Joe Fafard
March 16th, 2019
It is with deep sorrow that the family of Joe Fafard announces his passing on March 16, 2019, at his home in Lumsden, Saskatchewan. The international visual artist died peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.
According to his partner, Alyce Hamon, “Joe died the way he lived, simply, unpretentiously, in complete serenity, with a twinkle in his eye, but above all with the full love of his family and friends.”
He leaves to mourn his spouse Alyce Hamon, and their children Solenne Hamon-Fafard and Julien Hamon-Fafard, as well as his children Joël Fafard (Megan Mansbridge), Misha Fafard (Darcy Jordan), Gina Fafard (Curtis Sheschuk), their mother Susan Wiebe, and his grandchildren Zach, Fynn, Theo, Maren, and Declan.
A ceremony celebrating the life of Joe Fafard will be held privately by the family. A public ceremony will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages those who wish to, to donate to the Regina Palliative Home Care, c/o Hospitals of Regina Foundation, 225 – 1874 Scarth Street, Regina, SK S4P 4B3 in Joe’s memory.
The family will not be granting interviews and asks that the media respect its privacy in this time of mourning.
Messages:
Joe Fafard was one of those touchstones throughout my career. He was a part of my first professional theatre show with theatre passe Muraille, lending us a statue of Louis Riel that was a thing of more than beauty, power, sitting on a field stone. His view, his skill, his vision of the importance of the details of the people and place and things from here will define this part of the planet for years to come. It always amazed me that someone who was so easy to talk to could create these amazing sculptures. I am sad that I will not get to talk to him and grateful for every face to face connection. I do know that everytime I come across something from his amazing body of work, it will as always connect me to where I am from and touch my heart. Thank you Joe.
My condolences to all of Joe's family and friends. I had the good fortune to first meet Joe when I took a ceramics class at the U of R in the early '70s without knowing he would be the teacher of it. I don't know if I would have become an artist without his encouragement and support. He was a model of a different, more relatable type of artist than I had encountered before. He will be greatly missed by many.
We had such a great conversation with Joe discussing our PICASSO PATHWAYS land development east of Regina in the context of his artistry. Joe’s eyes lit up while telling him that throughout the subdivision all streets and pathways will bear the names of “Canadian Artists” to honour all creative artists who have and continue to enrich our lives with their talents. Joe humbly accepted our request to identify main street through town centre as FAFARD DRIVE in our upcoming subdivision, PICASSO PATHWAYS in White City, SK. His studio is truly fascinating. One gets an overwhelming sense that each creative piece is his expression of being. I could feel Joe’s creativity and talent reached far deeper than written words. I am so broken Joe departed this life dimension before witnessing the placement of his Sculpture in our Town Centre Courtyard along Joe FAFARD DRIVE. This will be a lasting tribute to a creative man. Our condolences to Gina and the FaFard Family Stevan and Terisa Tarowski, Regina
Our sincere condolences. The world has lost a great artist and a great human being, he will be missed by all. It was an honour to have met Joe and to enjoy his wonderful contributions to art community. We will always cherish his art.
We have lost a wonderful person and Heaven has gained a wonderful artist. He is probably already sculpting angels . The last time I spoke with Joe in 2016 he said “Creativity is the child of Curiosity” . I asked him to write that on piece of paper and sign it. I said I am going to frame it. We laughed. I did. I have it framed and shall cherish it forever.
Dear Alyce and Families, I was so sad to hear of Joe's passing. He was a lovely man. I will always remember his great generosity in sharing his beautiful work in the form of an urn, for my dear Laurie. He was a joy to converse with, and your welcoming hospitality during my period of grieving and my Dad's final years will never, ever be forgotten. Hold each other close. Sending you much love and heart hugs. He made such a difference in this life... xoxo
happy trails, mon ami
Our most sincere condolences Alyce and family. Thinking of you.
I was saddened to read of Joe's death today. I have been enchanted by his works for many years, and remember his cow in front of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. I just watched a 1973 NFB film about his work, and life, and the values he had then always seemed to be demonstrated in his art. I never met him personally, but his work was warm, and genuine. He was obviously that as well. My thoughts are of him, and with his family at this difficult time.
Joe's humour and thoughtful dedication to his art making will always be things I think of about Joe.We first met in the late 70's in Lethbridge when I did an exhibition that included his work and we remained in touch when I moved to Saskatoon.His generosity will live on through his art. My condolences to all who loved him.