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Tony Urquhart was born in 1934 in Niagara Falls Canada. He studied at the University of Buffalo, at the Albright Art School in Buffalo, New York, and at the Yale summer school for fine arts.
First known to Canadians in the mid 1950s and early 1960s as a pioneer of abstract art, Tony Urquhart held his first solo exhibition at the Isaac’s Gallery in 1957 when he was twenty-three years old. Initially as a painter, and then as a sculptor, Urquhart was linked with some of the major developments in Canadian art.
Tony Urquhart’s work has appeared in solo and group exhibitions across Canada, and in San Antonio, San Francisco, Edinburgh, London, and Paris. His work is found in the permanent collections of the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Museum of Modern Art, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the National Gallery of Canada, the Hirschorn Gallery (Washington), the Museo Civico (Lugano), and many other public and private collections.
Tony Urquhart was a professor of Fine Arts at the University of Western Ontario, and became a full professor in the department of Fine Arts at the University of Waterloo in 1972, where he served as Chairman of the Department of Fine Arts for three separate terms, most recently from 1994-1997. He retired from teaching in 1999, but continued to make and exhibit art until he died.
In 2002 the University of Waterloo mounted Revenants: Long Shadows, a retrospective of his paintings, and in 2003 a major touring exhibition, Power of Invention: the Drawings of Tony Urquhart from Seven Decades: opened at such venues as the London Regional Art Museum and the National Gallery of Canada.
Tony Urquhart was awarded the Order of Canada in 1995, and is a recipient of a Governor Generals Award in Visual Arts.
Predeceased by his grandmother Mamie Adeline Morse, his parents Maryon and Archer Urquhart, his brother David Henry Urquhart, and his beloved son Joseph Marsh Urquhart, Tony is survived by his wife Jane Urquhart, his daughters Mary Allyson Urquhart, Robin Ann Urquhart (Bruce Rush), and Emily Jane Urquhart (Andrew Trant) and his son Aidan Urquhart (Wendy Urquhart), his sister-in-law Donna Urquhart and many, many loving and beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A memorial service followed by interment will be held in late spring 2022. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Marsh Urquhart Memorial Scholarship at the Ontario College of Art. Please make cheques payable to OCAD University listing Marsh Urquhart Memorial Scholarship in the memo.
OCAD
100 McCaul Street
Toronto ON
M5T 1W1
Attention: Advancement Services
SORRY TO HEAR OF TONY'S PASSING JANE
Dear Jane and family, I was saddened to learn of Tony’s passing from Chris. What a hard blow that must be to you all. I trust you will be sustained by many fine memories and your friends and family. I have two lovely little garden paintings Tony did for Mom when she was in the hospital. I will treasure these. I will be keeping you all in my thoughts, Susan.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
OCAD University - Marsh Urquhart Memorial Scholarship
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
OCAD University - Marsh Urquhart Memorial Scholarship
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
OCAD University - Marsh Urquhart Memorial Scholarship
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
OCAD University - Marsh Urquhart Memorial Scholarship
WE were so sorry to hear Tony had passed away! Please know Jane that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers!
Robin, Bruce and family We are so sorry for your loss. It seems just like yesterday when Tracy was selecting art from your dad and also when you and Tracy stayed with them in France, he was so gracious. You have always seemed part of our family and I feel Tracy and Carey have been an extension of your family. Love Marilyn and Les
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
OCAD University - Marsh Urquhart Memorial Scholarship
Jane, Emily,Allyson,Robin,Aidan and all of you that loved Tony dearly, We are remembering all of you in our prayers. We have so many memories of your time in Wellesley as our neighbours. Tony was a kind and gentle gentleman. Praying that your memories and the support of family and friends bring you comfort as you grieve. The Hope family
Our deepest condolences to all of the Urquhart's. Tony was a lovely colleague and has been a much missed dinner guest. We are all fortunate to be able to enjoy his work in the many museums and collections across the country. Bruce and family.
To Jane and Emily, We are sending our heartfelt condolences for your loss. Tony was a lovely man and a wonderful artist. from Cora Cluett and Paul Dignan
Dear Jane and family, We were very saddened to hear of Tonys' passing. Although its been a couple of years since we've treated him we always looked forward to his visits. There was always a story to be told and he was a lovely man. May your shared memories help to carry you through this difficult time. Sincerest Condolences, Cristol, Mark, Peter, Debbie and Katelynn The We-fix-u Chiropody Team
Dear Jane,Emily and family. I’m so sorry to hear about Tony’s passing. He was a talented artist and a gentle soul. Always enjoyed a wonderful, thoughtful conversation with him. He will be missed. L
To Jane Urquhart and the Urquhart family: Please know that I am thinking of you during this time of loss. Tony Urquhart was such a outstanding man and artist. I so enjoyed a chat I had with him during Hugh MacKenzie's birthday party several years ago. I hope you will find peace in your memories of him. Blessings. Jane Burns
Tony was a rare combination of unique artistic vision and a gentle human nature. His work is and will always remain exciting and fresh . He will be sorely missed by all who were lucky enough to have known him . Much love to all his family . Xo Liza
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
OCAD University - Marsh Urquhart Memorial Scholarship
To our dear friend Jane Urquhart and Tony's family, on behalf of all the library staff and library board we would like to extend our condolences. Tony donated regularly to our library - he donated his time, his talents, his art and his wallet! We remember him with great affection and we know he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was a wonderful, talented, kind and modest personality whose life is an example to us all. Rest in peace Tony - from all of us at the Cramahe Library
Jane and Family, My Sympathy. "The Art of Creativity", written by your daughter Emily, tells Tony's story, as an artist, a father, and a teacher. Tony lived his creativity. Lenna
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
OCAD University - Marsh Urquhart Memorial Scholarship
I was a student of Professor Urquhart's at the University of Waterloo in 1992. My brother passed away unexpectedly that semester, and the kind words and gentle support given to me by Prof. Urquhart at that time resonate with me to this day. I was very sad to learn of his passing. My sincere condolences.
Our sincere condolences to Jane and family on Tony’s passing. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. Dana a Janice Johnston
Our sincere condolences to Jane and family on Tony’s passing. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. Dana a Janice Johnston
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
OCAD University - Marsh Urquhart Memorial Scholarship
My sincerest condolences to Jane and family. Tony was a very distinguished and accomplished Canadian, an innovator, whose legacy will remain with us. Don Davis, Toronto (formerly from Colborne - that monarch butterfly tagger!)
My sincere condolences, to Jane and the Urquhart family.Prayers to all.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
OCAD University - Marsh Urquhart Memorial Scholarship
My deepest sympathy Jane and Family. Tony left a significant legacy to and impact on the Canadian art scene but locally he was a charming gentleman who supported our heritage displays and was frequently there on opening night chatting with one and all. He will be missed.
Sorry to hear that Tony has passed. My sincere condolences to you Jane and your family.
Jane-so sorry to hear of Anthony's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
My sincere condolences to Jane and all of Tony's family. I trust you will find comfort in your many fond memories of a life well lived. Tony is truly a consummate example of a great husband, father, friend, but most of all an accomplished and true Canadian. May you find comfort in knowing how respected and accomplished his earthly presence was.
My sincere condolences, on the loss of this wonderful man. A true gentleman, intelligent, talented, such a kindness with a sparkle in his eye & smile. God bless Tony Donna M Logel
To Jane, Emily and Family... We were so very sorry to hear of Tony's passing. We know it's been a very hard couple of years of illness for Tony and all of you. We feel very heartbroken. Love Ted and Brenda
Sincere condolences to you Jane and your family in the passing of Mr. Urquart. He had a wonderfully gifted life.
My deepest condolences to the family..Tony was a very talented exceptional human being .. he will be missed so much .. thinking of you Jane.... Camilla millar