Dick Finkel, passed away on Tuesday, May 17th, after a long illness.
He is survived by his loving wife Saisawan Finkel, his twin sister Judy Eisenberg, his sister-in-law Gail, his nieces Carly and Zoe, and his many close friends and colleagues. He is predeceased by his mother Charlotte and father Samuel, and his brother Alan.
Dick, who had a strong belief in the power of laughter, was the producer of the Street Performers Festival for 15 years. Dick was inducted into the Edmonton’s Arts & Culture Hall of Fame in 1999, and received the Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002.
A brass top hat, the award was appropriately named in Dick’s honour and is presented at the Festival each year. That tradition will continue.
“We have lost a great friend, a mentor, and a man who always encouraged us to do our best for the art of street performance,” says StreetFest Artistic Producer Shelley Switzer.
Switzer says “We can be comforted by the millions of smiles and laughs that have blossomed throughout our community through Dick’s hard work; by the elevation of the art form; and by the respect and world-wide reputation of the Festival as a place to flourish as an artist. We tip our hats to you, Mr. Finkel, with much love and admiration.”
Agencies/Canadajournal
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