Obituary of Arthur John Motyer

Sackville, N.B.- It is with sadness that the family of Arthur John Motyer announce his passing on Thursday, June 23, 2011 at his home. Teacher, mentor, loving father and grandfather, director, playwright, loyal friend, impresario, author, student and nurturer of human nature, member of the Order of New Brunswick: this was Arthur Motyer. Born December 15, 1925 in Hamilton, Bermuda, Arthur Motyer attended Saltus Grammar School and later Mount Allison University (1942-1945). A Rhodes Scholarship took him to Oxford for further studies in English, after which he returned to Canada where he taught English and Drama at the University of Manitoba (1948-50) and Bishop’s University (1950-70). While at Bishop’s University, he led the development and realization of the Centennial Theatre, giving Bishop’s the finest university theatrical facilities in Canada at the time. Returning to Sackville in 1970 as Purvis Professor of English and Associate Dean of Faculty, he immersed himself in the cultural life of campus and community. In addition to taking on the roles of Dean of Arts and Vice-President Academic, he served for many years as Chair of the Performing Arts Committee and of the classical concert touring organization Debut Atlantic, founded Windsor Theatre and the Mount Allison Drama Program, and was mentor and founding chair of Live Bait Theatre. In his retirement, he wrote two distinguished books, the novel What’s Remembered and a memoir, The Staircase Letters. In September, Arthur will posthumously be awarded the Bermuda Arts Council 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award. Arthur Motyer had a genius for making connections - among people, feelings, and ideas - and he leaves behind a vast network of lives touched and enriched. Arthur will be sadly missed by his sister, Jacqueline (Motyer) Blagrave; former spouse, Janet (Speid) Motyer; children, Michael Motyer (Michelle Russelle) and Gillian Motyer Allen (Leslie Allen); grandchildren, Amanda Motyer, Stephen Motyer, Claire Motyer, Meghan Allen and Jacqueline Allen; many loving nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews and by his longtime partner, Alasdair MacLean. He was predeceased by his sister Jocelyn (Motyer) Raymond and by his parents, W. Ernest P. Motyer and Edith (Brunning) Motyer. Arrangements have been entrusted to Campbell’s Funeral Home, 89 Bridge Street, Sackville, N.B. (506) 364-8188. In keeping with Arthur’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at 11 am at the Mount Allison University Chapel with Rev. Eldon Haye officiating. Burial will take place in the Sackville Cemetery. Donations in memory of Arthur may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society Research Fund or to the charity of one’s choice.