RIP Pat. I will miss you.

In Memoriam - Patricia Vervoort

It is with profound sadness that the family of Patricia Vervoort announces her peaceful passing, surrounded by love, on Wednesday, May 8, 2013.

Patricia served as Art Historian at Lakehead University from 1975 until retiring in 2006. She was instrumental in helping create the Department of Visual Arts, serving as Chair of the Department from 1990 to 1996.

In developing and teaching most of the compulsory art history courses, her central project was not only to ensure that students graduating from the program were aware of the history of art, but also became as good writers as they were artists.

She contributed to her discipline through presenting research papers at conferences in Europe and North America, editing and contributing chapters to books, and publishing her research in academic journals.

In honour of Patricia's memory, there will be a Celebration of Life held at the Avila Chapel at 1 pm on Monday, May 13, 2013.

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Pat was one of my favorite professors. The first time I met her she told me I was not under any circumstances going to pass her 3rd year Postmodernism in Art course without taking first and second year art history first. A few months later she told me I had "actually done a good job". To me this was a glowing triumph and a grand compliment. 

 

She was tough, brusque and cared deeply about the integrity of her program and the students who took part in it. I am a better writer, teacher and person for having known her.  I enjoyed the time I spent around her and she holds my deepest respect to this day. Over the last 14 years that I have taught, my students have benefited continuously from what I learned in her class. 

 

Pat, you will be missed, but your teaching and spirit live on in my classroom. Thank you.