In Remembrance
Anthony Jack Batten OSA; CSPWC; SCA; SFCA
November 6, 1940 – December 27, 2020
Joy in my life
Tony Batten, 2020
“It is hard for all to imagine he has left this realm for a better place. What will we do without his foresight and guidance delivered in a uniquely non-judgemental manner? How will we pursue the greatness of the future without his scholarship and guidance?”
Even after the numbing atmosphere of 2020 it is not an overstatement for many to say that we have a more tearful and saddening realization in the passing, December 27, 2020, of our dear and constant friend Mr. Anthony J. Batten, more familiarly known to all his many friends as ‘Tony’. A man heavily steeped in British and Canadian traditions, originally an ‘immigrant kid’ from Oxfordshire, his life in Canada became the model of an intellectual and humanitarian existence…
Read the full eulogy by Peter Marsh, with contributions from Rayne Tunley
From the Supreme Court of Canada, Chambers of the Chief Justice:
I was very saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Mr. Anthony J. Batten. His obituary, along with the many tributes to his legacy, are truly inspiring. On behalf of the Supreme Court of Canada, I wish to express our deepest sympathies to you as well as to all of Mr. Batten’s family members and loves ones.
Mr. Batten’s work was first brought to my attention by Mr. Charles Robert, Clerk of the House of Commons, whose account of Mr. Batten’s portrayals of the Canadian Houses of Parliament was the inspiration for a similar collection of portrayals of the Supreme Court of Canada. I was personally struck by the beauty, finesse and elegance of Mr. Batten’s paintings on display at the House of Commons and Senate. I am also told that Mr. Batten’s enthusiasm and excitement for the Supreme Court of Canada project was boundless, and we shall cherish the memory of having had the pleasure of getting a taste of his artistic passion, if only briefly.
Please also accept my kindest personal wishes during these trying times.
Yours sincerely,
Richard Wagner, P.C.
Chief Justice of Canada
“Tony was larger than life. His infectious laugh always rang out through the halls at Leacock. He had a gift of encouragement that lifted up all who knew him. I was fortunate to have him as my art and home room teacher 70-75… Sincere condolences to all who miss him.”
Jay deNottbeck, Student
Read the obituary from the Globe and Mail
…Tony was born November 6, 1940 in Eynsham Hall, Oxfordshire, England. Receiving his early schooling in the UK, he moved to Canada in the 1950s. He attended classes at L’Ecole des Beaux Arts and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. He moved to Toronto in 1968 where he pursued his career as a visual artist. His talent was rewarded with several prestigious awards including the 1996 A.J. Casson award, the 1996 CSPWC Julius Griffith Award, the 2002 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee medal, to name a few…
I will miss you greatly “Unc”. Over the years I have anticpated viewing your art and updating your site, with great admiration. What a truly amazing life you lead. My condolences to all those who loved you. It was such an honour being your web designer… and friend.
Ana Maria Jurpik