Obituary of Robert Alfred Van de Peer

Robert Alfred Van de Peer

Born in England in 1945. In 1968 he graduated from London's Royal Academy of Arts and later did his master qualifying studies with Master Printer Carl Bethke. He immigrated to Canada to teach printmaking and in 1980 he received the Canadian Print and Drawing Council's most prodigious biennale award the "Special Edition" award for the most outstanding print that year in all of Canada.

After a number of years of teaching Printmaking on the University level he sailed his schooner to Charlotte County and eventually washed up on the shores of St. Andrews. He developed and ran the print shop at Sunbury Shores Arts and Nature Center for many years before finally retiring in St. Andrews.

He has had the priviledge of working with many printmakers and artists both in Canada and Cuba where he spent many winters working with local printmakers.

Robert was a man of unique and varied talents who wrote an imporant book on non-toxic techniques in printmaking and three books on the culture and arts of Cuba. He was an experienced mariner and taught celestial navigation as well as sailing classes for youth. For many years he taught printmaking to grade 12 students at the local highschool in St. Andrews.

Robert is survived by two sons, Martin of Minnesota and Son Roland and daughter Elsa in Ontario. He is also survived by a nephew in England and grandchildren. In keeping with Robert's wishes there will be no funeral but a celebtration of life will be held at a later time at Sunbury Shores. We will all miss you, my friend. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care & direction of Humphreys Funeral Home, 20 Marks St. St. Stephen, NB E3L 2B2 (506 – 466 – 3110)