Joan COTTER

First I wish to express my condolences to Joan's family and friends.
I met Joan on a flight down to Mexico City in 1990. She approached me where I was seated ahead of her and asked, " Are you going to San Miguel?" I replied that I was and asked her how she knew that. She replied, " Oh, you look like the type." We went on to sit together, share our life stories and even to share a room overnight in the Zona Rosa, before bussing up to San Miguel ion the morning. I knew Joan for several years before I ever saw her paintings. How to describe such a force of nature? Yes, fiercely independent of thought and execution. Big energy and clear minded talent to have created such powerful and precise large works. Most of all for me, I will remember her wit and her humour. A keen observer, she didn't miss much. She loved to have fun. She was very elegant and a real lady. I will always treasure her friendship and contribution to my life. A Dios dear Miss Joan.

To all of the family-What an amazing spectacular artist! and ...what a special sister (and sister in law), aunt and great aunt. She has left some history behind for the world. I am so sorry for your loss.

To my dear friend, you will be sadly missed. I only had the pleasure of knowing you for the past year and a half, but you had such a passion for Art and you taught me so much about it. Rest in peace oxox

It was a privilege to represent Joan's art when it was at the gallery. But what I really remember and treasure is what a character she was. Funny, fierce and independent. My, how the world could use more Joan Balzar.

We were very sorry to hear of Joan's passing. She will be missed. A talented and colourful lady. As Joan would say ' she is with the angels now'.

I have known Joan since 1978 and always admired her ART . We both graduated from Vancouver Art School at different times ,she with HONOURS. I will miss her wonderful ways and her zest for life. A very interesting elegant lady and an outstanding artist. A true angel of a friend.The sun will not shine quite so bright now with her gone.

What a beautiful, elegant lady. It was truly a pleasure to of spent time with her. She held her elegance in tact, right til the end.

An art icon is gone but not forgotten.
We were friends since 1968, which seems like forever. Hard to believe she is gone.
She will be remembered for her powerful abstract work, which had a profound influence on me having been her student in the late 1968. Her "best" student,according to Joan.

Very sad to learn of Joan's passing.
A good chum and gifted artist.
Peace, dear Joan.
Sheila Moore, Victoria.