a beautiful kiss that we all will feel and understand.
I can't imagine a world without this fantastic man. My heart is with you.
Peace and Love,
Daphne
Keith and Lori Weyrick
June 19, 2003
Dear Barry,
I regret to say that I never had the honor to meet your Dad, Gene. From all that I have read, I know that he is someone I would like to have gotten to know as a friend and mentor. His legacy will live on through his works of art, his students, friends and loving family.
Keith and I offer you and your family our sincere sympathy in your loss.
Your friends and Redland neighbors,
Keith and Lori Weyrick
Andi & Eli Feinberg
June 19, 2003
Eli and I were saddened to hear of dad's passing. We didn't know him well, but we do know he will live on in you all, as his lessons were as grand as he was.
Andi & Eli Feinberg
Carolyn Robbins
June 19, 2003
Dearest Barry and Frandee, I feel so gifted to have had the wonderful memories of your father and the inspiration he so lovingly bestowed on all those who knew him. From the way he put a line on paper and all the stories behind each piece of art, to the tremendous joy he showed in describing your talents, he was a wonderful human being. I was fortunate to be included in his Thursday afternoon salons where sharing what thoughts or ideas one had, became the highlight of the week. Seeing what was new on Gene's easel was worth every second of the visit. I will light a candle for you all in hopes you will remember him with every creative joy you express. He will always be alive in me. Bless you all, Carolyn Robbins
Bruce & Teresa Matthews
June 19, 2003
Eugene Massin was a special soul...kindness, wisdom, love & something even healing eminated from him like the bright light of a full moon...magical as Barry so aptly described him...
Bruce & I feel honored to have been your friends. You left this world a better place Gene. May you & Helen have peace together now. You will always be in our hearts.
We wish your family peace during this intial time of separation...their hearts are broken, but they will strengthen with the love energy you & Helen shine on them.
Love to you & your family,
Teresa & Bruce
Sally Wood Winslow
June 19, 2003
Barry and Frandee and all,
I am full of sadness blanketed in happy memories. From our first meeting to our last visit, Gene was a treasure to me and so many members of my family. Roy and I are blessed to have his work in our home as a wonderful reminder of this vibrant giant. Ye Little Wood is a place we both go in our heads, as a retreat from the cold and gray days. That shall remain for us both a haven. With much love, Sally
Merle Kravetz
June 19, 2003
Please accept my deepest sympathy. My path crossed Eugene Massin's in a number of University of Miami venues and I have had the greatest respect for him as a person and as an artist. Joy, I treasure the signed etching he gave me. My heart goes out to you, Robin and the boys and the rest of your family.
Erica Rauzin
June 18, 2003
Dear Barry and Family,
The dignity, creativity and leadership that Gene brought to us all is precious and indelible.
I will never forget the day my dad, Sylvan Meyer — another now gone member of that great generation — took me and my paintings to Gene, I think to see if he thought I should pursue painting. In truth, the conversation made me a writer, because Gene told me, in the best and kindest way, to do what I could truly feel — or to bring feeling, not just craft, to my paintings. I was, maybe, 14. Teacher that he was, he knew I was in there, behind those careful paintings, but that they were not my door. And he knew how to tell me so. I was amazed ever after that he even remembered who I was because I was in such awe of him. The only condolence I can offer is to assure you that these towering fathers remain even after their physical work is done.
My mother, Anne Meyer, joins me in praying that you and your family may be comforted,
Erica Meyer Rauzin
Sue & Ray Fisher
June 18, 2003
Gene:
We will miss you ever so much with your humor and gigantic laugh at the foibles of life.
Your personality was bigger than your large body and your great talent.
Our thoughts will always be with you and your children, Leslie, Barry & Robin.
Our love,
SUE & RAY FISHER
[email protected]
The Massin Family
June 18, 2003
This is a simple message from the Massin Family. We would like to thank you for taking the time to post here. It is apreciated greatly.
Ronnie Heller
June 18, 2003
To the family of Gene Massin. He was one of the kindest people I knew. He was a loving husband to Helen and a great friend. I will miss him.
Ronnie Heller
Joy Sue-Priem and Max A. Ammerman
June 18, 2003
Our Dearest Gene was never too busy to spend time and give inspiration to all of us. His studio was always open and shared.
Max and I met in his drawing class so many years ago and have now been married for 26 years. Gene always had words of encouragement for all persons who knew and loved him. He will be greatly missed, beyond words. He will always be monumental to us, even more so than the incredibly beautiful work that he shared with the world. It has been a great honor to be in his presence and to be his friend.
julie fisher
June 18, 2003
Dear Massin family, i will greatly miss Gene, he was one of my favorite people in the world, knowing he and Helen both since the day i was born and i was so looking forward to spending time with him, visiting home this summer, he will be greatly missed, i treasure the peices he "secretly" gave me that hang over my bed, i loved him dearly, my thoughts are with you all, julie (sue and ray fisher's daughter)
Joan Davies
June 18, 2003
My dearest friend..........rest easy. I will miss you terribly. You "saved my life " many times.
Joanie
Lynne Auerbach Cohen
June 18, 2003
Gene was my mentor. He taught me the most important thing I learned in college: the difference between looking and seeing. There is a huge vacuum in Miami's art community, one that was created by the loss of Gene's larger-than-life persona. He was, in the very best sense of the word, a patriarch. When we create art, those of us who were his students, we honor him, and carry on his work.
DIANE BEBER
June 18, 2003
THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE BECAUSE GENE WAS HERE TO SHARE WITH US. HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM.
HE WILL ALWAYS HAVE A SPECIAL PLACE IN OUR HEARTS.
LOVE TO YOU ALL,
BUD AND DIANE BEBER
Susan Frearson
June 18, 2003
Barry Massin and family,Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family.Gene will be forever in our memories.His love of art and everything he did over the years will always be remembered.Sincerly,Susan Frearson,Joan Davies,George and Joan Schindeler
Astrid Ulfsparre-Weinkle
June 18, 2003
Gene, on a fabulous tropical September day almost 31 years ago, you held my first day of figure drawing class outdoors in front of the old UM art building, and inspired the young dreamer in me. Your class set the course of my life, and I still can hear your words of wisdom offered during the model's breaks... Later, I was the model, possibly because I still wanted to enjoy "the talks." Now, my body is older, more heavily curved, my hair is graying, my face more creased with "character lines," like the sinuous, twisting strokes of conte crayon and charcoal that you taught us to speak with. It has been years since I held an Ebony pencil, yet inside my heart and mind, there is still "Tusch." I am forever grateful that I had the chance to know you and learn from you. I will miss you, and carry your memory fondly with me always.
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