A party at Richard La Prairie’s home was an event to remember. The spacious condo seemed much smaller than it actually was, partly because of the crowds of family and friends, but more so because of the artworks that crammed every available space. The dining table was occupied by life-size figures, and only a narrow path was available up the stairs between the massed ranks of. In the bathroom, guests would wonder how Richard co-existed with the art installation in his bathtub.
Art was the defining passion of Richard’s life. He was a canny collector: paintings, ceramics, installations, indigenous art. He cared only that the art was individual, witty, colourful and eye-catching. He said that he did not choose the art: The art chose him. Richard bought art that he loved, with little care for resale value, and was dedicated to supporting young and emerging artists. His home doubled as a gallery, and many art lovers visited for informal tours.
When he discovered Camp Ooch, a charity that provides opportunities for children with cancer, Richard took a lifelong interest in the programs it provided. He donated his complete estate to this charity and the proceeds will continue to transform children’s lives for many years to come.