Statement on the Passing of Gerda Hnatyshyn, C.C., Co-founder and President of The Hnatyshyn Foundation
July 17, 2023
It is with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved President, Gerda Hnatyshyn, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 14th, at her home in Ottawa. A wonderful mother and grandmother, Gerda will be remembered by all as a gracious host, generous friend, and patron of the arts.
Her dedication to fostering excellence in the arts which she shared with her adored husband, the Right Honourable Ray Hnatyshyn, former Governor General of Canada, benefitted countless people from all walks of life. Throughout her life, Gerda demonstrated a deep commitment to exemplary public service, and had a gift of making every occasion feel special. She was an exceptional host who brought friends and acquaintances together through wonderful homemade gourmet meals where she would inspire conversation toward the betterment of the country.
In 2002, Gerda and Ray founded the Hnatyshyn Foundation to bring opportunity, encouragement, and practical support to Canada’s artists, to allow them to fulfill their dreams and in so doing, nurture the ties that unite Canada as a nation and as members of a wider human family.
“We know our mother believed the arts could bring people together and inspire hope not only nationally but internationally. She was our guiding force who made family occasions very special. She was our cheerleader throughout our lives. We will miss her very dearly,” said John and Carl Hnatyshyn, sons of Ray and Gerda Hnatyshyn.
“Gerda built the Hnatyshyn Foundation from the ground up 20 years ago and to mark the anniversary in 2023, she wanted to help 10 artists affected by the war in Ukraine and 10 artists of Ukrainian descent in Canada and raise funds to re-build a cultural facility in Ukraine. She achieved that vision, through grants and a sparkling gala concert at Rideau Hall and the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre only 3 weeks before her death. She lived her legacy until the very end,” said Cynthia White-Thornley, Chair of the Hnatyshyn Foundation.
To those who knew Gerda, it comes as no surprise that she worked at the Foundation and continued to come to the office to inspire the team, despite her recent illness.
It was Gerda’s greatest wish that The Hnatyshyn Foundation would outlive her and continue its support of exceptional artists from across Canada. Her drive, her wit, her grace and her love will remain with us.
Bridget Moser, a two-time laureate of Hnatyshyn Foundation visual arts awards, offered the following words in Mrs. Hnatyshyn’s memory:
“Mrs. Hnatyshyn’s commitment to supporting emerging and established artists and curators leaves a profound and lasting impact on the arts in Canada. I am honoured and grateful to be included on the long list of artists whose work has been recognized and supported by the Foundation, and I am very sorry to learn of her passing. Her dedication and vision will continue to resonate through the work that the Foundation encourages and aids—it is a tremendous and inspiring legacy.”
Mrs. Hnatyshyn requested a private funeral service. For those who wish to honour her extraordinary life, she would have loved nothing more than a charitable donation to the Foundation’s award fund or 20th anniversary project, so that her vision can live on.
With sincere thanks and love,
The Hnatyshyn family, Hnatyshyn Foundation staff, and Hnatyshyn Foundation Board of Directors
