Stanley Lewis Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Aug. 16 to Aug. 17, 2006.

LEWIS, Stanley. Peacefully, at the Jewish General Hospital, on Monday, August 14, 2006. Dear son of the late Adolph and the late Anne Lewis. Survived by his sister Sheila Kanter. Predeceased by his brother Herbert. Dear nephew of Betty and the late Hyman Lewis. Special friend of Ian Jatsura. He will be sadly missed by his nieces, nephews, family and friends. Stanley was an accomplished artist, sculptor and teacher who was an inspiration to his many students and patrons. Funeral service from Paperman & Sons, 3888 Jean Talon St. W. on Thursday, August 17 at 1 p.m. Burial at the Tifereth Beth David Jerusalem Congregation Cemetery, Beth Yitzchok Section, de la Savane. Donations in his memory may be made to the "Stanley Lewis Heart Foundation" c/o Jewish General Hospital Foundation, (514) 340-8251.

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42 Entries

November 3, 2020

Friend

Jeanne Pope

Dear friends of Stanley - I found this writing and want to share with you.
And, yes, thanks Ezra for keeping this alive!

Who was Stanley Lewis?

“A workaholic sculptor whose prime mistress was art,” wrote Lisa Fritterman in her obituary for The Globe and Mail in 2006, “yet he also loved Chinese food, lobster, women, kielbasa sausage and his friends.” I add to this: smoked meat from the Main Deli Steak House, lean, with Barbie’s coleslaw.

There are two preoccupations in Stanley's philosophy of life: the temporal and the timeless. His epicurean indulging represents the temporal aspect of his spirituality, whereas his art repesents the timeless aspect of his spirituality. Food aside, Stanley Lewis was a master Canadian sculptor, innovative stone-cut printmaker, writer, teacher, photographer, traveller and researcher with a 56-year international career. Despite the lengthy contribution he made to Canadian art, he never gained the recognition he longed for and many feel he deserved. He was a teacher and mentor to many accomplished artists including Ryan Larkin, the Canadian animator, who was his lifelong friend. Speaking for myself, Stanley was the most interesting and beguiling man I have ever met.

From a sparkling debut in the fifties as the most talented student to graduate from the Montreal School of Fine Arts under the tutelage of the pioneering art educator Dr. Arthur Lismer, Stanley went on to Mexico for three years, where he learnt the rudiments of lithography and stone sculpture. Winning the prestigious Greenshields scholarship, he set sail for Italy where he learnt classical marble sculpting under Vittorio Gambacciani, the last marble carver in Italy. Here he discovered a Michelangelo technique and is accredited with being a Michelangelo expert. A meeting with Irving Stone the American author instigated a long correspondence, with Stanley providing the technical notes for Stone’s bestselling novel The Agony and the Ecstasy, on the life of Michelangelo. Stanley was later to profess to the media that he was plagiarised by Stone.



Coming back to Canada he searched for “the flavour of Canadian art,” finding it in the Inuit stone carvers and the stone-cut print. He began experimenting and innovated the technique, saying he “was the only non-Inuit to be working in this medium.” He was commissioned to create The Ten Commandments by the Jewish Congress and spent a further three years at Ein Hod, Israel. After nine years of world travels he returned to Montreal where he put on 33 one-man shows, co-founded the Association of Sculptors, and began a 25-year stint as head sculptor at the Saidye Bronfman Center, Montreal.

Later Years: At sixty, after various breakdowns and professional disappointments, Stanley distanced himself from the art world, finding a small studio on The Main, Montreal’s Boulevard St. Laurent, where he “went back to his roots,” returning to stone carving where he was “only influenced by his own work.”

He spent the last fifteen years of his life away from the public eye. He resumed his friendship with Ryan Larkin the animator. The two were inseparable, becoming local legends on the strip. Both had their “creative rebirth” at the same time in 2005. Stanley looked after Ryan and Ryan looked to Stanley as a father figure. They were to die within six months of each other, Stanley in 2006 and Ryan in 2007.

Posted by Jeanne Pope

December 15, 2014

I remember Stanley Lewis very well. I remember him as a compassionate understanding soul.
Whenever I visited Montreal I saw him on most occasions.
Sam Sussman London Ontario

March 29, 2012

sheila lewis kanter

In response to Ruth Stattner's query about where Stanley Lewis attended high school? He graduated from Strathcona Academy ~ perhaps in '47 or '48 ... I think he did attend Baron Byng for a few years.Sorry I can't be more specific since I'm the youngest in the family. Please let me know if you find out? [email protected]

March 27, 2012

Having received a Guest Book notice of new entries in remembrance of my brother, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all those who appreciated, admired and loved Stan. Although he is gone, his memory will live on and his genius will continue to thrill and give pleasure to all.

March 27, 2012

Marilyn Berzan-Montblanch

Thank you Ezra for keeping Stanley dancing before our eyes and in our hearts through this guestbook!

Marilyn

March 26, 2012

Susan Diane Conner-Bernett

Stanley, it will be 6 years this summer since you left us. I think of you every time I see a rock the colour of the Mount Royal stones you hand picked to juxtapose next to your images, which grew out of a deep spiritual connection with your inner state and the world around and far away from you. Even though gone, you are and will always be my mentor, friend, peer and idol all in one. I take you in my heart everywhere I go, and you were an inspiration to my four children, who have all gone into the arts in one way or another. I cherish the jewish holidays you shared at our family table as a member of our family, and I miss you more today than the year before and the year before that. You were truly a father to me, and I feel your presence around me in the air, the trees, the fire and the water. The clouds form your profile, the trees whisper your secret name to me, the fire reflects the fire in your eyes which were filled with the mysteries of life, and the water - oh the water - that you spilled onto your stone to breath life into them - the endless unraveling of your imagination, blessed by the Goddess and the Lord, will send ripples into the lives of multitudes and their children's children through your prints and carvings and words. You are a part of every stone I carve, and every painting that I channel. You are in the shadows watching me, and guiding me from above. As above, so below, I continue in the painful path of my life knowing that if you could do it, so might I. Stanley, I was truly blessed to have communed with you in the only way that counts to an artist - working side by side and sharing our visions and inspirations. I miss you so much. See you soon, my friend. Love Susan Conner Bernett.

April 6, 2011

Susan Conner-Bernett

Stanley, you are still missed and loved by your adopted daughter and grandkids.
You are in my mind and words every day, and to every one I meet.

Love Susan Gary Sheena Adam Blake and Payton

March 17, 2011

Claude Goldberger

I met Stanley Lewis as a teen-ager back in the early 60's when he worked as a sculpting instructor at the Sadie Bronfman building. At the time I was interested in sculpting stone so I took a night course given by Stanley in order to sharpen my stone cutting skills. Little did I know at the time that his instructions and powerful insight on shaping stone would leave a lasting impression on me and how I viewed sculptures from that moment on. Only recently did I discover that he passed away. To me he was a great teacher, sculptor and I will certainly remember him fondly. He touched the earth and his soul and mind soared into the heavens. May he rest in peace.

November 13, 2008

Sarah

Stanley,

Thank you for everything you have done - for me and for everyone. Your family loves you so much :)
I'm so sorry that I have yet to say a proper goodbye...I guess I'm not convinced that you're actually gone.
I will visit soon, with all the laughter, sunflowers and warm rain you deserve.
You are such a beautiful gift - you changed my life.
I promise to move forward with my head up and my eyes pointed at the sky, but please walk with me every so often...
All my love, always,
Sarah

August 9, 2007

Rhonda

Stanley,

It's been almost a year since your death, and still thoughts of you and your magical ways come to me so very often. I sing your song at least once a week, sometimes laughing , sometimes crying, but always remembering the connection we had.

Our friendship had the essence of two four year olds, exploring the extremes of our imaginations and our views of the world which surrounded us. We laughed, walked, talked, and ate, all the while you amazed me with the your way of approaching life, even when crossing the street! Of course, this was also the way you approached your art, after all, your art was your life, and with it you were nothing but a absolute genius.

With love Stanley, I miss you,

March 28, 2007

Dana Enciu

I met Stanley Lewis in November 1992. I will always remember him as a very talented artist, and also as a very generous human being, with a heart of gold. He was funny and interesting to talk to. He offered me 2 of his works, one with a dedication; I treasure them, and a day doesn’t go by without thinking of Stanley when I see these works. I visited him a few times in his studio, we had dinner on the Main, we talked about art (as a student I had a part-time job in an art gallery in Montreal). Then I would meet him every now and then on the bus 165 ( both of us lived on Cote-des-Neiges). In 2000 I moved from Montreal and lost touch with Stanley Lewis. But I will always remember him and I will always be grateful for his kindness: when I was going through difficult times he was one of the very few people who really cared – and he didn’t have too, we were just 2 people that met by chance somewhere in Montreal.

February 20, 2007

Kirby Hammond

I just learned of Stanley's passing the other week when I traveled to Montreal. One of the first stops I made was at his studio where I heard the news from the people at the monument shop. I will miss my friend.

I submit this photo I took of Stanley and his friend, and former student, Ryan Larkin. I only had this film developed last weekend. I am glad to have it to remember them by.

Posted by Kirby Hammond

February 9, 2007

paul hiscock

Stan was definitely an inspiration.I had only met him once but we clicked immediately in 2003.He was too young to die but he will live in our hearts plus we have what he left behind.I tried to get in touch twice but unfortunately didnt manage it.I live in Prague.Thanx.paul

January 21, 2007

Moshe Elkabas

Stanley I was fortunate enough to have shared great moments with you. If I had to start writing about all your jokes, I would be afraid to stop laughing. Your name your art and your teachings is magical........

January 21, 2007

moshe elkabas

Stanley I was fortunate enough to have shared great moments with you. If I had to start writing about all your jokes, I would be afraid to stop laughing. Your name your art and your teachings is magical........

January 13, 2007

Ezra Soiferman

5 months since you moved on. Still think of you often. Thanks for all the encouragement then, now and forever. Loud and clear.

Ez

November 25, 2006

Fred Kline

Stanley Lewis. An artist to cherish, a friend to remember.

Stanley found joy in his art and in turn gave to all who knew him the gift of enthusiasm. His art was beautiful. He was a force of nature.

In the arctic, in Baffin Island, the ice melted at the sight of Stanley's flourescent red hat and coat. In Florence, some people thought, Irving Stone notable among them, that Stanley may have been Michelangelo's descendent son.

Now that he's gone, remember that his art remains. Look again. Now it is growing in its own light. Look again.

Carpe diem! Stanley did so much seize his days.

November 5, 2006

Lyn Steinberg

I am trying to locate Stanley's daughter, who is also my first cousin, Alisa, who lives in Scotland. Please forward contact information if available! Thanks!

October 10, 2006

Carina Rose

I see the open door
temptation looms
the only way to overcome one
is to indulge you say
enter but first you must cross
the world of the dead
and a surprise will be waiting
as there always is to find you
beyond the monoliths
among the archipelagos
of creatures and ancestors
hiding in dust clouds
settling for visitors
into a stillness within which anything is possible
in this sanctum lair of a time machine-
your home is where your hands are
both of them now hovering gracefully
hypnotizing back to life everything in this room
and outside it
as you introduce me to your most recent
turning it into the light to find it’s shadow
and then towards the one engraved for Blake
if the doors of perception were cleansed
everything would appear to man as it is, infinite
and with this spell your igneous eyes
drill the core of the material
deep into the crystals and then into me
like a gypsy with a ball
seeing the next destination
but first asking
where would you like to go?-
we are immortal for a moment
and then we take a break
on the ancient wall of china
to have a cup of tea flowering
into the dancing robes of Florentine tales
I have heard before but never like this
today your superhero jaw is raving
saving the world and the best for last
with an unhewn humour polishing venus
until her veins of marble music
pulse the ninth symphony
you orchestrate
back to your heart
a cavernous pink boulder
already sculpted for you
but you pick up your tools
hoping to make a difference-
are we fools or are we just lost and cold
on this inuksuik hunt down the main
searching for fossils now thawing into mayan relics
as we sit down at the hong kong remembering the big bang
as if we had been there
and perhaps we have-
you say bonsai!
and a galaxy of constellations falls to the ground
raked like gravel into imperial gardens
wrapped in a wailing wall
cracking and spilling sand
for the nomad desert-
I must go, you must go
there are more places to visit
as you turn to unlock the gate and cross over
I see the door open

In memory of journeys with Stanley Lewis
for the Lambi memorial September 13th 2006

October 3, 2006

Tim Hart

I met Stanley several years ago at Welch's when I was in Montreal visting. I saw him there at the bookstore and talked with him on a number of occasions when I would be in the city. We swapped adventure stories and memories of our times in Israel-- a land for which he held great regard.

October 2, 2006

Robert Labelle

A regular at Welch's bookstore on the Main, Stanley always brightened up this clerk's shift with stories and habitual enquiries: "Do you have The Agony and the Ecstasy?" Irving Stone apparently interviewed Stanley as part of his research about how Michelangelo worked in marble.

September 20, 2006

Ezra Soiferman

On September 13th 2006, we celebrated Stanley Lewis the Friend and the 'Man-about-the-Main' at Club Lambi on St. Laurent Blvd.



On Wednesday, October 4th, 2006, another event in honour of Stanley Lewis is to take place, this time at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, where we will present Stanley Lewis the Artist in a show called Return to Roots.



Please join us for a glass of wine in the Salon des amis (in the new wing - 1380 Sherbrooke St. West), beginning at 5pm, for this rare opportunity to see a selection of Stanley Lewis' work which will have been brought together for the first time in many years.



We hope to see you there.



-Friends of Stanley Lewis

September 17, 2006

Jarred Peletz

My family had known Stanley for many years. We still have many of his prints and sculptures. Such talent can never be forgotten. I remember Stanley coming with my family to baseball games and over for supper. He was such a character. I always think of him when I pass by his studio on the Main. He was the Soul of the Main and he will be deeply missed.

September 16, 2006

Lawry Trevor-Deutsch

As a very young boy in the 60's, I used to sit for hours and watch in amazement as Stanley would chisel away in his old studio on the corner of Peel and Sherebrooke in the same building where my father had his photographic studio (eventually demolished to build a hotel). You can imagine as a kid what it was like to lean from a man like him, about how stone prints were crafted and observe how different layers and colours came together to produce such powerful works. Two of these masterpieces I watched created are now in my home some 40+ years later as well as several prints - one of which signed to my wife and I and presented to us for our wedding. I still cherish those vivid experiences and I valued his friendship. Our family will miss him. - Lawry, Fern and Hans

September 14, 2006

Anne-Marie Belanger

stanley lewis was a luminous person, who taught and learned as easily as he smiled.

i will remember him as the most interesting customer i've ever had.

September 12, 2006

Lyn Steinberg

Seldom can most imagine the beauty of creating art, and in the process, totally fulfilling one's soul... Until just before his death my Uncle Stanley did just that. What amazed me was how content he was without creature comforts many would consider essential. Fortunately, I inherited stanley's talent and work as a Trompe L'oeil muralist, fulfilling my insatiable need to create art and fill my soul. Even more fortunately, several months prior to his death, I was able to visit with Stanley, introduce him to my husband and children, and share my portfolio with him. He was extremely proud, and expressed such happiness in seeing a Lewis succeeding in an art career! I fervently hope that Stanley has brought his brushes with him, and that heaven holds a waiting canvas!!!

September 10, 2006

Daniel Dufour

I met Stanley in line for some smoked meat @ Schwartz's and was instantly enamoured by him. I asked if I could take his photo, and he graciously said yes. I loved every moment with him and his 'Pink Lady', and often looked up at his studio when passing it on the Main. I had the pleasure of having him come to my first vernissage, and have him hit on all of my female friends(!). Stanley, thank you.

September 8, 2006

Penelope Nichol

Stan was a Nobleman and a noble soul.He worked with the most noble of materials----the finest marbles.He was full of courage and sly wit, and such a distinguished example of principles lived. Stan constantly aspired to ever higher more honed expressions of his art He was the genuine article...what you saw was what you got----so refreshing, energising and reassuring.Stan had, as we know, a wicked sense of humor. On one of my last visits to him at the hospital, before he disappeared from us, he was being transferred from a wheelchair into his bed. The poor sweetie was in such pain and was whimpering like a child does. However, the minute he was stretched out on the bed, he relaxed, and was comfortable. He looked into my eyes with that charming twinkly roguish look and an easy smile on his lips. "Yep", he drawled out, "you can only die once, did you know!" It was worthy of a Jimmy Durante award! Stan, not a day goes past that I feel your charismatic presence, as I walk about our neighborhood. Never again shall we meet at Segal's hunting for bargains, for that evening's meal, or stop over a cuppa together at The St. Laurent, on a cold dark wintery afternoon.`Goodnight sweet Prince, perchance to dream`. may you remain in our hearts as I'm certain we continue to reside in yours, wherever you may be. Thank you beloved Stan for all that you gave of yourself so generously to me, may God bless your soul. Love always. Penelope.

September 7, 2006

venus cordoba

September 7, 2006



My sympathies to the Lewis family.



I met Stanley many years ago when I was introduced by our dear mutual friend Marilyn.



Stanley, an artist full of life, ideas and enthusiasm, taught me what I know about stone carving. A true friend who so generously shared with me his great knowledge. It was a joy to share the studio with Mr. Lewis for so many years.



Stanley, you will live on in my heart and my sculptures forever.

September 6, 2006

John Grande

Stanley was a permanent feature of the Montreal Main scene.

He will be fondly remembered by many...

September 5, 2006

susie crinita

i was stanleys teller at the bank of mtl. he could never remember his account number so i did it for him .he'd wait for me to serve him what a character. out of hundreds of customers thru the years stanley captured a piece of my heart when he went into the hospital i visited him(in 83)and he gifted me with part 9 of his primal dust series telling me it would make me rich one day.i am rich just because he touched my life in a small way.he was a whirl of energy always had a joke and stories for the girls in the bank.i;ve tried to find him thru the years.i was saddened when my sister phoned me a few weeks ago with his whereabouts.i just know he's already inspiring the heavens.my deepest sympathy to his family and friends he truly did shine .stanley i can still remember your smile and laughter thanks for the memories susie

September 4, 2006

Sheila Lewis Kanter

How very heart warming to read all the accolades everyone has bestowed upon my brother Stan! He was certainly a 'people' person, and cared deeply about the environment and man's inhumanity to man. His sense of beauty was very acute; his artistic, creative soul brought much joy to the mind, eye and spirit.In this respect, he will live on in our hearts forever.

September 3, 2006

miriam samuels

Both my husband and I were delighted to see Stanley while he was at the Jewish General Hospital, when we met in the halls while he could still walk around freely. He came to visit my husband Fred Samuels, who passed away July 4. He remained animated, full of ideas which he so generously shared with us. He was a high school friend and I will remember him with admiration and awe.



Miriam Samuels

September 2, 2006

Marilyn Berzan-Montblanch

Stanley

- a beautiful end of summer day in Montreal; it would have been great

to walk down St.Laurent and find your door open, as it so often was;

to be greeted with your always gleeful smile and words of welcome

surprise for this visitor - and for anyone I brought with me! You loved

sharing your passions, concerns and experiences - showing your latest works and talking animatedly of their genesis from stone to sculpture, brought out by your hands and head and heart!



These are gifts to the world which will hopefully soon find their way

through a constellation of connected stars such as you loved to create in your prints and sculptures - you will always be shining and missed!



fondly, Marilyn

August 30, 2006

jeannette Pope

Stan. There was a magic about you, magic from another time. Always time to talk, to share, to care. Endless projects, endless thoughts from past to present. You inspired me as you did so many others. I just wish that you were here to share with us all the wonderful things happening around you at the moment. The memorial shows, your film projects, the songs people wrote for you, the pictures taken, which are being put up along the St Laurent Bld. They all miss you Stan. Myrisse. Herm, Adrian, Kenny, Peter - the Bersons Boys....our gang...

Thank you for everything you gave - friendship and art.

August 24, 2006

Ezra Soiferman

Stanley Lewis Memorial - Sept. 13, 2006



For all friends, students, colleagues and family of Stanley, there will be a MEMORIAL EVENT in his honour on Wednesday the 13th of September at 7pm at Club Lambi, 4465 St-Laurent Blvd., just south of Mont-Royal. 2nd floor.



The event will include performances, films and photos, original works and some of Stan's favourite foods.



If you want to contribute in any way to the event (souvenirs, photos, works, volunteering, etc.) please email Carina Rose at [email protected]

August 23, 2006

Harriet Greene

A passionate man, he taught me what I know about marble. I met Stanley in Montreal in 1968 and I am still carving. I have earned my living from it. My sympathies to the family.

August 18, 2006

gerry rubin

Stanley and I had great days together.

I will never ever forget him.

I will always feel the Aura of him and of his great creations.

May his family be blessed by the

memory of his love and caring towards all mankind.

August 17, 2006

Mitchell Kotansky

I have know Stanley for many years and it was always a pleasure an inspiration to visit him in his studio. Montreal has lost an important and passionate artist/sculptor. My condolences to his family.

August 16, 2006

Neil Mota

My sympathies to the Lewis family



Stanley was a shining star.He will be remembered and missed.



neil

August 16, 2006

Ezra Soiferman

It was an honour to get to know Stanley over the past 8 months since we were first introduced by our mutual friend, Carina.



His stories and artistic way will forever inspire me. Here are a couple of things he told me during our many great talks at the Jewish General Hospital...



"We're just passing through. Nothing is forever. Well, there is one thing forever... a good stone sculpture!" (April 12, 2006, Stanley Lewis)



"I'd rather be a dead hero than a living coward." (July 18th, 2006, Stanley Lewis)



Stanley will "rock" on forever. A true friend, artist and appreciator of life.

August 16, 2006

sheila kanter(nee lewis)

My brother, Stanley Lewis, world travelled artist, sculptor, and printmaker. An icon in Canadian art,he was a grandson of Russian immigrants, son of Montreal born parents Anne and Adolph Lewis. Stan loved his city of Montreal and was inspired by Mount Royal, in whose shadow he grew up. Rest in peace, my brother.

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