Contributions to the tribute of Dr. Linda Carson

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Sihan Shi posted a condolence

Sunday, September 25, 2022

Linda and I had lost touch for the last couple of years which is why I just found out about her passing. But I knew and I hope she did too that we could pick up from where we left off with a single text message. Linda was a mentor to me before I even knew what the term meant. I consider myself so lucky to have stumbled across the Big Black Pig Studios during my awkward teenage years because she became the cool aunt I desparately needed. Linda was a breath of fresh air, a forcing function that made me look outward from my small world and she tried to tell me just how few rules there were in life. Looking back, I wish I appreciated her friendship even more, I wish that as a young adult I could have supported her as she had me through life's changes and I wish I had reached out to her more. My deepest condolences to Linda's family, friends, colleagues and students whose lives were expanded and made more interesting because she was a part of it.

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Jonathan Baltrusaitis posted a condolence

Monday, January 3, 2022

I had lunch with Linda when she came to teach in the Global Business and Digital Arts program at the Stratford School of Interaction Design and business. She was exactly the kind of person the students needed - kind, thoughtful and dedicated. Lovely person. My condolences, Jonathan Baltrusaitis

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Valerie Maw lit a candle

Thursday, December 16, 2021

Linda was a shining star and a ball of fire. Her light was inclusive, generous, curious and kind. Rest in Peace and Love, Linda.

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Jacob Ventresca lit a candle

Monday, December 6, 2021

My sincerest condolences to the Carson family. Linda was a passionate educator, an inspiring mentor, and a caring, kindhearted individual who doubtlessly influenced countless lives, including my own. Learning from Linda as both a student and a Teaching Assistant was a pleasure and a privilege, and I'll never forget the effort and enthusiasm she put forth constantly in her craft. Linda's academic writing was an invaluable element of my own professional, creative, and personal development, and she never failed to amaze me with her unique perspective on life, school, and everything in-between. Beyond her work, Linda was a wise, charming person and a wonderfully respectful leader. I owe a great debt for her kindness, and will cherish her memory for the rest of my life. – Jacob Ventresca

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Doug Dunlop posted a condolence

Sunday, December 5, 2021

She was a wonderful, generous, creative, multi-talented soul who had so much more to give this world. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. May she now find peace in heaven

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Christa Ptatschek posted a condolence

Friday, December 3, 2021

I met Linda many years ago through theatre, and she was a force of nature, elementally not like anyone else. To this day, I remember little moments that continue to inspire me, and I pass them on because they’re so worth sharing. My deepest sympathies to Linda’s family and friends.

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Stephen Murphy posted a condolence

Friday, December 3, 2021

On behalf of Linda's friends and colleagues in the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability at UW, we send condolences to Linda's family and other friends. I worked with Linda in the early phases of the strategic planning of KI (with an emphasis that Linda was the driver; I simply was asked to help in various roles). She and her colleagues in KI made that program sing and shine and made it into the wonderful place it is today. I don't know if she used this Linda-ism with others, but one I remember is that 'when you see a red light in academia, floor it'. (Stephen Murphy, Professor and Past-Director of SERS)

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Hugh Scoggan posted a condolence

Friday, December 3, 2021

I met Linda Carson when she took the initiative for her students to visit me, when she was a PhD candidate, in the human anatomy lab at University of Waterloo to request to bring her fine arts students into the anatomy lab to draw the dissections. Ultimately, a visit to the anatomy lab by her Fine Arts students became an annual event scheduled by the university. It was the first of several groups who used the anatomy lab from the Faculty of Arts. I thought it was a good integration of art and science in the anatomy lab which brought to mind Leonardo da Vinci and Linda's work toward at establishing the Bachelor of Knowledge Integration program at University of Waterloo. I was most honoured at the reception for my retirement from University of Waterloo by her kindly presenting me a painting she did for me. Hugh Scoggan

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Margaret Grocke uploaded photo(s)

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Teacher, Mentor, Friend and Colleague, Linda inspired, encouraged, and supported creativity. She will be dearly missed. From the early days in the Big Black Pig studio playing with chalk pastels, Linda encouraged kids to make a mess and explore all the art materials available. The Big Black Pig Studio provided an amazing space for us to be introduced to art (both for kids and adults). Mentoring young artists she enriched lives and seeded future careers. Meetings at Waterloo Unlimited, coffee shops or in Environment 1 corridors at UW, always sparked interesting conversations with unique insights. Kristina, Rebekah & Paul Parker & Margaret Grocke

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Joe Pop posted a condolence

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

I met Linda in London in the early 90s when she came to the Royal College of Art to do a years study. We hit it off immediately, and she encouraged and mentored me in my own practice far more than my actual professors. And without me knowing, which was good, as I was a headstrong hothead who listened to nobody in those days! I now see her skills in opening doors to people in so many ways. We keep in touch over the years, and met quite frequently when she visited London and one glorious time in San Fransisco. She was always so kind, curious, bright, funny and smart. She was both charming and a total badass rebel. I loved her company. We shared interest in tattoos, flamenco, drag queens, good food. She came to the gay bar I frequently DJ at, and met and wowed all my friends who also loved her. She often sent me care packages of interesting hand made papers, shiny stickers, fake gems, hoping to feed my collage habit. We swapped jokes and photos regularly via chatty email right til close to the end. In my last email I sent a photo of flapjacks I’d made using the last of the maple sugar she gave me on her last trip here in summer 2019. “ 'No, I don't carry a business card saying "artist and playwright." That's what the tattoos are for.' - Linda Carson” She was a glorious force of nature, and am sad she has gone far too early. Linda did amazing things in her life and I’m sure her influence lives on in many other people.

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Steven lit a candle

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

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Jan Willwerth posted a condolence

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

I met Linda many, many years ago when she started at UW through the computing queries she sent to me (I work in the central IT department) and I looked forward to every exchange and visit which arose from those queries. Often our correspondence and meetings left us doubled over with laughter -- not usually the mood that comes from an IT consult. I am grateful to have known her.

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Andrea Pape posted a condolence

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Linda Carson was undoubtedly one of the most inspirational, influential, and intelligent people I've ever met. The world just got a whole lot less bright and colourful without her here. Linda taught me private art lessons at the Big Black Pig Art Studio every Friday evening from when I was 8, until I turned 18. What I loved the most about lessons with Linda, is that I never knew what we would be doing next. Linda taught me to go out if my comfort zone and try as many art mediums as I could. I miss our deep talks during these lessons and me pretending to understand whatever science-based complex theory she was trying to explain to me, which probably even years later, I wouldn't understand because she was just so intellectually above and beyond anyone I had ever talked to. I was always in awe of Linda's vast knowledge of everything and felt so privileged to have an hour of her time one-on-one every week. I hadn't spoken to Linda in quite a few years, but reached out 2 months ago because I had a dream about her. I explained how it must be because it was a Friday and that's when I would see her. Linda broke the news to me that she had ALS and I was heartbroken for her. Through our chats over the last couple months, we reminisced about how Linda was the first person to introduce me to this crazy little thing called Google. At the age of 8, I thought it was such a weird and boring concept haha! The first thing she showed me on it was Rube Goldberg machines/chain reaction machines, and I wondered if Google would actually be popular (Ha!) I also admitted to her that I still have the key to the art studio on my keychain, some 15 years later. Oops! (Sorry McPhails) I'm glad I reached out when I did, although I wished it was during happier times. I take comfort in knowing I was able to tell you how much you meant to me. I think everyone will be having a Diet Coke in your honour. I need to get myself one of those can crushers you had in the studio. I always got excited during a lesson when I could see you were nearing the end of a can! I'll remember the lime green easle you gave me, drawing on the floors of your studio, that poor teapot which was covered in 20 pounds of unused paint, and the kaleidoscopes (among hundreds of other things). I came for the art lessons but I think I learned almost just as many amazing life lessons from you, if not more. I'll miss you. Thank you for the beautiful livestreamed service for Linda - I made sure to have a Diet Coke on hand. It was wonderful to hear all the amazing stories about her from everyone. I am sending my condolences and deepest sympathy to her family and everyone who is mourning her loss.

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Angela Yeates posted a condolence

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Linda was one of the few people that made us believe that all things are possible - a mathie who draws/paints/writes plays/gets a PhD in Psychology? Inconceivable! But not to her. We will miss her way of thinking 'why not'. Being in even a small part of her circle of influence was, if anything, exciting.

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Karl Rainer posted a condolence

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Linda had many many families. I was privileged to be a small part of her UW family, FASS family, and especially Little Theatre family. One of the things she did which forever moved me was her work decorating the KW Little Theatre Lobby, along with Paul McKone and others. It was quirky, wonderful and so very appropriate for the Little Theatre while also having some of her own personality embedded in it, while still leaving space for others' to shine though as well. That Lobby burned to the ground, but Linda's influence never dies. Thank you for a lovely online service. Karl Rainer Nanaimo BC

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Erin Windibank pledged to donate to Linda Carson Memorial Interdisciplinary Award or Belonging Award

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

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Erin Windibank lit a candle

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Please accept our deepest condolences from Linda's colleagues in the Faculty Association of the University of Waterloo.

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Mark Seasons posted a condolence

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

It was my privilege to know and work with Linda in our Faculty of Environment. Linda was a powerful and positive force, so creative and just so interesting and provocative. She specialized in challenging conventional wisdom. Linda was instrumental and a leader in the development of the Knowledge Integration program, where she helped shape this fine educational model and where she was such a wonderful role model. I have tremendous respect for her brilliance and passion, and for her many, many contributions to life at Waterloo. I will miss her - she really was one of a kind. Mark Seasons

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Alex Filipowicz lit a candle

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Linda was such an important part of my graduate training. Whether it was her knack for creative thinking, the limitless knowledge and unique perspective she brought to each discussion as a scientist/mathematician/artists....which worked so harmoniously through her.....the ease with which she could explain complicated concepts with perfect anecdotes and visual aids....her LOVE of the Blue Jays (and HATE for the Yankees).... ....her ability to get us lost in our thoughts while staring into a jar of prussian blue... Linda, I am a better scientist, creative thinker, and person for having known and worked with you. I, like so many others, will miss you deeply.

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Joan Coutu posted a condolence

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Linda was always miles ahead but had such grace to push us along to see the world in new and varying ways. That’s her legacy and that’s why the world has been a better place for her presence.

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Nadia Formisano lit a candle

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Dr. Carson was truly an incredible person. I had her in my very first semester of university and she helped me to adjust and learn in what was a new and scary environment. She believed in me, encouraging me to shoot further and assuring me I had the talent to, she inspired me, teaching lectures in ways I had never seen before and have never seen since, and she pushed me to do more, getting me my first job at the university months after we'd last spoken because she'd thought of me when asked for a candidate. I know that she had a greater impact on me than she knew, from making bets with me in class (which she lost and paid up for!) to discussing the intricacies of grammar with me in our free time, each thing she did left a mark on me. I remember the cans of diet coke she would bring in and open when class started. I remember the activities she had us do in class with pictures or magic tricks. I remember sitting in awe at her, never having seen someone who impressed their intelligence, wisdom, and determination with every word she spoke. I even remember stopping in awe when I realized that it was thanks to her that I got to see an incredible exhibit at a museum. Linda Carson was an incredible woman. I mourn the loss of every student who will not get the privilege of being taught by her and thank the stars, heaven, earth, God, and whomever else there is to thank that I did. My deepest condolences to her family. You will be missed, Linda.

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Lorraine Galvin lit a candle

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

I met Linda in High School. She burst into our dull rural high school like a one-person Broadway musical. Linda was one of a kind; brave, curious, energetic, open to new ideas, creative, willing to challenge assumptions, and also accepting of people and their differences. She was the kind of student that puzzled and confused some of her peers but made the best teachers and students really glad to be there. Even at 16 her personality was larger than life and we could tell she was going interesting places. Linda and I did the same undergrad, but while that was enough work for most of us, Linda also fit in acting, doing costumes for FASS and for the university theatre troupe, helping start up an improv troupe, and more. We saw each other only occasionally since school, but whenever we did, Linda was always conquering another mountain, achieving another amazing goal, and improving the world for her students in yet another amazing and unique way. Sadly, ALS has robbed her family and friends and also a large community of followers and students of a great teacher and inspiration. Our sympathies to everyone affected.

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Roger Li lit a candle

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

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Emmy lit a candle

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

I was a student of Linda's she taught me so many skills that helped me get my first ever job and professional development skills I continue to apply today. Sending her family light and love.

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Sarah Galarneau lit a candle

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

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Daphne McCulloch posted a condolence

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

I knew Linda as an undergraduate and reconnected with her after moving back to Waterloo. Linda gave a wonderful keynote lecture in Optometry (about colour one of her favourite subjects); she was SO supportive when my husband took part in her research (into spatial perception after stroke) - she became one of his favourite people at a time when he trusted no one. When she learned she was sick, her first order of business was to upgrade and digitize her 'beloved' Colour Course for art students. Her smile was infectious, and her humour sustaining. The world and all of us are richer for knowing Linda. My sincere condolences to all who knew her.

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Kate Hoye posted a condolence

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

I first met Linda when a mutual friend recommended classes at the Big Black Pig Studio. Art classes there were an important part of my grad studies experience at Waterloo, especially the amazing year that was the Big Painting Class. I am grateful for the years of friendship with Linda since. She had a tremendous impact on how I understand my place in the world, and how I seek to build creativity into my work. I am so glad for the memories of our conversations and the too-rare adventures. I will miss her enormously.

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Louise Klein pledged to donate to Linda Carson Memorial Interdisciplinary Award or Belonging Award

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

To honour Linda, so generous in helping others reach for what they thought they could not have.

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Cheyenne posted a condolence

Monday, November 29, 2021

Dr. Carson inspired me and encouraged me in a time of uncertainty during my post-secondary school career. It was because of her guidance, teaching, and genuine nature and desire to see her students succeed that I was able to have such a strong foundation throughout all my years at the university of Waterloo. She was one of the best and brightest in the fine arts faculty, and I feel privileged to have been taught by her. I wish all of her loved ones comfort and healing during this difficult time. She was a wonderful professor and a kind person.

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Katerina Durmanova posted a condolence

Monday, November 29, 2021

Her office was always the most colourful on campus, decorated with beautiful and curious objects, artifacts and books. No matter what mood you were in, or if it was your first, second or hundredth time stepping in, there would always be something new to catch your eye. The first time I stepped in, I remember coming to her as a student and sitting there crying because of traumatic co-op experiences and fears of not being able to get anywhere in academia. I was starting to feel like I was spiralling into a panic when she saw my eyes catch one of the illusion cards she had on her desk. She asked if I wanted to hear about it and gave me a long account of it until I started feeling like I could breathe again. It was such a random thing to do, yet at the time it was just what I needed. She helped me more than she could ever know. She always listened and never judged. She was so patient, understanding and always knew just the right things to say to spark confidence and inspiration. She helped me figure out a lot about who I am, what I am capable of, and I will be forever grateful. My condolences to all her loved ones friends and family. She will be dearly missed.

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Kiera McMaster lit a candle

Monday, November 29, 2021

I had the incredible pleasure of both being taught by Linda, as well as having the opportunity to work with her as a TA. She was such a brilliant force of nature who was so generous with her time and knowledge. She taught me how to be a better TA and educator, and I'll forever be grateful that we had the chance to work together. My sincere condolences to her family, friends, and students.

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Noorin Manji posted a condolence

Monday, November 29, 2021

Linda will truly be missed! The positive energy she exuded was so infectious, anytime I interacted with her, I always felt excited and recharged afterwards! I had the chance to work with her on one of her courses at UW, and she left a lasting impression on me as someone I want to emulate in academics and in life. She was a truly kind soul, and I am sending my sincerest condolences and best wishes to her family as they face this immense loss. Please know that her impacts on her students, colleagues, and community will be long lasting and cherished.

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Bill Chesney posted a condolence

Monday, November 29, 2021

I worked with Linda in a variety of capacities during my time in the Faculty of Arts at Waterloo. She was a remarkable force of nature - creative in thought and expression, incredibly hard-working, and so smart. She was a truly inspired instructor, with a dynamic and flexible approach that put the student first without in any way compromising her principled and realistic expectations for effort and success. She taught me a lot about tailoring curriculum for better accessibility in the broadest sense, and was a kindly, sensitive, and clear-eyed administrator, especially if there were (inevitably) some bumps to be navigated. My sincere condolences to Linda's family and loved ones. She was always a mentor, even if there wasn't a formal or conscious arrangement to do so.

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Christine McWebb lit a candle

Sunday, November 28, 2021

I would like to express my sincere condolences to Linda's family and loved ones. As my colleague at the Stratford School, she will be sorely missed. Linda was such a positive presence in our School, with her thoughtful remarks during faculty meetings, her wit and humour in conversations, and her incredible dedication to her teaching. More than once, I turned to her for advice about teaching and course development, and our conversations were always accompanied by laughter and humour. She was respected and liked by all of us and, of course, by our students. It was a privilege to know her and to have her as part of the Stratford School team.

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Marnie Shaw lit a candle

Sunday, November 28, 2021

While I knew Linda Carson in person only during the 1980 and 1981 FASS productions, she is one whose specialness and greatness was indubitably clear to me from the start back then, whose activities I followed off-and-on afterwards, and whom I would have loved to have met up with again. I was disappointed that Linda did not join our biennial FASS reunions over the last ten years and am, of course, even sadder about that now. My condolences to Linda's loved ones, family and friends. In light of how much Linda touched someone like me so briefly and so long ago, your loss must be profound indeed. :-(

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Andrew Welch posted a condolence

Saturday, November 27, 2021

Linda created things no-one else imagined. Briefcase drill teams, face art, plays, dance routines, new ways of looking at life. Everything she did was innovative, and very cool. Linda pursued things no-one else thought possible. I got a glimpse of that in 1983, when she started her Waterworks Theatre project. She could have asked any number of theatre experts to kick-off the visioning process, but asked me instead. I remember exploring the old Majestic Theatre with her and drawing up renovation ideas. She had the most incredible determination. Linda believed in things no-one else did. I think I may have been one of those things. It was Linda who Vulcanized me into an iconic musical theatre role, shared Cosmic Encounters under wing, and offered early adult life wisdom. I wish I'd known her sooner, stayed in her circle longer, and shared a tiny fraction of her confidence and drive. Linda taught things no-one else could. Her talents and skills were so diverse that whole new departments were needed to do justice to her teaching and explorations. What a profound loss.

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Marnie Shaw Posted Nov 28, 2021 at 10:56 AM

Andrew, I love your "I think I may have been one of those things". That epitomizes much of what I have been reading over the past few days, that Linda took many under her wing and helped them to fly.

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Andrew Zador lit a candle

Saturday, November 27, 2021

My condolences to those dear to her, family, friends, faculty, FASS members and others she has touched in life. She will be missed by many.

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Jayne Forbes lit a candle

Saturday, November 27, 2021

My sincere condolences on the loss of Linda, for her family and friends I met her through FASS.

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Karen Oddson pledged to donate to Linda Carson Memorial Interdisciplinary Award or Belonging Award

Saturday, November 27, 2021

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Suzanne Langdon posted a condolence

Saturday, November 27, 2021

Linda and I met through FASS; we shared Calculus notes, but our acquaintance spanned the years since. As I read the many and varied online tributes, I again appreciate and ache at the loss of her ready wit, her humour, her vast knowledge on a wide array of subjects - and her willingness to educate herself should there be the tiniest of gaps! With Linda, I sang and danced, I helped her whip up made a wide variety of hummus and I learned that all things are possible when you are willing to try. There are fewer rules than you think.. Never ask a question to which you already know the answer. I can hear her voice in my head even now. We have lost more than we know; the world is a poorer place without her. Suzanne Langdon .

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Marnie Shaw Posted Nov 28, 2021 at 11:01 AM

Suzanne, I was previously unaware of your continuing friendship over the years with Linda. I have no doubt that that friendship was a blessing to you both. A humble (virtual) hug to you. May Linda's voice remain in your head occasionally, until you meet again in the life after this one.

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The family of Dr. Linda Carson uploaded a photo

Friday, November 26, 2021

Dr. Linda Carson

1960 - 2021