Noboru SAWAI

honoured to have been his printing assistant in the 70s, I drove his studio to Vancouver in the early 80s. last saw him dec 27th 2013. He wanted to put me to work again. Always enjoyed working with him. Best education ever. Will miss him.

My deepest sympathy to the family for your loss. I had the great pleasure of being taught drawing by Naboru at the University of Calgary in the early 70's. And I have always loved his print work. I remember a kind and generous teacher and have thought of him often over the years. He will remain fondly in my memory.

Dear Maven and Family,

Sending my deepest condolences to you and the family.. Kind regards, Eva Grozina

My deepest sympathies to the family.

May He Rest in Peace. I thank your dad for his hospitality and the wonderful memory of the Holiday gathering so many years ago. His prints are still proudly displayed in our homes and continue to ignite the soul. Kenji (Jody) and Naomi (Walter), may your memories comfort you. Love and Strength to you all.

To the family and friends of Noboru, I extend my deepest sympathies. I first met Noboru in the 1980s when I was writing an article about him and his printmaking studio. He was wonderfully gracious and forthcoming about his art and his life. Again, my condolences.

Some people light the candle at both ends.Noboru would often light it in the middle at the same time.We spent an interesting day sliding a new press down the hill in his yard to his studio.

I met you only the once when Naomi brought me during a visit to Vancouver. I was hoping to some day trade some Niigata sake for an artwork. R.I.P. remarkable Sawai-sensei.

Great teacher and a mentor, I will miss him so much.

Sorry to hear of Noboru passing, RIP, a great printmaker and great sense of humor.

It is with great sadness that we heard of the passing of Naboru. He was a lovely man. Our deepest condolences. May you take solace in the memories you have. - Heidi and Colette from Wallace Galleries

It was a pleasure to meet this kind man. Canada has lost one of its finest printmakers. The Burnaby Art Gallery is very lucky to hold works he donated over the years. On behalf of the gallery, our condolences to his family and friends.

Noboru Sawai One of the great printmaking masters has move on. I hope they have lots of Makita tools where you are going. Good luck Noboru my old friend and have a wonderful trip. You have given us may wonderful gifts in the poetry of your prints. Now you can breath the lightings edge and taste the colors of the rainbow. We will all miss you very much. One last Sake, a toast to you my friend. Take care on your long journey. Bob

I first met Noboru when we both took jobs in the Art Department in 1971. We worked together for some 20 years and he helped keep me sane. We shared many good times together sipping JacK Danials and complaining about academia. He would tell me stories about his days in Beria, Kentucky and his first contact with mountain people and the fact that they were tolerant of him and him of them pointing to his kindness, acceptance and generosity. I could go on and on but will simply conclude that I will miss him.

John Will

I have had the pleasure and opportunity to get to know Noboru spanning 30 yrs. He has been very generous with his printmaking knowledge, sense of humor, and and attempts at real-estate advise.
I will miss him as a friend. He was instrumental in supporting the concept of our Biennial International Mini Print Exhibition. I feel he lives on through ll the people he has influenced over the ears of teaching and by his creative way to look at life.

Dear Kenji & Naomi, Although we have spoken to you since Norobu's death, we wanted to say again that we thinking of you and wishing you were nearer, especially at this sad time. Noboru was one of a kind. I am sure he will be greatly missed. You took such loving care of him over the past few years as he struggled with his health. He was a lucky man to have children like you two. I think he would have been proud to read what you wrote here. Sincere sympathies to you both and to Jody & Walter.