Vancouver lost one of its most influential modern artists on May 6, when Lionel Thomas died unexpectedly in hospital at the age of 90. Most residents would recognize his work, if not his name. Thomas, whose Defying Depiction-an exhibit with his wife, Patricia Thomas-is showing until June 5 at the Belkin Satellite (555 Hamilton Street), made the twin fountains at 1600 Beach Avenue in 1965; the enamel tile mosaic at Brock Hall in 1960; the Lion and St. Mark welded bronze hanging at St. Mark's College; the murals in Hycroft Towers; and many other extant and destroyed works. His last major exhibit at the Vancouver Art Gallery was in the summer of 2004, with six other modernists who painted during the 1945-60 period.

"He was a man of enormous enthusiasm," Scott Watson, director/curator of UBC's Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery, told the Straight. "He was one of a small circle of people who brought modern ideas about art and architecture to the city and won battles. Vancouver is a livable city because of them."

Thomas is survived by his wife and his three children, Michael, Elyse, and Anthony.

There will be a celebration of his life and work next Sunday (May 22) at 2 p.m., at the Belkin Satellite.