Gilbert F. Sutton

GILBERT F. SUTTON B.Arch., University of Toronto, B.Env.Studies, York University, Professor and Past Director, School of Architecture, Carleton University January 27, 1935 - June 6, 2009 A quick mind, total recall, and devastatingly funny one-liners could be a brief description of Gil's many admirable attributes. Devoted to the art, science and craft of architecture, he redefined the professor/student dialogue by his commitment to the teaching process. In the forum of his design studios, workshops and lectures, his insights and critiques resonated with his students. They trusted him for his fairness and personal integrity. Many of these qualities were honed in his career as architect and professor through his work and travels in Canada and abroad. In Finland and Italy, Gil's popular field trips, student exchanges and study abroad programs gained the respect of his peers and colleagues who acknowledged his success with invitations to teach at various universities as a visiting professor. His curiosity and fascination with the relationship between buildings and European landscape and gardens led to an extensive study which Gil skillfully incorporated into his teaching. His marvellously idiosyncratic assemblage in the stone schoolhouse of a giant wood cube, lookout tower, screened porch, baronial fireplace and Japanese tub, anchored to a pine forest outside Bracebridge attests to Gil's ability to make his art and life inseparable. Gil is survived by his soulmate and intellectual muse Earlene (Moore), his brother Brian and his wife Nancy. Gil has requested that there not be a funeral or memorial service. However, spontaneous gatherings at auspicious times, by all of us who loved him, with perhaps a single malt, would be welcome. www.catteleatonandchambers.ca