In Memory of our Dear Friend + Supporter Abraham Jedidiah Rogatnick 1923 - 2009
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of the University's dearest friends: Abraham Jedidiah Rogatnick.
Abraham Rogatnick's involvement with the Vancouver School of Art/Emily Carr University of Art + Design spans five decades. Upon arriving in Vancouver in the early 1950's Abraham, accompanied by Alvin Balkind, visited the Vancouver School of Art to determine how they might make contact with Vancouver artists. They were instantly ushered upstairs by then-Principal Fred Amess to meet faculty members Jack Shadbolt, John Koerner, Peter Aspell, Donald Jarvis and Lionel Thomas. Through discussions with these distinguished faculty members they learned that due to a shortage of gallery venues artists could not show their work in Vancouver. As a result of this discovery, Alvin and Abraham established the "New Design Gallery," the first fully active and long-lasting commercial gallery for contemporary art in Vancouver.
Abraham was one of the founders of the Arts Club of Vancouver which carried out a notable program of lectures, concerts, dramatic presentations and other events, and which later evolved into the present Arts Club Theatre. In 1974/75 he held the distinguished position of Interim Director of the Vancouver Art Gallery.
As a Teacher of Architecture, Abraham had a renowned career. In 1975 the University of British Columbia awarded him the UBC Master Teacher Award.
In retirement Abraham continued his role of arts advocate, orator, philanthropist and inspirational teacher and lecturer. In 1999 Emily Carr recognized his outstanding contributions to education, architecture, and arts and culture by awarding him an Honorary Doctorate.
Abraham lived his life full of excitement and enthusiasm for the things that he loved. His passion for architecture and art was infectious and never failed to inspire those around him. He had a quick wit and a sharp intellect as well as a wonderful sense of humour. He always demonstrated sensitivity and generosity towards the needs of others and in 1997 he established endowment scholarships in both his name and that of his long time partner Alvin Balkind. These awards will financially assist Emily Carr University students in perpetuity.
In 2007 Emily Carr honoured and recognized Abraham by renaming the Media Gallery the Abraham J. Rogatnick Media Gallery for making such a difference in our lives and the lives of our students.
He will be sadly missed.
Abraham J. Rogatnick, B.A. (Cum Laude), Harvard College; M.Arch., Harvard Graduate School of Design; D. Litt. (Hon.) Emily Carr
The University will be holding a celebration of Life Friday, November 27, 2009 - details to follow.