Just last week we learned of the recent passing of AGO Marvin Gelber Print and Drawing Study Centre Volunteer, Pat Munson.

A sparkle and a smile, is how I would describe Pat Munson, fellow longtime volunteer; he always had that for everyone, that twinkle in his eye and the enthusiasm he had for sharing information and his knowledge. Be that on TMS training, which I learned from him, the work on the Print and Drawing library collection he spearheaded with us as a Committee team, his scheduling the volunteers which kept us all in order and aligned, his pleasant manner greeting our Print and Drawing visitors, to his hosting with his lovely wife Beth Horowitz the annual P&D pot luck party at their home, and further extended during the pandemic. The zoom calls Pat continued, where we gathered virtually and stayed connected during a time we were all isolating. On a lighter sweeter note, Pat’s love of Krispy Kreme doughnuts which he brought in dozens for us every month and we all shared our passion for sweets, our favourite “flavour” and chatter as the tight group we are over this decadent treat.

We are reminded of the treasures of life, and how much we cherish those dear to us in friendship and fellow colleagues. Pat was professional, kind, had a light nature and I shall miss him, his spirit and his visits with his beloved dog the adorable Picasso. He will forever be with us as he’s left such a legacy in Print and Drawings as a brilliant volunteer. In remembrance, we thank Pat with appreciation, respect and recognition for all he did for us personally and for the AGO as an institution.

With fond memories,

Barbara Glaser

AGO Volunteer President

Sharing as well, some remembrances from Pat’s fellow Print & Drawings volunteers –

“Pat was a key part of my volunteer life in the P&D Study Centre and became its anchor for me. He was always a joy to spend time and explore art with and I was sad when he left, and hoped he would return.  I will carry his memory forward with warmth and gratitude for the time we shared together. A toast to a fine southern gentleman, Pat.”  – shared by volunteer colleague, Ruth Hartman.

“Pat will be forever missed. No job was too great or too small to warrant his attention. Most important, he was a wonderful friend! We arrived in P&D on the same day. And for that, I was blessed.” – shared by volunteer colleague, Jane Smith.

“Pat Munson was extraordinary volunteer and friend to us all in P&D. We will miss his ideas and insights into what art was on view. His suggestions for visitors only came after he carefully questioned them on what prompted their visit to P&D. If the AGO had a video of Pat volunteering at Open Door it would become the one training session essential for any new volunteer to our team.  Our monthly P&D meetings informed us what to expect with classes, researchers and visitors. But it was also a time to briefly bring up something new, and remind us that email also connects us. Pat’s creative suggestions, on everything from points of language to the specific name given to vault volunteers, made everyone think and smile. It is a reminder that anyone coming into P&D should not only have thoughtful experience but an enjoyable one. “– shared by volunteer colleague, Susan Davidson.

“Pat was always there, on top of everything, ready to help, a stronghold in P&D. When he saw a need, he quietly and efficiently took care of it. He re-organized the library; did heavy lifting in the vault; he took over all the volunteer sign-ups for different positions; he taught us TMS (the museum system database), classes; he hosted and arranged zooms during Covid & beyond; and more that I’ve forgotten. We all came to rely on him.

For me personally – When I needed a car, he sent me information, when I needed a walker, he sent me information and when I needed information on a long lost painting, he quickly found it.

He had a dry sense of humor which I appreciated. For example, when he & Beth were married, he showed us wedding pictures and then said “Beth looked beautiful, and I was CLEAN”!  It was a privilege to have known & worked with Pat.”– shared by volunteer colleague, Cecile Freeman

“Pat was a person of high principles and integrity, possessing a compassionate heart and deep empathy. The Marvin Gelber Print and Drawing Study Centre at the AGO and its volunteer community mattered deeply to him, and he was driven by a strong sense of purpose in everything he contributed. Furthermore, his trust in the goodness of life was contagious, and his passing is a profound loss, reminding us of what truly matters in life and the preciousness of our shared humanity. We will carry his memory and the values he embodied within our community and in our hearts.” – shared by volunteer colleague Farzaneh Moallef