Tribute

Hugo Marcel Karel Myny, born July 27, 1932 in Essen Belgium, died in his sleep July 25, 2022, in Abbotsford, BC.

He was predeceased by his wife, Caroline (née Aldred, 2011). Hugo was born into a family of church organ builders on his mother’s side (Agnes Loncke) and his father Karel Myny was a home builder. He had 2 brothers Daniel and Joris, and 4 sisters Raymonde, Susy, Monica, and Betsy.

Hugo lived an extraordinary life journey, with artistic influences around him as a young child. He learned about organ building from his grandfather, about architectural styles through his father’s work, and discovered painting through spending time in the studios of local artists. As his mother often hosted dinner parties inviting people from all walks of life, Hugo enjoyed the exchange of new and different ideas. Living through WWII (literally in his backyard at times), he survived many near-death situations. Hugo emigrated to Canada in 1960, exploring numerous vocations as a young man in Alberta and Ontario, eventually establishing himself as a painter in Calgary, AB from 1979-1986. Nearly losing his eyesight during this period, it was remarkable that he continued to paint. Following successful eye surgery, he and his wife Caroline made their way to Abbotsford, BC, where he maintained his art studio from 1986-2019.

In their near 39-year marriage, Hugo and Caroline were dynamic and passionate community people. They always enjoyed socializing at local art galleries, were supportive of other artists, and volunteered in community services. They made everyone feel welcome in their home that was lined floor to ceiling with artworks.

Hugo was also an avid gardener, enjoying full colour in flowers and plants just as much as in his paintings. He loved books; was able to read in six languages, speak fluently in five, and had procured a large personal library. And everyone who knew Hugo well, knows what a great storyteller he was. With endless curiosity, he lived with a keen pursuit of knowledge and he respected the differences in people and their beliefs, while living by his own wise philosophy of “Doe wel en ziet nie om,” “Do the right thing and do not look back.”

Through his large body of artwork, Hugo leaves behind a legacy of story, symbolism, mythology, history, and social comment in his drawings, paintings, prints, and sculptures. But even more than his artwork, Hugo will be dearly missed by his close relatives and friends around the world as the very kind, generous, mentoring man that he was to all of us who crossed his path.

“A painting must be able to develop from within itself – from within the experience of putting paint onto a flat surface. If you are not afraid to try, then each work becomes a part of a greater work – your life.” (Hugo Myny)

For more information on the memorial services or on Hugo’s life and work, contact Werner and Sandra Friesen at sjwf@shaw.ca, 403-455-5494.