Arthur Francis Richard Penson

Art was born in Creston, British Columbia to Richard and Francis Penson. He grew up on an apple orchard in Canyon and had a wonderful creative childhood.

Art went to the University of Victoria in the mid-1960s to study to be an Art and Music Historian. During his time there, he became involved in the then-amateur community theatre company, Bastion Theatre. Relishing work in the theatre, he transferred to the Kootenay School of Art where he won a scholarship to the Pasadena Playhouse in California.

He had a long-standing connection to many Canadian theatres, including Neptune Theatre in Halifax, the Stratford Festival, the National Arts Centre, the Great Canadian Theatre Company and Odyssey Theatre in Ottawa, the Manitoba Theatre Centre in Winnipeg and finally, Bastion Theatre in Victoria. In his early years, he designed for theatres in England (Crucible Theatre, Sheffield and Belgrade Theatre, Coventry) and Ireland (Abbey Theatre, Dublin).

Branching out from theatre, Art has also designed for opera companies such as Opera Lyra Ottawa and dance troupes such Le Groupe de la Place Royal in Montreal.

In 1985, he and his wife Barbara took a break from theatre and bought a small wholesale bakery called Mrs. Beasley’s Bakeshop. They successfully ran the bakery for 8 1/2 years and grew and expanded it. But the theatre was calling to them again, and they sold the bakery in 1993.

Art continued his design career until 2007 when he and Barbara moved to Victoria. Art wanted to go back to his theatre roots and away from the snow of Ottawa. They travelled across the country by train and arrived in Victoria where they made their home until he passed away.

The last few years Art faced many health challenges but he was remarkably positive until it was no longer possible. After 70 years as a diabetic his body had had enough and after a short stay in the hospital he passed away on his own terms.

He will be missed by his wife Barbara, daughter Kera (Tish), his grandson Luka ( Jolene), his great grandson Isaak and many dear friends and relatives.

Thanks to the nurses, doctors and aides on the 3rd floor at The Royal Jubilee Hospital and in particular Dr Stigant.