Charles H. Lacy 1933-2013
On Saturday, June 22, Charles Lacy died of a sudden heart attack at home with his wife at his side.
Born in 1933, the son of Harper Lacy and Myrtle Norling Lacy, Chalres spent his boyhood on the prairies of South Dakota, hunting and sketching the great flights of ducks and geese on their annual migrations. His intense fascination with wild birds and mammals led naturally to two university degrees specializing in biology (Iowa State). Later after completing military service, he traveled over much of western Canada, the U.S and Alaska, studying and observing wildlife.
He was hired as Provincial Biologist for Ducks Unlimited in Manitoba in 1960. He and Marjorie met in Winnipeg and were married in 1964. In 1966 he transferred to Edmonton where he became Alberta’s first D.U biologist. It was in Edmonton that he became a naturalized Canadian citizen. Through all these years he continued drawing and painting until, after eleven years with D.U., he left to commence a new career in art.
They moved first to Hinton, Alberta, and then in 1975 purchased land in the foothills west of Edson where he built a log home and established his art studio. He studied with the noted artists Robert Lougheed and Clarence Tillenius, and continued to read and study independently throughout the years, developing a impressive and library on painting, art and artists.
His work was exhibited in prestigious shows and competitions in Canada and the United States during the heyday of wildlife art during the seventies, eighties and early nineties. His paintings now grace homes and offices throughout Canada and the United States, many owned by naturalist, hunters and wildlife professionals who know intimately the subjects he portrays.
He said, "It is becoming increasingly difficult to experience the beauty, peace and solitude that only wild lands can provide. Many will never have that opportunity. I hope that my art can preserve for others those things that have given me so much pleasure and also help save them from further depletion."
He was never a gregarious or social person, but he loved deeply and cared passionately for the natural world. His is survived by his wife, Marjorie Lacy, and Sister Bernie Beasley and family in Texas. Cremation has taken place. At his request there will be no formal service. If friends desire, memorial donations may be made to the Alberta Wilderness Association, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, or a conservation organization of your choice.
“In wilderness is the preservation of the world." Thoreau
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