John Manson Obituary

It's with a heavy heart we share with you the passing of John Sinclair Manson on February 12th 2012. He is survived by his wife Betty of 32 years, his sister Jean, his two daughters (Jennie & Kirsten), his granddaughter Sam and his four stepsons (Mark, Mike, Randy & Paul) & their families. He is preceded in death by his parents and his daughter Kim who passed in 1992 from cancer. He was an exceptionally beautiful human being who will be missed more than words could possibly express. With his talent for the arts, gregarious nature and entrepreneurial spirit he made the best father and friend to all who knew him. He was born in Oak Park, Illinois in June, 1927 to his Irish Mother and Scottish Father. When he was just out of high school John joined the U.S Navy where much of his free time was occupied with sketching. He had no formal art education until he went to the Layton School of Art in Wisconsin after his military experience. He came to Colorado in the early 60's to ski and fell in love with the state. So, he moved his family to Colorado in 1964. In the winter of 1974 he launched his magazine dedicated to educating the general public about art and the talented artists who create their visions. It was initially called Artist's of the Rockies and then shortly after was extended to Artist's of the Rockies and the Golden West. Eventually it changed again to Western Art Digest. John was equally an artist and entrepreneur. Art influenced him and allowed him to take chances to publish his own magazine. As luck would have it the National Academy of Western Art in Oklahoma City started around the same time. Having another organization devoted to the arts helped his magazine become more recognized nationally as well as internationally. In the years he published the magazine he served as judge at numerous gallery competitions as well as prominent art shows such as the Rendezvous Show in Helena, MT; the Cowboy Artists of America Exhibition in Phoenix; the Ellensburg Art Show in Washington and the American Indian and Cowboy Artists of America Exhibition in San Dimas, CA. With the astounding success of the magazine came awards such as a gold medal from the National Academy of Western Art in Oklahoma City for best western art magazine. With each new issue off the press he would take a road trip and visit all of his advertisers throughout the West and Southwest. Wherever he went he would take his watercolor pad with him. Western Art Digest rolled off the presses for 13 years until it was sold to his competitor. The magazine was the best in the art category for years. The next project he took on was at his new home in a small, rural community of ranches in Westcliffe, Colorado in 1986. His home became the site for artists' workshops conducted by nationally recognized artists. Not satisfied with just the art workshops he purchased 180 acres and designed and built a nine-hole golf course which he named St. Andrews in honor of his Scottish heritage. Many trips abroad to France, Italy, England and Scotland were his inspirations for his paintings during his retirement years. He was also inspired by the beaches near his home in Cape Coral, FL since 1994. Where he also enjoyed spending time on the water in his sailboat. He moved back to Colorado in October of 2011 to be closer to his family. John's favorite quote was by Hippocrates... "Life is short; Art is Long." Celebration of life services will be held at the Broadmoor Community Church, 315 Lake Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO - 719-473-1807 at 11:00am on Saturday the 18th of February, 2012. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Penrose-St. Francis Health Foundation (www.penrosestfrancis.org/foundation). June 1927 - February 2012. Peace now Dad, we love you!