Dean Maxfield Mullavey
July 14, 1927-December 27, 2015
While the 1970s found Dean relocated to the Eastern Townships of Quebec-an idyllic spot where he would spend the rest of his life-he never lost his ' down home' Yankee values or forgot his small town New Hampshire roots.
Settling in the village of North Hatley on the shores of Lake Massawippi, Dean became an instructor in Fine Arts first at Bishop's University and then at Champlain College, while also giving summer classes at “The Pottery” in North Hatley.
Dean set very high standards both for himself and his students. He was admired and loved by those whom he taught and mentored. He was always supportive of his students and gave positive direction and purpose to the lives of countless young men and women.
During these years he became a respected artist whose works may be found in museums and private collections across North America. A pot he made while working with Vivica and Otto Heino in Ojai, California, was just recently acquired by the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art in Toronto. A show a few months ago at the Jonathan Bancroft Snell gallery in London, Ontario, reminded us all of his stature as one of the “old guard” of North American potters. His expertise in the field of art and an- tiques was formidable.
Dean was more than an artist and scholar, however. He could be playful and had a wicked sense of humour, which may explain his infatuation with the operettas of Gilbert and Sullivan. He starred in many local productions mounted during the 1980s at Centennial Theatre in Lennoxville to benefit the local Volunteer Firemen's Association. Fortunate were those who shared the stage with him as Dean's antics ensured there was never a dull moment for fellow cast members. Audiences adored his debut as Dead Dick Eye in HMS Pinafore, watched as he camped it up in Patience, and were entranced by his Lord High Executioner in The Mikado.
He is survived in the United States by his brother Richard, nephews Brian, Kevin, Alan, and niece Christie, as well as many grand and great grand-nieces.
He is mourned and fondly remembered as well by all those in Quebec -and, indeed-around the world, whose lives he touched, and who became his extended family.
Internment will be at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen.