Hugh Edward "Ed" Hall

Hugh Edward “Ed” Hall, 61, passed away peacefully on the evening of May 19 in his home after a lengthy battle with cancer with his beloved wife by his side.

Born to his loving parents Armanda and Harold Hall, he is a native of Jacksonville, Florida. He is survived by his wife Emmy Vianzon Hall; brother John David Hall, nieces Janine Hall, Isabelle Lanza and Clemmie Lanza; nephews Willem Hall and Marco Lanza.

Ed was a talented artist, cartoonist, designer, and teacher. His artwork brought joy, his teaching inspired others, and his cartooning sparked conversation. He graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Design and Master of Fine Arts. While in college, he created illustrations for the local student-run newspaper, the Independent Florida Alligator, which sparked his love of editorial visual commentary through cartooning. Post graduation, he went on to be the editorial cartoonist for the weekly local paper the Baker County Press, where he remained for 33 years. He formed his own one-man residential design company Design Alternatives. He used his drawing skills to design and remodel homes. It was during this time that Ed met Emmy. Starting as a shared common interest in art and architecture their relationship blossomed into an incredible marriage of 28 years.

He won awards for cartooning throughout his career including the Florida Press Club Award, the Florida Press Association Award, the Green Eyeshade Award, and the Sunshine State Award for advocating for the right to public access and open government. As a syndicated editorial cartoonist, his work was published and shown nationally and internationally in the Washington Post, Newsweek Japan, French TV Show France 24, Cartooning for Peace and in publications in Canada and Europe. Ed was a proud board member of the American Association of Editorial Cartoonists and a member of the Canadian Cartoonist Association. He loved the witty banter as well as deep conversations about world events with his fellow cartoonists. His work brought to light the important current issues. Many of his fans and followers expressed how well he could put complex issues into visual form that created conversation and influenced action. Despite the often-serious subject matter, he stayed kind, loving and levelheaded.

Ed always continued to work as an artist using various mediums and inspired by people, animals, birds - especially crows/ravens and his best muse - his dog Remmy. He was able to capture the personality of animals and had many requests for commissions for pet portraits. Along with being featured in solo and group art shows, he received worldwide accolades, and his art is owned and cherished by many across the globe. He created the weekly Sketch Up group as a local meet up for fellowship among Jacksonville artists and creatives. It provided a place to draw and discuss their work.

His love for teaching art and design prompted him to pursue adjunct professorship positions at University of North Florida and Flagler College. He also taught figure

drawing at the local art venue Reddi Arts. Ed was passionate about inspiring others to see the beauty in the world around them. He inspired and influenced his young nieces and nephews to express their own creativity.

Beyond work, he loved traveling, surfing, fishing, and camping. In his youth, his adventurous spirit led him to backpack throughout Europe. Of the many countries he traveled, Greece was his favorite. As hobbies, he enjoyed freshwater fishing and surfing as it was his way to connect with nature. There are many fond memories of surf trips to Cape Hatteras NC, Puerto Rico and Mexico with his brother, brother-in-law, and friends. In his later years, Ed, Emmy and Remmy enjoyed relaxing, local camping trips. Ed always had his sketchbook and pencils in hand ready to capture and record the wonderful memories and moments.

As per his wishes, a private gathering will be held for family and close friends. In July, a ‘paddle out’, a surfer’s memorial service will be held in St. Augustine, Florida. A public art exhibit celebrating his life’s work will be on display later this year in Jacksonville, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Foundation of Community Hospice & Palliative Care at 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville FL 32257. Memorial donations may also be made online at Give – Community Hospice Foundation, https://thefoundationcares.org/give