My name is Robert Jekyll.  I have been associated with the crafts community of Ontario for 40 years.  Firstly as a maker and craftsperson in the field of stained glass, and then as a member of numerous boards and committees including several years with the Ontario Arts Council.

I first met Jean Johnson in the late 70s at a wonderful event she organised here at Harbourfront.  Designed By Commission transformed the brigantine room into a marvellous show case for craftsmen.  Not only did it attract a public that was interested in having works of craft specially designed and made for them, but it was a great opportunity for us to meet other makers who subsequently became colleagues and good friends.  So successful was the event that Jean decided to repeat it again the next year.

Fast forwarding now to a few months ago when I had the privilege of travelling to Peterborough with Jean to see a wonderful exhibition of Dorothy Caldwell’s recent works.  We went by Greyhound bus and had great conversations both going and coming back.  At one point, Jean, who had very much enjoyed herself, suggested that we do this again.  It was not long afterwards that we learned of Ann Mortimer’s Last Show coming up in June.  So we made plans to travel together again… this time to London.  Following her sad accident and subsequent hospitalization many colleagues and friends visited Jean.  As my partner and I live close by Toronto General, we were able to drop in on her almost every day.  Some days were better for Jean than were others.  When she was down, I found that just reminding her of our plans to travel to London would cheer her up.  “Yes” she would say with a smile “we must go to London”.

I don’t think Jean enjoyed anything more than attending an opening, an annual meeting, a lecture, or in fact anything where she could meet and mingle with her crafts community.  By just being there, she gave the event a special status … a unique aura of her own.  In this way, she shared her Order of Canada with us all.

Thank you, Jean.  May the angels give you joy .

– shared by Robert on the occasion of “A Tribute to Jean”
 July 22nd, 2014 – Lakeside Terrace, Bill Boyle Artport, Harbourfront Centre