Remembering John Hoyland

John Hoyland, the celebrated artist, died of heart complications aged 76 years and whose funeral took place on Saturday (13^th August). He has requested that his ashes should be laid to rest in Jamaica, a country which he loved. John, who is recognised as being one of the greatest, if not the greatest, abstract painter of his generation and his wife, Beverley Heath, the well-known former beauty queen and model, have been active for some years in raising funds for the Jamaica Hospitals League of Friends.
Beverley explained:
“John was absolutely at home in Jamaica. Our apartment in the Montego Bay Club overlooks a very beautiful garden, which John called his meadow. He enjoyed sitting on the balcony watching the beautiful birds and "lizards playing dead"! He would like his ashes thrown in the sea. The Jamaica Hospitals League of Friends is our preferred charity because all funds raised goes directly to the helping sick people - it isn't wasted on administration. We started supporting this charity because I pointed out to John that it was important because the hospitals are desperate for new equipment and many people cannot afford to go abroad for treatment.
My mother was in Cornwall General Hospital recently and although they tried very hard the conditions were dreadful. My nephew Oshane was also admitted to Cornwall General hospital last year with serious burns and we feared that he would lose a leg and I am pleased to say that he can now walk again, and that brilliant”.
Although Hopelyn and myself were not able to attend the funeral – my father-in-law passed away in Florida within a couple of days of John – we have savoured some of the joy and gaiety of the occasion, as well as the sadness, from this poem in tribute by Veronica White, herself a former celebrated model and beauty queen – and long-time friend of Beverley and John.

A report on the Memorial Service for John Hoyland RA at St James's Church, Piccadilly, London is posted on the diary page for October 2011.

For readers who wish to join John and Beverley in their long-time support for the Jamaican Hospitals League of Friends the relevant link is

http://www.jamaicahospitals.org.uk

CELEBRATING JOHN’S FAREWELL

 Morning has broken
Everyone’s awoken
By the chimes of the early alarm.
All the guests and all the crew
Have a special rendezvous
To celebrate John’s farewell, we must keep calm.

All the careful preparation
And the colour separation
For everyone must be aptly attired.
Bring out the Hoyland tie
With that special vivid dye
The ladies too, their garments are Hoyland inspired.

Robert points out the regiment
Of affiliated sentiment
Affectionately displaying Hoyland’s symphonies.
Stunning Bev in baubles and pink
I know what John would think
My girl is stepping out from ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’.

Everyone gathers round
To listen to the sound
From the podium of songs, tributes and poetry.
Emotions we can not hide
Words are spoken misty eyed
John’s dear mother fills in with loving commentary.

 A plethora of anecdotes
Hand written letters and lots of notes
Pour in from near and far, non-stop.
And Allen don’t be daft
John’s had the last laugh
He’s now moved up above you in the penthouse on top!

 ‘When Picasso meets up with you
You could show him a thing or two’
These are words of wisdom from John’s mother.
You lived your life with gaiety
Heralded as the colour deity
Unique and daring, your mosaic is like no other.

Veronica White