ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our brother, teacher and friend Jay.
Aka 'Gravy Jay' and 'Jaybird' by his family, Jay Dampf was born on March 7, 1960 and passed away on July 12, 2020. Jay was a gentle soul. He was an artist, a teacher and a singer.  He loved and was loved. He celebrated life at every opportunity. He was special ... and we miss him.

                                                    PLEASE NOTE!                                                      
 With the help of Sunbury Shores Arts & Nature Centre and in aid of their programme and students we are very proud to announce the

                JAY DAMPF MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

This fund will help less advantaged students study at Sunbury Shores Arts & Nature Centre and spread the good vibes and artistic opportunities that were what Jay was all about! (Somewhere or other he's floating around and glowing with pride, believe us!!)
Please check out the launch of Jay's Scholarship Fund by clicking the link below. Sign up for the school newsletter, consider making a donation and maybe plan a visit to      Jay's spiritual home in New Brunswick! 


                      https://sunburyshores.org/jay-dampf-memorial-schol...




March 7
March 7
I still think of you and still miss you my dear sweet friend. Your wonderful art work all around the house keeps you close in heart & mind.
July 12, 2023
July 12, 2023
Miss you Jay so much! You were the best teacher in the world by far. I walk around my house and see all of my paintings that I did with the help from you...I have not been able to paint since you left. I am so sorry... it still hurts so much to know you have passed away. I hope you are dancing in Heaven with Edna your little black pug. You are 1 in a million Jay. Forever missed ....love Diana xo
March 7, 2022
March 7, 2022
I remember at Cedar Ridge Creative Arts Centre, Jay's birthday would usually coincide with one of the student shows. We would celebrate in some way....in class. I am reminded of how much we would enjoy it when he would take his students down to the student exhibition and would go through every painting...his honest critiques....sometimes even of our art work. He was always so inspiring. 

He had a very generous heart. May he rest in peace.
February 24, 2022
February 24, 2022
I am beyond sad and shocked to hear that my most incredible art teacher in the world has passed away. I think of him often and was waiting for this pandemic to finish so I can continue to be taught by the best teacher ever. I had text Jay and when he didn't get back to me, I felt worried. I woke up early this morning and the first thing I thought of was Jay, I thought... I hope he is ok since he didn't get back to me. I called the Cedar Ridge Creative Art School and left a message. I decided to google Jay to make sure he didn't pass away and when I read that he did, I broke down crying. Jay had a special way to make EVERYONE feel so special and talented beyond belief. He cared about everyone, inspired everyone and was just a pure joy to be around. I felt excited to know I will go back to my art class again and continue some projects with his guidance and most important his amazing and inspiring personality.
I even looked forward to listening to the incredible classical music that he would play in his classroom. Why do all the amazing people have to leave our world too soon? I miss him and will always wish he could've lived to 105 and that still wouldn't be long enough! I remember how I loved bringing snacks to class and giving him gifts as he was such a joy to be around. When my dad passed away, I brought the painting of my Lion that Jay inspired me to paint, and I had it at the funeral home in the room with my dad. This represented Courage which I needed so bad at that time. As I am writing this, I'm looking at my livingroom room wall and I think of Jay as my paintings are hanging all over. I remember Jay always laughing and telling stories in class, he just made life better with his personality and charm. I think I started going to wildlife art classes back in 1996, we always would take photo's in the beautiful garden which was full of flowers. Jay's memory will live forever within me...but I can't help but feel so sad to learn he isn't here on earth. I hope Jay is dancing, singing, painting up in Heaven and enjoying the company with his cute pug Edna again. I will forever miss you, Jay Dampf. Thank you for being such an incredible person not just to me but to everyone. xo
July 26, 2021
July 26, 2021
His mischievous laugh, his interest in good conversation, and his gentle disposition are the things we miss the most about Jay. Whether annually in St. Andrews or now and again in Toronto, we always looked forward to spending time with Jay. We feel incredibly lucky to have met this wonderful soul, and think of him every time we see the mural of a long-ago, magical seaside scene he painted on the wall outside our sons’ bedrooms 20 years ago.
Jane Gill & Ben Hawkins
July 12, 2021
July 12, 2021
I only discovered the news of Jay's passing in April, it still feels very immediate and I have been thinking a lot about Jay since then. I see Jay everyday in our house in his artwork (ceramics, wood carvings, masks, and a painted box) that he gave as presents over the years, and I treasure that friendship these things remind me of. Such a talented and playful artist, and a seemingly effortless musician and singer. I attended the same art school as Jay but many years after him, and so I was very lucky to become his friend through my girlfriend (and now wife) Lorraine. Time spent with Jay was always memorable and filled with laughter. Since I moved to Ireland I saw less of Jay, especially as his summer was busy teaching in New Brunswick, so I was always delighted when our visits coincided with him still being in Toronto. I love seeing all the photos here and reading the stories, so I will add a few more photos and send on all my love and sympathy to Jay's family and friends.
July 12, 2021
July 12, 2021
It has been a year now and I still find it hard to believe that Jay is no longer with us. My best art teacher ever, I had so much I wanted to share with him, questions to ask, projects to do....He had such a generous heart. Cedar Ridge will never be the same. I hope and prayer is that he is resting in the peace and love of the Lord. 
June 15, 2021
June 15, 2021
Jay was instrumental in returning to a passion for Art. My mother-in-law introduced me to his classes shortly after I finished university. We painted together under Jay's guidance for nearly a decade. He was amazingly kind and encouraging. As an arts educator I found him to be inspiring in more than one way, I found myself stealing his teaching techniques as much as his artistic ones. I try to bring Jay's incredible inspiration forward in my classroom. I show his work often and talk about him with my students. I've even taken his regular design of painting animals from above as an activity for students to see new perspectives. Within the span of a few months both Jay and my mother-in-law passed away. I've been thinking a lot about both of them ever since. I take comfort in a quote from my favourite author Terry Pratchett. "No one is finally dead until the ripples they cause in the world die away, until the clock wound up winds down, until the wine she made has finished its ferment, until the crop they planted is harvested. The span of someone’s life is only the core of their actual existence." I will always speak Jay's name, I will always share his work, his art and his stories. I will always share all that he has given me.
May 8, 2021
May 8, 2021
I just the other day learned of Jays passing. Wondering if he perhaps was doing some on line classes and instead saw the sad news. I spent about 5 years as part of the Tuesday afternoon group with Ellen , Gail and other lovely folks for tea , cookies , Jay's dry sense of humour and of course painting! He was so encouraging, and such a story teller. He loved his little town, St Andrews by the Sea, so much. I had the pleasure of visiting there in 2018. Susan and Fran, remember our adventure on the way to the concert? I can see why he fell in love with his special place. He had such a love for nature. I find myself drawn to paintings of birds cause of Jay I suppose. I was hoping of perhaps joining him for a bird watching walk . I know that everytime I walk through Nature or pick up a paintbrush Jays spirit will be there. Rest in peace my friend. And may your loved ones take comfort in their memories of you.
April 16, 2021
April 16, 2021
Jay was our dear friend who we met and worked with and attended his annual Sunbury Shores courses. We laughed and shared stories and treated him to a lobster dinner every July during his stay in St. Andrews. If we were unable to be at his course we still made the trip for our annual luncheon of sea food. We have several of his paintings in our home. He was a wonderful friend who we will truly miss forever. Dana and Eileen Green, Bucksport Maine
March 13, 2021
March 13, 2021
My friend Ellen Grant introduced me to Jay's Spring class on Tuesdays in Toronto. It was the highlight of my week. Everyone had been attending for years and were working on their own projects. Jay brought warmth, humour, talk of music and art and a lovely ambiance to the class. He was a great raconteur, knew so much about animals and had travelled widely. There was no pressure but he was glad to help us individually if we were having difficulty finding a colour or technique. This comfort level made us all relax and enjoy our few hours with him. Everyone took turns with tea and cookies for a mid session break- during which Jay often entertained us with his art experience and his love of his classes.
When asked, Jay would pull out his phone and delight us with an image of a commission he was working on. We were constantly hearing about the school Jay loved. It is so fitting that a scholarship to the school in Jay's name will be giving other artists a chance to share art and classes that will mirror the wonderful experience Jay has given us.
There are many people who will miss Jay in Toronto..... and the twinkle in his eye.
January 4, 2021
January 4, 2021
I am saddened by the news of Jay’s passing. We taught together at the Haliburton School of the Arts for many years. There in Haliburton, I also met and got to know his parents well. Jay and I shared a cabin each year along with our good friend Margot. We exchanged many fantastic stories as we caught each other up on the past year’s activities. We made some wonderful memories there, swimming, tubing, exploring, and always mixed with lots of laughter. His students respected and loved him. He was a true creative spirit. We only met up yearly, but we would pick up right where we left off the year before, sharing stories of family and friends that we never met, but grew to know well. He was a fantastic storyteller with a mischievous sense of humour. He was a good very close, once a year friend. I feel privileged to have known Jay and I will miss him greatly. My heartfelt condolences to the family. 
September 12, 2020
September 12, 2020
So sorry to hear this news. I only knew jay for a few years as my instructor but enjoyed his warm nature and appreciated his talent. He spoke often of his family in our classes and was clearly very proud. Sorry for your loss.
August 27, 2020
August 27, 2020
My thoughts are with Jay's family at this difficult time. He will be missed by so many. I too was Jays' student for the past 20 years. I followed him to Cedar Ridge from another class that closed down , even though the travel time was much greater. For me, Jay was the ideal art teacher. He was kind, caring of his students and truly enjoyed engaging with them. He was extremely talented and created an environment of learning that was inspiring. He taught me to see nature in a new light. I have found myself thinking of Jay whenever I see wildlife or a picturesque landscape - He touched so many lives in such a positive way. He will forever be remembered for his beautiful soul.
August 14, 2020
August 14, 2020
Jay was recommended to me by a fellow summer student at Haliburton. I loved visiting Cedar Ridge and Jay’s classes there for the last 3 years and how I wish I’d met him sooner. I will be forever thankful for his entertaining style, generosity and encouragement. What a wonderful legacy and gift to us all. 
August 8, 2020
August 8, 2020
I was totally shocked to hear about Jay's bad news although he did not look good when I had my last class with him in last December. He had been my art teacher in Cedar Ridge for 20 years and I enjoyed learning painting from him very much. I was always worried of not being able to get enrolled in his class for every registration. He was always very encouraging in parading our paintings when we finished them. His comments on our work were always so gentle, encouraging and courteous. He taught but not instruct. He was so gentle and humourous that I enjoyed and looked forward to coming to his class every week. He improved my painting skill and maintained my interest in painting all through these years. I am feeling so disheartened, discouraged and have lost confidence in painting now that he has gone. He would be dearly missed by all his students, including me. May his soul rest in Heaven with Our Lord.
July 30, 2020
July 30, 2020
I was an art student of Jay's for over 20 years. He was always, kind, encouraging and made the class so much fun. We were a group of artists that continued year after year to sign up for his classes.
I look around my home and see all the paintings I created with his encouragement and help.
He will be missed by me and all the thousands of art students that he encouraged to love art and succeed.
July 30, 2020
July 30, 2020

First and foremost my deepest condolences to Jay's family and his many students on this immeasurable loss.

Jay lived across the street from my piano teacher on Langbourne Place. We surmised we likely met as teenagers at one of her Messiah concerts. If not, it was September 1996 when I started art classes at Cedar Ridge. Despite living in the west end of the city, I made my weekly trek. We all loved Jay's classes. The atmosphere was relaxed and unstructured so students could work on their medium and project of choice. His classes were often lessons in nature. Jay knew every bird, mammal and insect. There was talk of travel, adventures, politics, movies- you name it. During our many rides to the subway, we shared precious one on one time.

Over the years, Jay inspired us to do our best. Whether it was scumbling, creating clouds and knowing how to balance lights and darks. When a project was finished, Jay would do a "walk around" to showcase the final product. Students came and went but there were several of us who took classes for years. Jay had a big following. I always thought how would I do artwork without Jay-now this time has unfortunately arrived.

In April, I received a text starting with "Hi Honey". I thought who is this! It was Jay checking to see how I was doing during COVID. He said his summer classes were cancelled but he was happy doing commission work at home. He even said he was starting to look like Santa! That was the last I heard from Jay.

I was privileged to know Jay for so many years. He was well loved and touched countless lives. To so many of us, he was like family,a beloved teacher and dear friend. He will be incredibly missed.


July 30, 2020
July 30, 2020
Jay's friendship extends many years back as a close friend of our family. His talents as an artist, his many kindnesses as a dear friend, and his great sense of humor will always remain. I hope you rest in peace, dear man. With much love from us all. You are now with our dear Frankie and Mabel.
July 29, 2020
July 29, 2020
I was Jay's student at Cedar Ridge Creative Centre for the last five years. He was a great teacher and an amazing person. He helps me a lot not only as in painting but to grow as a person. He understands my shyness and slowly helps me comes out of my shell. I will truly miss him and it will be very difficult next time to go to Cedar Ridge and not seeing him there.
July 28, 2020
July 28, 2020
It's so hard to think of Haliburton School of Art + Design summer school without Jay. Like his sister Laura, I can't bring to mind exactly how long he's been part of our lives but I know it can be marked in decades as opposed to years. Decades of annual reunions with Jay became decades of annual reunions with his students as well - he had a strong and loyal following! It was always a delight to visit his classroom where long-time students worked away in comfortable silence or exchanged playful banter with each other and Jay. He brought so much to the school and to those of us who worked with him, learned from him, and enjoyed his company. I'll treasure memories of his presence, kindness, wisdom, and humour. I'm honoured to have had the opportunity to have two generations of Dampf's in my life, having also worked with Joe for many years. My heartfelt condolences to Jay's family and friends. You're in my heart.
July 26, 2020
July 26, 2020
We are so sorry for the whole family's loss. Matt and I enjoyed spending time with Jay at the cottage where there were many stories, walks in the woods, games and songs. It was so clear that Jay lived spending this time with his family. We remember dear Edna and how close the two of them were.
Sending love to all the family at this difficult time. May your wonderful memories bring you comfort. 
Heather, Matt, Ben & Claire Czarnota
July 26, 2020
July 26, 2020
if we are lucky, once in a lifetime we meet someone that truly inspires us to be the best that we can be. For me, that was my art teacher, Jay Dampf.

He was undoubtedly the reason I got into a highly competitive Fine Arts Program in University and in the years that followed, because of his guidance my work evolved. He built confidence in my work and I was fortunate to exhibit work alongside his students. Though my career path moved to Graphic Design, I kept attending Jay’s classes for 20 years, following him around all over the city and even to Sunbury Shores on the coast of New Brunswick, where we got to paint from life.

He was unlike any art teacher I had ever met, and someone that I will always respect. He will always be remembered for his passion for art, kind gentle spirit and incredible stories.

I was devastated to hear of his passing yesterday.
I vow to keep on painting, with his memory being kept alive in each brushstroke.

To his students, may the memory of him live on in each and every painting. To his family and friends, deeply sorry for your loss, his legacy will live on
July 25, 2020
July 25, 2020
Jay’s younger sister Rosanne decided to head to Canada from Australia in July 2019, in part, to visit with our 91-year-old father. Jay’s sisters Rosanne and Laura decided that as part of Rosanne’s visit that they would take Jay’s painting course at Fleming College in Haliburton where Jay had taught for years and years (we cannot remember how long however our father Joe Dampf, also taught woodcarving at the school for years). We rented a small Air B & B just outside of Haliburton to where we returned exhausted after painting for 6-8 hours daily Monday to Friday. The area around Haliburton Ontario is so amazingly beautiful. 
Laura and Rosanne are so very happy to have participated in his painting course in Haliburton as we were able to see him in his element and at his absolute best and not as an annoying younger/older brother!! Not feeling like one has any interest (or talent – this is Laura talking), in painting, and entering a room where the most amazing female painters (just happened to be all ladies that week), was very intimidating (Laura speaking again).  We did not even know where to start but Jay, in his amazing teaching style, circulated through the room continuously, assisting all of us no matter how experienced or inexperienced, we were as painters. 

Laura remembers in particular feeling very insecure saying “I feel and paint like such an amateur” and Jay replied “of course, you are an amateur” which of course was true but at the same time his assessment took me by surprise!! By the end of the week, with the support of Jay and of all the other painters, we ended up with paintings that we have actually mounted on walls in our home/cottage. His sisters will treasure these memories not only among us “girls” but the time we spent with Jay. Rosanne and Laura are feeling heartbroken with the loss of our brother Jay. 
July 25, 2020
July 25, 2020
Jay was my cousin and friend. I felt a particular connection as we were the same age and often gravitated and related to each other at family gatherings. I remember him for his gentle kind nature. Always positive. Always with a smile and a laugh. Like his father Joe, he impressed me with his artistic talents. I will cherish the memories of our last conversation we shared just a short while ago at the memorial for the passing of his father. We reminisced about family, life and art. Perhaps most of all, his sensitivity and insights to the people and world around him is what makes Jay so special. Rest in peace my friend.
July 24, 2020
July 24, 2020
For over 15 years, all winter I have eagerly anticipated our July week spent painting with Jay at Sunbury Shores. In the earliest years, when we were just learning to paint, I remember gazing into Jays classroom in awe and admiration from the doorway as we went to our beginner class across the hall.  Jay graciously invited us in to view the ongoing art work and assured us quite adamantly that we too could paint wondrous things. Thanks to his calm positive encouragement and his assurance that it was possible, we graduated from across the hall and became dedicated students of Jays for the next 15 years plus.... I will truly miss his smiling face, his welcome hug, his tales of his adventures, his helpful instruction and his incredible talent. Sunbury Shores will never be the same without Jay.
July 24, 2020
July 24, 2020
I always looked up to him as an artist. He gave me so much advise regarding being an artist. Loved his work. And he had a wicked sense of humour. Always easy to talk to. Always interested in listening and being a good friend. New ideas was always welcomed by him. I will greatly miss Jay.
July 24, 2020
July 24, 2020
I attended Jay's classes at Cedar Ridge for at least 10 years, Cedar Ridge will never be the same without Jay. We shared some personal memories with him, he had a nice celebration after my husband passed away, although my husband was not one of his students but they both enjoyed each other's company. He played the harp for us a few times, he was a wonderful signer and he made us laugh. A very warm lovely person. We will never forget him.
July 23, 2020
July 23, 2020
My sincere condolences to Jay's family and friends. I knew Jay as a fellow instructor at Cedar Ridge. He was passionate about his art and teaching, an inspiration to all. He will be missed.
July 23, 2020
July 23, 2020
First I would like to offer my condolences to the Dampf family. Jay was a special person in so many ways. I have spent the past 15+years attending Jay’s class at Sunbury Shores and have so appreciated his wit, expertise, rambling stories and dedication to his art.. When I look at the paintings that “Jay and I” did in class , that hang in my home, I feel so lucky to have known him and appreciate what a fine man he was.
July 23, 2020
July 23, 2020
Jay was a very special person to me. He was my teacher and my friend. He inspired me and encouraged me to be the best artist I could be. He saw what I often failed to see. I am going to miss him so much but feel very grateful for the many years he has been my teacher and friend. This poem by Mary Oliver expresses what Jay taught me and how I will always see and remember him.

Snow Geese

Oh, to love what is lovely, and will not last!
  What a task
   to ask

of anything, or anyone,

yet it is ours,
  and not by the century or the year, but by the hours.

One fall day I heard
  above me, and above the sting of the wind, a sound
I did not know, and my look shot upward; it was

a flock of snow geese winging it
  faster than the ones we usually see,
and, being the color of snow, catching the sun

so they were, in part at least, golden. I

held my breath
as we do
sometimes
to stop time
when something wonderful
has touched us

as with a match
which is lit, and bright,
but does not hurt
in the common way,

but delightfully,
as if delight
were the most serious thing
you ever felt.

The geese
flew on.
I have never
seen them again.

Maybe I will, someday, somewhere.
Maybe I won't.
It doesn't matter.
What matters
is that, when I saw them,
I saw them
as through the veil, secretly, joyfully, clearly.
July 23, 2020
July 23, 2020
We first met Jay while he was working on a mural for a downtown Toronto bar.  Upon learning that Jay taught art courses in Saint Andrews NB we signed up and have been taking courses at Sunbury Shores for nearly 20 years. Jay was a good and natural teacher who could bring out the best in his student's abilities. It was such a pleasure to be in Jay's classes and he will be so sadly missed. Thank you Jay Dampf
July 23, 2020
July 23, 2020
I have known Jay since 2005. I still remember the first time I walked into his classroom at Cedar Ridge, new to painting and intimidated by the depth of talent displayed by the other students. He immediately came to me and said "These students have been with me for years....don't be intimidated by them." Since that day, he has been instrumental in making my artistic dreams a reality. I appreciated his patience in teaching me as beginner....working on a variety of mediums and subjects.. I don't think there was anything he could not teach me. Yet, he also gave me the space to try new things.  I most appreciate his openness and enthusiasm in helping me bring Biblical scenes to life. His sense of humor and honesty about issues, even if I did not agree, only made the classes more enjoyable.

I cannot even begin to say how shocked and sad I am that he will no longer be with me on my journey. I would like to let his family know that he was well loved and appreciated by this student. I am so glad that I told him several times over the years and always shared with him the artistic milestones in my life. 

May God bless his soul and may he rest in eternal peace.

July 23, 2020
July 23, 2020
I’m feeling so sad and shocked. Jay and I didn’t always agree in concepts but I respected Him and His work. Jay was a keystone for Cedar Ridge. What a great loss! He will be truly missed. My heart goes out to the family during this difficult time.
July 22, 2020
July 22, 2020
I feel very fortunate to have had Jay as my painting instructor for the past 3 years at Cedar Ridge Creative Centre. He was devoted to teaching, and constantly milled about the studio offering valuable advice, sharing endless painting techniques, praising his students’ completed works and proudly parading them for classmates to see. I never tired of Jay’s stories, no matter how many times he repeated them and loved the passion and unique brand of humour that permeated all his ideas and opinions about art, music and life. Despite his struggles with his health in recent years, Jay was always a lively presence in the studio and took delight in the seasonal changes and wonders of nature that surround Cedar Ridge. He delighted in describing ghostly sounds and sightings that occurred within its walls over the years. Jay obviously believed in the spiritual world and his legacy and spirit will continue to be felt at Cedar Ridge by many of us. He will be sadly missed.
July 22, 2020
July 22, 2020
I knew of Jay's many creative skills and saw some of his wonderful work but what I most experienced face to face in our handful of meetings over many years was his wry, insightful humour. He was able to tease his family and himself in a good-spirited, light but also incisive way. So sorry for the Dampf family and for big brother Mike, a dear friend to whom I'm always indebted. Too soon, of course, too soon. Thinking of you all.
July 22, 2020
July 22, 2020
As often the case when someone passes you wish you had known them better. I taught classes alongside Jay and often we would share a few short words between classes or on the Cedar Ridge grounds.
I can attest that Jay had a very dedicated following, he will live on through his own creations as well as in the art that he has inspired by his students.
My condolences to his family and friends.
July 22, 2020
July 22, 2020
When I think of Jay these are the words that come to mind: sensitive, caring, tender, thoughtful, wildly creative, generous, funny with a great sense of humour and quick to laugh, perceptive, intuitive, sincere, a true and honest faithful friend. He had an amazing gift for teaching in the most supportive and encouraging casual style that challenged students and brought out the best in them. He was in his glory at a dinner table regaling friends with his hysterically funny anecdotes complete with sound effects and gestures. He loved routine and structure and enjoyed a calm and organized lifestyle especially in St Andrews which he considered his home away from home.

There are so many memories of zany dinner parties, quiet relaxed evenings sitting in quiet conversation on the deck, long chats, fun shopping trips to Marden’s and many, many more wonderful moments of just simple honest friendship and mutual love and respect. He was and always will be a hugely important figure in my life. He loved St. Andrews and St. Andrews loved him. I miss him terribly.
July 22, 2020
July 22, 2020
On behalf of the City of Toronto and his work colleagues, current and former, as well as his many students at Cedar Ridge Creative Centre, I would like to express our sympathies to the family and friends of Jay. He was a beloved, talented artist, painter and arts educator, who built up over his twenty years of teaching at Cedar Ridge, a huge dedicated following of painting students. Thank you Jay for your commitment to the arts in Toronto!
Mike Williams, City of Toronto
July 22, 2020
July 22, 2020
Taking courses from Jay at Sunbury Shores was the highlight of my summer for several years. In that week, he created a community that painted, laughed and supported each other. He encouraged us to challenge ourselves and gently suggested that I try painting something other than lighthouses! When I painted a seascape and pointed out that there was no lighthouse, he ,laughingly said, “ well there is some progress!” My daughter joined me a couple of summers and Jay welcomed her and helped her boost her confidence-much needed at the time. We both have paintings that were made better because of his input and both feel privileged to have known Jay . He made each of us feel special and valued. We will miss him and send our thoughts to family and friends. Susan

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Recent Tributes
March 7
March 7
I still think of you and still miss you my dear sweet friend. Your wonderful art work all around the house keeps you close in heart & mind.
July 12, 2023
July 12, 2023
Miss you Jay so much! You were the best teacher in the world by far. I walk around my house and see all of my paintings that I did with the help from you...I have not been able to paint since you left. I am so sorry... it still hurts so much to know you have passed away. I hope you are dancing in Heaven with Edna your little black pug. You are 1 in a million Jay. Forever missed ....love Diana xo
His Life

Gregory 'Jay' Dampf: March 7, 1960 to July 12, 2020

July 21, 2020
Jay was a kind soul with a gentle sense of humour. A talented artist and art teacher for over four decades who brought out the best in his students across Canada.

He had an amazing gift for teaching art in a highly supportive, encouraging and casual style that challenged his students and brought out the best in them. He had an ability to create an atmosphere of infectious enthusiasm and relaxed, constructive learning full of painterly intent. He made anyone and everyone feel like an artist - art was a privilege he felt anyone could be taught to explore, create and enjoy. From his many students he fostered many classroom-sized creative societies that flourished for decades. Jay's classes attracted both the curious beginner and the experienced artist and they all ended up as his friends. His classes were renowned for the students returning year after year and decade after decade.

He is remembered for his love of family, his 'whooping' laugh and his gentle soul, his love for his art students and old, classic movies. He loved St Andrews by the Sea in New Brunswick, its people and the art school, Sunbury Shores Art and Nature Centre. Every summer he taught at and enjoyed Fleming College in Haliburton as well as at Cedar Ridge Creative Centre in Toronto. He was loyal, funny, self-deprecating, generous, social, fun-loving and full of boyish enthusiasm. He retained many traditional hands-on skills and crafts and became increasingly frustrated by the impersonal and high-tech digital world. He loved routine and structure and preferred a calm, organised lifestyle.

His reputation earned him the 'Award of Teaching Excellence' from the Toronto Board of Education. His art has won many awards in Canada and the U.S.and his work hangs on walls across North America. He decorated and painted several of Mel Lastman's moose! His artistic interests were as wide and varied as his education and life experience. From training with artist Glen Loates to his early jobs at the Keg (where he earned the moniker 'Super Fly' until he got too close to the flames and received 2nd degree burns!) to the prestigious, specialized art program at Central Tech in Toronto as well as George Brown College's Fine and Commercial Arts program. 

Jay's interest in wildlife started at a young age (answering the door with a bark; building a snake nest in the backyard woodpile and transporting the critters indoors for a 'bath';doing impersonations of deer in the forest across the river from the cottage; carrying and using a bird whistle for years.) It seemed he knew every bird and animal. Wildlife, art and archaeology sparked his travels through Africa, South America, the Galapagos and Europe.

He had a beautiful baritone voice and sang with a choir for many years. He played a lovely harp, percussion and the black keys of the piano (the white ones weren't necessary.) He created many murals in Toronto's Gay Village (notably at the Black Eagle Leather Bar.)

Jay is mourned by his brothers and sisters, his communities, his friends and his many, many students. He was in his glory at the dinner table regaling family and friends with hysterically funny anecdotes and stories complete with sound effects and gestures. He moved through life as gently as he could. He showed his care and concern for others. He was special.

Jay was predeceased by his parents Joan and Joe. He leaves his siblings Mike, Laura, Rosanne and Jody as well as his sister-in-law Becky and brothers-in-law Jeff and Shane.His  nieces and nephews will truly miss and remember him as well: Jason, Eric, Trevor, Hana, Jack and Kate.



Recent stories

Happy Christmas!

December 3, 2023
We decorated the house a couple of days ago and of course I thought of my dear friend Jay especially as I unpacked the sparkly stars he made for me whenever (what maybe more than 30 years ago?). He had been doing a project at an old folks home (I think) and made the seasonal decorations with this group. He made extras to give to his own friends and they are hung at my place annually at this time of year. I wish all Jay's beloved friends and family a very happy Christmas and all the best for 2024.

Jayze Crazed Musical Holiday

July 12, 2023
Remembering Jay, especially today.

A few years ago, one of my birthday gifts was a portable cd & tape player for my studio. Since I still had a plethora of cassettes from the 1980s, I was wondering if they would still work. Even now, I haven’t gone through them all, but most that I played still worked with only a few being immediately eaten up by the mechanism.
Sadly, one of the first tapes that I tested, which got chewed, was “Jayze Crazed Musical Holiday”. This was a mixtape that Jay had made for one of my birthdays in the early to mid-1980s and which I credit for opening my heart to World Music.
For my birthday this year, my husband, James Hayes, diligently searched the internet for the songs on the playlist. He was not able to find all the songs for me but managed to salvage enough of the chewed cassette to lift the missing songs from it and re-create all Jay’s choices on a cd for me. Needless to say, the gift was bittersweet as we spent the evening listening to the music and telling stories of our special times with Jay.
James has created a Spotify playlist with 15 of the songs from Jay’s original playlist and it can be found here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1NZi753DhAfj0axyXGCNdW?si=bdee61b19cc94589
For interest’s sake, the songs that James was unable to find on the net are (with his notes):
“Shenandoah” - The Red Army Choir
“Bamboleo” from Club Latino Medley (replaced with decent version of Bamboleo by Los Reyes)
Unidentified song from Latin America Medley
Unidentified song by Yomo Tora & Spanish Dancers
“Se Acabo” - by Amoretto Rae Serrano & Yomo Toro on the Garcias Album
“A Ritual Mask” - Peter Hammill, found on the "Loops and Reels" album 1983
“Pengosekan” - Vic Coppersmith-Heaven, both this and “Ritual Mask” are from "Music and Rhythm: A Benefit Double LP for A World of Music, Arts and Dance" 1982, to raise funds for Peter Gabriel's WOMAD initiative.
July 12, 2022
This Little Light (Mike Dampf, 2022)
Thank goodness for reminders, I'm thinking. 
Being reminded of the second anniversary of Jay's departure reminds me that all of us have families and many among us have likely been dealing with trouble and sadness in their lives. I've attached a link to an optimistic song I wrote and recently recorded (not about Jay) sung by my daughter Hana - in case you'd care to listen. Wishing strength, light and hope to all.

Mike

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