This notice is from the archives of The Notice Board. Information contained in this notice was accurate at the time of publication but may no longer be so.
The University of Lethbridge extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Margaret (Marmie) Perkins Hess (DFA ’04), who passed away on Friday, Sept. 2 at the age of 100.
Her contributions to the province and the country and its citizens are numerous and create an unparalleled legacy. In 2004, the U of L conferred upon Hess an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree to recognize her accomplishments in art, business and public service. She served on the U of L Senate and, on the occasion of her 100th birthday on May 3, U of L President Mike Mahon presented her with the Key to the University.
“Marmie was a great friend of the U of L and supported our students in their quests to be the leaders and engaged citizens of tomorrow. We are grateful for her friendship over the years and I will personally miss the insight and counsel she provided to me and my colleagues,” says Mahon.
Hess was born in Calgary in 1916. Early on, she learned the value of community responsibility and love of the land. Following high school, she attended the University of Alberta and the University of Toronto, where she completed a bachelor of arts degree in 1938. She taught art at the Alberta Provincial Institute of Technology and the Banff School of Fine Arts during the Second World War. She completed graduate studies at the University of Iowa in 1947.
Hess acquired the Spencer Creek Ranch in 1952 and, over the years, built it into a successful horse breeding operation and cattle business. She had a particular interest in studying and preserving the art and environment of indigenous peoples. Hess became a respected lecturer and, in 1970, she opened Calgary Galleries to share her love of indigenous art.
She donated her time and expertise to many organizations, including various museums, the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede, the United Way and the Rotary Club of Canada, to name a few. She was named a Member of the Order of Canada in 1982 and an Officer in 1993. Hess was also made a member of the Alberta Order of Excellence.
More information about her storied life is available online. A funeral service is planned for Friday, Sept. 16 and the U of L will lower its flag in honour of Hess on that day.
Contact:
caroline.zentner | caroline.zentner@uleth.ca