With great sadness, we announce the passing of Ann Katherine Morrison (nee Spencer). She died unexpectedly, but peacefully, with family members by her side. She was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to Roy and Marguerita (nee MacQuarrie) Spencer. She was married for 25 years to Barrie Morrison, who predeceased her.
She is survived by her daughter, Sara (Michael Maynard), and sons, Peter (Ila Smith) and Douglas, and her grandchildren, Alexander (Catherine), Earl (Candace), and Victor (Kristen), Rochelle, Selena, and her great-grandchildren Anya, Kenzie, Maggie, Nora, Eli, Ava, Jackson, Denver, and Aylin. She took great delight in her children and their families. She also is survived by her brother and sister-in law, Henry and Mary Spencer, and sister, Margaret Clancy, and their children and grandchildren.
Ann was an accomplished artist, exploring a variety of styles and media as her painting evolved. She was trained in art and art history at the University of Saskatchewan (1950), the Vancouver School of Art (1973), and the University of British Columbia (1991). Her paintings were exhibited in Columbus (Ohio), Albany (New York), Chicago (Illinois), and Vancouver (British Columbia). Towards the end of her life, when she could no longer paint, she turned her artistic talents to short fiction.
Throughout her life, Ann was also an engaging and enthusiastic educator, teaching at the National Gallery of Canada, the Vancouver Art Gallery, and what is now the Emily Carr University of Art and Design. She wrote and lectured on many different artists, but developed a special expertise in Canadian art, in particular the work of Emily Carr. As an educator, she influenced how many people view, understand, and make art.
We will miss her.
Donations in her name can be made to the Emily Carr University of Art and Design.