~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lindsay Gaskin

(April 28, 1951 Toronto - February 2, 2020 Brockville)

She lived a truly artistic life.

In everything she did and every way her art took form, Lindsay expressed her true artistic self.

A graduate of the Ontario College of Art in Communications and Design, Lindsay began her career as a graphic designer for some of Canada’s premier magazines, including The Canadian Magazine, Homemaker’s and Chatelaine. Before working at Chatelaine, Lindsay received a grant to research, write and bring to life through her own illustrations, an original native Canadian craft book Kawin with proceeds going to the Native Children’s program.

Lindsay subsequently proved herself in the publication world becoming a multi-award-winning Art Director at Toronto Life Magazine, well recognized by the Art Directors Club of Toronto, the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada, and the Canadian National Magazine Awards.

Following an impressive 20-year career, Lindsay escaped the city and moved north to the Haliburton Highlands where she and her husband launched the Birdhouse Studio, creating one-of-a-kind and custom bird houses. Lindsay expressed her talent by crafting unique driftwood bird sculptures and other art pieces under the names Avian Contractors, Lindsay Beaudry, or Lindsay Design. As part of the artisan community, Lindsay joined the Haliburton County Studio Tour, eventually becoming a Chair of the annual tour. For several years, she contributed her creative talent by art directing and designing their brochure. Living on a hobby farm also allowed Lindsay to realize her other passion and life-long love of horses with the addition of three miniature horses.

When her life changed and she returned to Toronto, Sheridan Nurseries became her new home of artistic expression. Lindsay was recognized many times for her outstanding contribution as head of the Tropical Plant section with letters of commendation for playing an integral role in the success of the store. During this time, she also took up the art of jewelry making as a new artistic outlet creating unique bracelets and necklaces.

After more than 10 years at Sheridan, she was encouraged by family to make a significant move to retire in Brockville. Once settled, she found the time and space to go back to her art and the joy of painting. She absolutely enjoyed volunteering at the Brockville Arts Centre and was thrilled at the opening of a new art store in town.

Lindsay passed away suddenly on February 2, 2020. She will be greatly missed by her sister, Leslie Gaskin (husband Richard Billinghurst, son Will and partner Taylor Rae), brother Brad Gaskin (partner Murielle Petitpas, Brad’s children Hailey and Noah), brother and sister-in-law Brian and Jane Gaskin who encouraged and supported her new life in Brockville, and their sons Kevin (wife Trish, children Emma, Cooper, Luke) and Chris (wife Sarah, daughter Madelyn).

“Artists are just children who refuse to put down their crayons.”

Fortunately for us, Lindsay never put down her crayons, pencils or paintbrush.

During these trying times, please support your local businesses, buy some flowers, or donate to the Brockville Library (https://brockvillelibrary.ca/donate/) in Lindsay’s name.

Interment to take place at York Cemetery in North York at a later date.

Please take a moment to share a special thought of Lindsay on the Memory Wall above. Thank you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~