Cory Trépanier
Posted By Egan Funeral Home On November 10, 2021 @ 1:04 pm In Bolton Area,Obituaries | 40 Comments
In Celebration of the Life and Legacy of
Cory Trépanier
12.14.1968 – 11.05.2021
Internationally renowned artist and filmmaker Cory Trépanier passed away peacefully after a valiant battle with cancer on the afternoon of November 5th, 2021. His wife and daughters were by his side, and he was surrounded by family and friends at home in Caledon, Ontario. Cory’s adventurous and generous spirit shone brightly, and his legacy will forever continue in the hearts of all who knew him and his work. Cory was and always will be, our North Star.
Cory’s painting expeditions grew in grandeur throughout his life, from the hills of Caledon to the shores of Lake Superior with his young and adventurous family, and eventually to the expansive Canadian North, resulting in five documentaries: A Painter’s Odyssey, Into the Arctic, Into the Arctic II, TrueWild: Kluane, and his fifth film, Into the Arctic: Awakening, which had its first public screening in Monaco before Prince Albert II. Following in the footsteps of explorers such as the Group of Seven and Tom Thomson, Cory dared to capture some of the most wild and changing places on the planet and graciously shared them with the rest of the world through his art and films. In 2017 the INTO THE ARCTIC Exhibition Tour, featuring over 50 oil paintings, travelled to the Canadian Embassy in Washington D.C, across North America, and overseas to Monaco at the HSH Prince Albert II’s Oceanographic Museum. “Great Glacier’ the 15 foot wide centrepiece of the collection, is one of the largest Arctic landscape paintings in Canada’s history. In 2019, Cory partnered with Canadian Geographic Education to create the INTO THE ARCTIC Film Trilogy K-12 teachers guide. Through it, Cory’s films are being made available to educators and students nationwide and beyond for free. Seven modules educate and engage students on geography, environmental and social sciences, humanities, Indigenous culture, history, survival, and the arts. In his twilight days, Cory held a launch for his book, INTO THE ARCTIC: Painting Canada’s Changing North. This coffee table book features almost 100 Arctic paintings, sketches and stories. Moreover, the book features a forward by Senator Pat Bovey; and contributions from Arctic friend and outfitter Billy Arnaquq; the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Elizabeth Dowdeswell; Wade Davis; Robert Bateman; John Geiger; Mauri Pelto and includes a bio and essay by Todd Wilkinson. All of Cory’s works, including art reproductions, films, and the book, can be found online at corytrepanier.com.
Cory had been fighting cancer for upwards of two years, the first battle led to a kidney removal and a successful treatment of chemotherapy. By the end of May 2021, all seemed to be over as Cory was back riding his bike on the trails of Caledon and working tirelessly on his paintings. After a persistent sore leg, Cory sought out medical advice and in June, the cancer was discovered to be metastasizing in his right leg. It proceeded to spread aggressively through both legs and entered his lymphatic system. In August, he tried a variety of treatments and therapies, but the cancer fought back and eventually took his life at home where he created his great works in his beloved barn studio. Cory’s attitude, kindness and positivity remained highly infectious throughout is journey. His countenance and influence are captured well by Her Honour Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell’s remarks prepared for Cory’s book launch – “Anyone familiar with Cory’s work, or lucky enough to call him a friend, knows that he is, at heart, a journeyman. That he is willing to confront any conditions, sail any strait, walk or snowshoe any distance, to go where he must, to tell the stories he is called to share. The COVID-19 pandemic has served to underline such fundamental truths: that we are interconnected: both with nature, and with one another, that so too are we mutually vulnerable. Cory’s beautiful work expresses these connections, and points to an urgent reality: that the work to heal our world—our responsibility—begins right here at home.”
For anyone who wishes to pay their respects to Cory and his family, A Celebration of Life and Legacy will be held at the Caledon Town Hall and Community Centre at 1:00pm on Saturday, November 20th. Cory’s Into The Arctic Exhibition is also having it’s homecoming at Science North in Sudbury and can be attended anytime from Nov 13th, 2021 – Feb 21st, 2022 (more details to be found at sciencenorth.ca). Cory is succeeded by his loving wife Janet Trépanier, who was a partner in all of his artistic endeavors. His legacy also lives on through his two daughters, artist Andie Trépanier (26) and explorer Sydney Trépanier (22). He is also survived by his loving brother Carl Trépanier and parents Roy and Mariette Trépanier.
For anyone wishing to further support Cory’s family as they endure this tragic loss, a gofundme campaign can be found at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-cory-and-his-family
The Trépanier family may be reached via e-mail at sydneytrepanier@hotmail.com
Condolences for the family of “Cory Trépanier”
Andie, our thoughts are with you and your family at this very difficult time. May he rest in peace and forever be in your hearts. Sincere condolences from all the staff at Bolton Physiotherapy.
I have only met the Trepanier family twice at his movie theatre showings and art exhibits giving you a true sense of Canada’s Arctic. This is such a shock for Caledon’s most well known artist to succumb to cancer at only 53. He was an inspiring adventurer and immensely talented artist, always friendly and humble, but dedicated to his craft for all of the World to see. I remember seeing his whole family camping in the Arctic with chairs held over their heads trying to look big enough to scare off a grizzly bear. What an immense loss for Canada!
RIP Cory, my prayers and thoughts are with your family.
My deepest condolences to the family of Cory. He was a true gentleman and always a smile for everyone. I dealt with him at the Caledon East Post Office several years ago and he was always a pleasure to see. My thoughts and prayers are with all at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
Dan and I first met Cory and Janet when we worked on his gardens in Caledon before any of his great painting journeys began. Right from the beginning you could see his enormous talent and equally enormous kindness and heart and passion for painting wild places. You could also see the deep commitment he had to family. A different journey has begun for them but what a legacy he has left us. We are deeply saddened for Janet and Sydney and Andie and the rest of his family….you are held tenderly in our thoughts.
My deepest condolences to Janet, Andie & Sydney. I was honoured to attend Cory’s art exhibit in Monaco in 2020. It was the highlight of my trip. His studio in Caledon is a journey of his life. Cory was a remarkable man who always showed an interest in the lives of others. He will be missed by all those who knew him.
As an emerging artist in Ontario, I had been following Cory’s work online and hoping I would have the opportunity to meet him one day, and feel a great loss that I didn’t have that chance. His work is a legacy that will inform and teach generations to come about our fragile planet and the critical importance of Arctic Regions. Sending my deepest condolences to his wife and daughters.
Our loss, Heaven’s gain.
We have always stood in awe at the great talent and gift that God had bestowed on our son and the way that his paintings depicted God’s wondrous creation. How the Lord used his talent to touch so many people, all over the world, still resonates through our soul and will continue to inspire us forever.
“The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away: blessed be the name of the Lord”.
Rev. Dr. Roy & Mariette Trepanier (Hon).
Mom & Dad……….<
I remember the art maker Cory Trepanier from the early days at Sheridan College. Sharing the first painting, canoeing and camping we enjoyed up at Algonquin Park. Many creative moments were
exceptional. He will be missed. My sympathies go to his family.
My condolences to Janet and the girls, Roy and Mariette, and Carl. My thoughts and prayers are for peace and love for each other.
My thoughts and prayers are with Janet, the girls, Carl and mum and dad.
I will miss seeing your happy face, Cory.
We were saddened to hear of the passing of Cory. Corey and Janet have been such great supporters of Caledon Meals on Wheels and the Caledon Community over the years. It is truly a loss for all of us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all his family and friends. His legacy of kindness, inspiration and the creation of beauty will never be forgotten.
Dear Janet, Andie and Sydney,
My prayers and love are with you all , deepest sympathies. I will always have special memories of
Cory, his kindness and smile will always be with me. He will be deeply missed.
To you Cory and with love and gentleness in these sacred days to all who are yours, Janet, Andie, Sydney and all your family …
Deep Peace of the creative flow to you
Deep Peace of the hills of Caledon to you
Deep Peace of the barn studio to you
Deep Peace of the arctic wind to you
Deep Peace of the wild places to you
Deep Peace of the paddle cutting the surface to you
Deep Peace of the tent’s flap flapping to you
Deep Peace of the outdoor trek to you
Deep Peace of the four legged and winged to you
Deep Peace of the first sight of that special splendour to you
Deep Peace of the grandeur of it all to you
Deep Peace of your family’s love to you
Deep Peace of a new adventure to you
Deep Peace
Deep Peace
To you
~merle harstone
Our hearts are broken at hearing of the passing of Cory, his love for nature and the great outdoors was infectious and we followed him on every one of his journey’s .
Our sincerest condolences to Janet and the girls and entire family.
Our hearts were broken upon hearing of Cory’s passing. I had a good conversation with Cory about his condition & he in turn asked about our son also fighting cancer. I will miss all the things he represented, love of art, love of nature, his love of family, Cory you will be greatly missed. May you rest in eternal peace my friend. To Janet, Andi & Sydney, we send our deepest sympathy for your great loss. We send our condolences also to his parents & his brother.
With much love,
Fi & Dan Plastina
Fi & Dan Plastina
Sending our heartfelt condolences to Janet, Andi & Sydney as well as Cory’s parents & brother.
Cory will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him & his love of life, love of nature, love of family.
We’ll miss you my friend.
I’m so shocked and sorry to hear of your loss. Sending my most sincere condolences.
Randal
We are heartbroken to hear of Cory’s passing! My wife Maria and I had just booked to see his Into The Arctic Exhibit at Science North in Sudbury when we learned of the sad news. Whenever we visited Cory and Janet in Caledon they were always gracious, friendly, and accommodating. Cory leaves behind an amazing legacy, and inspiration to others. Rest In Peace Cory, much love and sympathy to Janet, Andie, Sydney, and family! Rick Somerville and Maria Ciampini
My Sympathies to the family of Mr trepanier very sad to hear of his passing may he Rest In Peace
I have just started watching his incredible movies about his paintings and his arctic exploring (and his family). I am terribly sad that such a wonderful and very talented man has passed away. I am very sorry for those left behind.
My most sincere condolences. Nurse Elba.
My heartfelt sympathies to Janet and family for your loss. Cory is remembered as a man of great passion and joy. He brought such enthusiasm and excitement for the Northwest Territories in his speech and videos when he attended the art show my late husband and I held for him in Barrie several years ago. I was shocked and so sorry to hear of your loss. May your treasured memories bring you comfort in your hours of need.
I knew Cory for about 17 years, and always enjoyed our chats. Over the years, I witnessed his enthusiasm, passion and energy towards is projects growing stronger and stronger. His entrepreneurial thinking was incredibly admirable. His combined skills and mindset were indeed a rarity.
His many talents have left a huge legacy, and will undoubtedly provide inspiration for others to explore, or at least appreciate, the incredible landscapes and amazing wildlife that Canada is blessed with.
Chuck Palahniuk said “We all die. The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will” Cory did just that.
My sincere condolences to Janet and family
It is so very difficult to hear of Cory’s passing. He was such a blessing to humanity and so caring of our beautiful planet. His life’s work speaks volumes about his values and dedication to a cause beyond his own life. We miss him very much and are heartbroken that his life ended so early. My condolences to his beautiful wife and daughters. Janet has been such a support to Cory and such a kind, thoughtful person whose generosity of spirit left us feeling welcomed every time we visited. We are so sorry for your loss.
The Trepanier Family are an ongoing Blessing to Community & for All of us Cory is and has been and will Always be an inspirational Blessing for All who know Him and the Trepanier Family. My heart goes out to You All in Christian Love. Sincerely, Pastor D.R. Curtis
Sincerest condolences to the family for your loss. From a 2014 article in Alternatives Journal:
“Cory Trépanier’s True Wild
When we all look back on this, Cory Trépanier’s contribution to our natural heritage will be priceless.”
It was with deep sadness that we learned of Cory’s passing. He was a truly lovely and incredibly talented gentlemen who exmplified the meaning of a “life well lived”. He is leaving a phenomenal legacy to the world with his paintings and recording of the effects of global warming.
Such a loss, and our heartfelt condolences and sympathy are sent to his wife, daughters and family.
Dear Janet, girls & family:
We have been grieving with you since we heard the very sad news. Cory has a special place in all of our hearts… may the Hope of Heaven fill you, especially today, with God’s miraculous Peace, Comfort and Assurance. We will continue to pray in the coming days! With love and big hugs, the Mazerolle family – Leanne & Denis and girls (remember how you & Cory hosted a surprise birthday for me, with Cory’s specialty creation – the biggest bonfire I’ve ever seen!) Sending Love
My deep condolences to the whole family. I have greatly admired Cory’s work for many years and share his passion for the art, the north, and the Arctic. His work through art opened up this beautiful land of Canada and Nunavut further to many more people. He was not the first to paint the Canadian wilderness, but the first to venture to the north and the Arctic with a paint kit and a film camera as he did. A noble mission and a life well lived. I hope his work will be available to many so they can share the joy of Canada and how he created it. Tears and hugs.
November 11, 2021
John Greedy wrote a sympathy message
“On behalf of the Greedy family our sincere condolence to the entire family. We had the pleasure of spending time with Cory & his family on many joyous occasions throughout the past years.
He will be truly missed by his family and friends including his passion for life, travel and his wonderful paintings.
John & Jan”
We are deeply saddened by the news of Cory’s passing and send our love to Janet and your daughters. We feel so lucky to have met you at the studio in Caledon and hope that many Canadians will enjoy and be inspired by his brilliant art and films. May you draw hope and comfort from his many admirers.
Our sincerest sympathy for the loss to the family and friends.
Cory was a true gentleman, full of passion and positivity.
So fortunate to have the opportunity to meet and collaborate together with some of his endeavors.
Always in our hearts.
Andie, , , so sorry to learn of the passing of your father. My sincere condolences to you and all of your family at this very sad time. He is in my thoughts and prayers.
Bob Parkins
I only found out about Cory’s passing today while I was visiting friends in Caledon. I met him in the summer of 2019.
I knew that I was in the presence of an enlightened soul. A light of wonder and magic surrounded him and encompassed him. I was awe struck. To hear of his passing was deeply emotional for me, who had only met him once. Such profound
grace that he exuded. I know that his family will be carried in the Light that he lived in. My sincere condolences.
J MacDonald
Cory gave a talk at the active lifestyle complex where I Iive, in January 2020. I was struck then by his kindness and humanity, and his great love of the wild spaces, and his talent. Friends and I visited his studio in Caledon about a year later, and he spent so much time talking to us, strangers, about his work . I wash shocked to just now hear about his passing. The world has lost a great spirit, and a great talent. He is irreplaceable. My heart goes out to his family, who must be devastated by their loss.
So sorry to hear of Cory’s passing, he was one of a kind with a beautiful pioneering spirit. He lives on through his wonderful paintings. God bless him for the gift he had and for sharing his adventures with us all! Prayers for his family!
Dear Mrs. Trepanier and Family
My wife Janina and our family are saddened and shocked to learn of Cory’s passing .
We lost my sister to cancer April 8th 2021 .
I also survived cancer at the age of 23 .
I won’t pretend to understand your loss we are very sorry to learn this .
We will pray for Cory and your family.
Blessings Mark & Janina Keating
I came to Canada two months after his passing. Without knowing this sad truth, I continue enjoying his adventure, which I can only dream of. I just tape his paintings on my wall, and share my appreciation of his works with my colleagues.
Sorry to learn this so late. Thank you Cory so much for bringing the artic to our heart. Miss your smile.
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Janet, thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family at this time. As long as I have known Cory as a friend and the few times we were able to get together I was shocked to see of Cory’s passing. A world wide talent will be Greatly Missed. May he rest in peace and never forgotten. Love Cy Wallace & Ruth.