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Ely KISH Obituary
Eleanor "Ely" Kish passed away at Elisabeth Bruyère Health Centre, Ottawa on October 12, 2014, at the age of 90. Ely is survived by her loving partner Huguette Vrancken of 35 years, a brother Eugene, nephew Gil (Diane), Evelyn Van Nuys (John) and several nieces and nephews. She will be missed by numerous friends. Ely is predeceased by her brother Steve, her sisters Anna, Wilma and Babe. Born March 17, 1924 in Newark, New Jersey under the name of Kiss, changed to Kish in 1973, daughter of the late Eugene Kiss (painter, decorator and actor) and the late Teresa Bittman (mother of seven children). Ely attended the Essex County Vocational School in productive art, 1942; Institute of Fine Arts in California with Ejnar Hansen and Julian Ritter; San Miguel de Allende 1949 to 1951. Ely enjoyed nature, the outdoors, photography and watching old classic movies. She was a great story teller. A renowned artist, Ely Kish work can be seen in the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa, Ontario, at The Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C., and the Mexico Museum of History and Science in Albuquerque, N.M. She also contributed to major educational projects, including a series of children's pop- up books she illustrated for the National Geographic. She was an appointed Member of the Order of Canada in 1993. At Ely's request, there will be no Funeral Services. A special thank you to the staff of the Elisabeth Bruyère Health Centre, especially Annie and Lynn, for their care and compassion. Donations may be made to the Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa. Arrangements in care of the Brown Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, Kemptville.
Donations/Tributes/Condolences: www.mcgarryfamily.ca
613-258-2435
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25 Entries
February 15, 2015
(Feb. 2015)
Good afternoon,
Today I just discovered the Website about painter Ely Kish whose name
just surfaced in my little mind as I was reading about "du grand art"
in opera, but it's something else... Or maybe not.
The fond memory of my one and only meeting with Ely Kish and her
friend (excuse me, I can't find her name back) dates from 2003. Just
landing from native France, I was beginning in Journalism, reporting
for "Vision Prescott Russell" bilingual weekly (made in a nice little
town called Rockland, by the Ottawa River...). Over a few months, we
did a series of interview with local artists who were to take part in
an exhibition before summer.
Ely Kish was so kind and interesting (& her friend too). She was so
nice to answer my clumsy questions in broken English (sorry, I have
been trying to improve for 20 years!...). I remember a few details.
For example, she revealed me the inspiration of the painting that
would be in the local exhibition that year, "The Monk". I have never
forgotten this painting and am quite moved to see it again tonight
(even as a little icon on laptop screen).
I think I asked her something like this too: "Do you listen to music
while painting?". It's very possible (I can't recall her answer so
clearly) that she said no. But then I (clumsily) tried to explain an
underlying meaning to the question: Is there a kind of bridge between
arts? (as for inspiration and more... confusing question, hard for me
to phrase even today!). Ely Kish smiled so kindly to her friend and
said in her smile, starting to answer in a very kind and smart manner:
"I see where he is going...".
About this bridge between arts, the name of Ely Kish and my memory of
her just came to my mind as I was reading about Richard Wagner (and
the recent trend of playing his operas with the instruments of his
time)...
I wish Ely Kish and her friend a wonderful time, even just a second
because it seems our joyful celebration of arts and life can be so
short. But the memory can last very long and paintings can have an
incredible impact and personal value.
This summer, I shall visit Ontario again. I haven't been near Ottawa
for many years but I sincerely will think about Ely Kish, "The Monk"
and all that is "(y)ours to discover" (as my license plate used to
say). If I can't do anything, please let me know. I would be very
happy to take up with the art of Ely Kish.
Bien cordialement,
Franois Cavaills
Arts Critic
(Paris, France)
Tel: 00 33 1 42 23 45 14
Email: [email protected]
PS: just found out her passing last fall... All my condolences to the relatives and many friends of her art & personality both very great I believe.
Marie Adamcryck
November 22, 2014
Loss of a great painter and genuine person...
November 7, 2014
Huguette, nos sinceres condoleance du depart de Ely. On pense et on parle souvent de vous 2. On regrette ne pas pouvoir te parler en personne. On n'a pas ton addresse. Nous on est demenager a Casselman. On vous a toujours dans nos pensees. Ely a ete une insperation pour nous dans nos vies de tout les jours dans notre passe. Moi j'ai de bons souvenirs de vous et surtout de belles images, peintures etc... Des amis de plusieurs annees. Gerry & Terry Benoit
Hannie and Jerry Fitzgerald
November 2, 2014
We are deeply saddened to learn of Ely's passing. She was always a good friend, and we will remember the fun times we had with her. Jerry learned a great deal from working with her.
Our deepest sympathy to you, Huguette, for your loss.
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Sara Sparks
October 23, 2014
Huguette I neglected to add that you have my most sincere condolences on the loss of your partner. She was remarkable and touched many lives.
Sara Sparks
October 23, 2014
Oh Ely, you were my mentor and friend when I was so very young. I have always always remembered how kind you were to me. I value and treasure the portrait you did of me and it hangs proudly in my home. Because of your encouragement I went to NSCAD and continued life as an artist. From my heart thank you for being in my life. I was only one of many models who went through your studio. You will always be remembered by me. Always always.
Terry Chase
October 22, 2014
I feel privileged to have worked with Ely on the paleo galleries at the Smithsonian. Her talent, work ethic, and creativity was an inspiration to everyone who knew her--truly one of the great painters of the 20th Century. Now 30 years later I am honored to be assigned the task of saving Ely's Smithsonian murals for the enjoyment of future generations.
Andy taylor
October 22, 2014
What a wonderful woman Ely was. I had the great honor of meeting her at her home in Hammond many years ago. RIP Ely.
Sheila perron
October 22, 2014
You will always be In the hearts of the Perron family. Such fond memories of you, especially being our neighbor for some years. The deepest memory of you is Christmas Time with all the gifts you would give each and every one of us (we were all so surprised and so Happy. You will be missed.
October 22, 2014
So sorry to learn about Ely, we had some good times on Lavigne rd. and I have many happy memories. You will be in my thoughts Huguette. Please accept my deepest sympathy
Anne Perron London ON.
October 22, 2014
Sorry to hear about Ely.We had some good times on Lavigne road,and I have many happy memories of those days .
You will be in my thought s Huguette. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Anne Perron London Ont
Sent from my iPod
Donna Braginetz
October 22, 2014
Her paintings helped inspire my love of paleoart. She was a wonderful and colorful surprise.
October 21, 2014
Forgot to put my name on my previous entry so once again my condolences. Doug & Michele Watson
October 21, 2014
I was lucky enough to get to know Ely and Huguette back when I was working at the Canadian Museum of Nature. She didn't have to but she took an interest in me and encouraged me to pursue my sculpting and gave me tips to help me avoid the pitfalls of a life in art. She was not only a great artist but a great person with a kind heart. I am deeply saddened by this but happy still to have been able to call her my friend. My condolences to Huguette and Ely's family. RIP Ely
October 21, 2014
Our thoughts are with you Huggette.
Ivana and Francoise
Gilles and Marie Yelle
October 21, 2014
The world has lost one of its very best artist. As the Honorary President of Colours of the Bay in 2006, Ely's presence at the opening of this art show - along with 4 of her incredible paintings - contributed to its success. We were grateful to you then and we still are. May you rest in peace.
Catherine Boucher
October 20, 2014
Back when I lived with Ely and a changing roster of "hippies" at Orange Lake, she taught me how to change the gasket on the motor of my Chevy van, how to take apart a vacuum cleaner and how to put a new washer in the kitchen faucet. She also taught me to look at the horses in the pasture and notice how the mist rose off their back in the early winter mornings. What more is there to say?
October 19, 2014
I will always remember the times we spoke at the Paleo labs many years ago. You inspired me with my paleo art. You will be missed. Mike Leveille
Marion Isherwood
October 18, 2014
Ely - you have been one of the most inspirational people in my life for some 50 years. Your dear sweet gentle nature oft times turned into a blazing warrior, but your passion for our Indigenous Peoples will live on in your great legacy of paintings. More especially I am grateful for all the wonderful moments I was enveloped in your friendship. You will never be forgotten
October 18, 2014
It was a time, Ely . Never to be forgotten. Bless you on your journey and thanks! Pat Hacker
Delphine White
October 18, 2014
What a surprise it was to learn that Ely had passed away.
I fondly remember meeting Ely and Hugette at the old log cabin and later going to the new house and spending time with Ely drawing in the afternoon, going for walks and having lively dinner conversations in the evening. Knowing both Ely and Hugette enriched my life.
Wendy McPeake
October 18, 2014
Rest in peace dear Ely. I have missed your sparkling eyes and mischevious smile. I remember being with you in Washington while you created your monumental work of prehistoric mammals. You were genius! Warmest condolences to Huguette and family.
Louise Leclair
October 18, 2014
Ely was one of a kind -- a character who came to Canada looking for the mountains, she found friends wherever she went and influenced many.
Cate Bartlett
October 18, 2014
Amazing lady R.I.P.
Paint to your heart's content
jan crane
October 18, 2014
Goodbye old friend.
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