Susan Imwalle Obituary (1942 - 2023)

In a 2008 interview with the Arizona Daily Star, Susan Imwalle said of her art, "It's not just about seeing. All the sensesneed to be activated when painting." Whether focused strictly on painting or living her vibrant life, Susan Imwalleembraced every experience with all her senses. She was strong, remarkable, funny and articulate. She was luminous."I'm turned on to color," Susan was known to say, "and what it does in light and shadow, especially living here (in thedesert)."Some color left this world with Susan's departure on April 19, 2023.Born November 11, 1942, in Portland, Oregon, Susan was surrounded by art from an early age. Her father, anaccomplished artist himself, was both mentor and role model. After graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School,Susan enrolled in the University of Oregon to pursue a degree in art education, with a minor in drawing and painting.She jumped into life as an undergraduate and became a member of the sorority Alpha Phi International Fraternity.Just a few short weeks into her college career, vivacious and beautiful Susan Marie Fort caught the eye of fellowOregon Duck Richard (Dick) Imwalle. Thus began a decades-long partnership. Married for more than 58 years, Dickand Susan's life together was indeed colorful. As Dick said, "No matter what the project, if Susan was involved, youknew it was going to be a kick."In the mid-1960s, Dick's Army service took them to Seoul, South Korea. Susan was an art teacher for the U.S.Department of Defense school system. For the rest of her life, Susan continued to share her gift with others. Asteacher and guide, she led several international painting trips for students of all abilities. The trips were immersiveencounters with travel, adventure and art. Susan was inspired by travel. "I've got to be out there. Something's got totrigger me and that's usually travel."Dick and Susan returned to Oregon following Dick's military service, before his career took them first to SouthernCalifornia and then to their lifelong home in Tucson, Arizona. They raised two children and were engaged andcontributing business and civic leaders. Susan was a past member of the University of Arizona College of Fine ArtsAdvisory Board and the Salpointe Catholic High School Parent Association, a Silver & Turquoise Ball HonoraryHostess, a member of the BGs Breakfast Group, the Tucson Medical Center Healing Art Program and of course theUniversity of Oregon Alumni Association. Once a Duck, Always a Duck.Dick was President & CEO of the University of Arizona Foundation for nearly three decades. Susan was by his side, asupportive partner who added her insight, creativity and sharp wit to their community responsibilities. "She had to havea sense of humor, to be married to me," Dick said.Susan and Dick had that rare quality in a couple that drew people to them. High profile and high energy, their homewas the site of countless gatherings, marked by great company, fabulous food and even better wine. Consummatehosts, the Imwalles had legions of friends. They also enjoyed a rare nucleus of close and loyal confidants with whomthey have shared life's levity and gravity, tragedies and triumphs.Talented across a variety of artistic media, Susan's passion was watercolor. Scores of her creations reflect life in thedesert southwest - vaqueros (cowboys), old pueblo street scenes, western boots, swirling skirts, flora and fauna,markets and haciendas. Her expansive portfolio also portrays scenes and moments from across the globe, to includePeru, Greece, Denmark, Croatia, Iceland and a favorite of more recent years, Troncones, Manzanillo Bay, Mexico.Susan's work may be found in her online gallery - susanimwalle.com, in galleries across the United States and inEurope, and in private and public collections. Among her numerous commissions, Susan was well-known for herrepresentation of two iconic Tucson landmarks: the Mission San Xavier del Bac and the UA's original building, OldMain.Susan - Nan Suz to her grandchildren and Suz to those who knew her best - was an extraordinary wife, mother andgrandmother who loved her family fiercely and was loved in return. She is survived by her husband Richard F. Imwalle,son Brian Imwalle, daughter Jill (Jason) McKenna; grandchildren Cameron Imwalle, Isabella Imwalle, SeamusMcKenna, Jack Warren and Sydney Warren; siblings Sarah (Steve) Bush, Margaret (Scott) Terrall and John Fort;nieces and nephews; and friends around the world. Susan is predeceased by her parents, Esther and Sam Fort.Susan's lifetime of contributions to the arts in Tucson and the Southwest will forever inspire artists and art lovers. "Mywork is generated by emotion," Susan once said. As we pay tribute to this community and family legend, we respond inkind with our own emotion, borne of that final good-bye. There are no gallery images.