Clarence Hagins

Still miss you Clarence and memories in Aix-en-Provence in ‘74 and talking, eating and drinking wine at your studio house on the outskirts of the town. We corresponded for many years after that as I returned to Ontario Canada to practice law. He reminded me of people in Aix that we knew, including Manuel from Columbia who I liked very much. Clarence told me that Manuel disappeared from my life because he thought that Clarence and I were an item, which we weren’t. I was SO annoyed with Clarence for not setting it straight with Manuel, even though it was years later! But at least the mystery was solved and Clarence told me that Manuel had a good life - which is all we care about for important people in our lives who we miss along the way. Clarence had good friends and he loved and cared about them all. I’m glad he was a part of my life and I cherish the memories. Janice (Anise) Docherty

Oh Clarence,
I still have the dozen or so letters of correspondences we had shared over a few years. I am sorry you departed too soon. As, I wish i could say Hi again! i wonder if you ever finished building your home in San Miguel and where are your two children today? I hope they also were gifted in hearts. You gave so much to this world. Love to you always and until we meet again...peace!
Katrina Honens [email protected]

I met Clarence in the village of Rognes, north of Aix-en-Province over the Christmas holidays of 1974. He had travelled across the Atlantic on a frieighter where he met another passenger, an old boyfriend of mine, names Christian Davin who later became involved in animation in Paris. I met Clarence in Rognes at the rented home of a Christian's friend Dominique Reydellet. There were also a couple of English blokes visiting Dominique, nice guys whose names I don't recall now. Clarence and I hit if off right away - of course he like blondes too - but we had a lot to talk about - American politics, Malcolm X, James Baldwin and art. We had a wonderful time during those holidays - I was the only woman so I got a lot of attention but the most interesting fun I had was with Clarence. We remained friends during his stay in Aix-en-Provence and through a couple of his losses of love and after he left, we recommenced contact off and on during the following years after I returned to Canada. He was a good friend.

I knew Clarence in San Miguel, and we corresponded when I was in the US. He was a unique person, great painter, and terrific talker. Miss him a lot.

i met clarence in san miguel in the late 70's, he was the first black painter i met and i was always impressed by his love for painting. he was a chain smoker and liked to drink and was opinionated about everything and whenever i went back to san miguel i'd visit him and listen to him talk for hours, usually about himself. he kept me laughing. rip, clarence.

May happy memories and warm thoughts comfort you in this time of sorrow.
John 5:28, 29.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.