Sad news about Rich Cartwright

Sas

@Chip-Valecek It is a good idea to draw something for him although his last sketch makes me so sad, with the child in the cemetery. It kind of rubs me the wrong way to do particularly that one, if you know what I mean. But that's just my two cents.

demotlj

Given that his family may not know that his last sketch was of a cemetery and that it might cause them additional grief to know that, I agree with those who don’t think it would be a good idea to use that sketch. I do think, however, doing our own interpretations of “gone but still present,” in his memory would be very nice or even, as @KathrynAdebayo said some very simple paintings of a flower or something to post with the condolences. For the family, it’s really going to be the fact that you reached out that is most important and adding a simple visual image to it will be even more touching. (I hope I’m not sounding too much of a know it all here but I’ve dealt with a lot of grieving families in my ministry. I remember one man who laid every card he received out on his dining room table so that he could see those cards whenever he felt lonely. The other advantage of keeping it simple is that we might actually follow through on our good intentions.)

demotlj

Here’s an idea: riffing off of @KathrynAdebayo’s idea, we could send “flowers” by everyone posting a flower drawn in your own style, as simply or as elaborately as you want, which could be either posted to their condolence page or even better if someone could figure out how to do it, we could put them in a separate thread to be printed off and sent to the funeral home for the family from the forum.

Sas

@demotlj I like this idea! Maybe somebody who has the time could then take all the flowers, cut them out, bundle them up on one page or card format and put them in a "bouquet".

MOO

Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear this! I haven't been on his page for awhile. Thank you.

avfarrar

This is really terrible. Did anyone find out what happened?

Joy Heyer

This makes me so sad! Earlier this month I was wondering how Bobby Aquitania was doing--he used to post a lot a few years ago, but then developed cancer. I discovered that his cancer bested him. I know I don't post often, but I follow and cheer for all of you. And to hear that any of you are struggling, or gone, makes my heart ache.

demotlj

The obituary page for Rich is now up. It doesn't say much but you can read it here: https://www.thompsonfs.ca/obituary/richard-cartwright/

I have started another thread called "Flowers/Images in memory of Rich Cartwright" for anyone who would like to contribute paintings or drawings in his memory.

Johanna Kim

Hi all, looks like you can post a condolence message on the funeral website finally. I haven't been able to find out the cause of death. And not knowing his family makes me wonder how best to express my sadness. I guess I'm a bit worried about intruding on their grieving process, that maybe a lot of artwork and messages from us wouldn't be welcome. But maybe I'm over thinking...

LisaF

Thank you all for the kindness and concern you've shown here, that's part of what makes our little community so special. I didn't know Rich personally, but I know he was a regular around here, and I know he will be missed. He was clearly devoted to his craft, and worked very hard at it. It was inspiring to see his progress. In honor of his memory, SVS will donate funds to an arts program for kids, per his family's wishes. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family.

Chip Valecek

@LisaF to bad there isn't a love button like facebook, cause that is amazing of you guys to do that.

demotlj

@Johanna-Kim it's always hard to know what a family will want or need but in my experience it's always better to err on the side of reaching out. They don't have to look at the condolences page if it's too hard for them but if they do want to read condolences and there is nothing there, that can be very upsetting to a family.

Johanna Kim

@demotlj Thanks for sharing your thinking. It really helps me to frame my own thoughts. I see what you mean and agree wholeheartedly.