Tannis Richardson, one of Winnipeg’s most prominent philanthropists and organizers, has passed away at the age of 99. 

In a statement released by James Richardson & Sons, Limited on Tuesday, the organization described Richardson as a community supporter, highlighting her work in health care, charities, and the city’s fine arts community.  

Richardson was born in Winnipeg in 1926, the daughter of Dr. Paul H.T. Thorlakson, the founder of the Winnipeg Clinic and a former chair of what became the Health Sciences Centre. She attended Gordon Bell High School and the University of Manitoba, during which time she served as a Voluntary Aid Nurse during the Second World War. She married George T. Richardson in 1948, and both remained active within the Health Sciences Centre community in a variety of roles, including serving on its Board of Directors and extensive work with its foundation. 

Tannis Richardson speaking in support of the WSO's Sistema program in 2017. (PNN)Tannis Richardson speaking in support of the WSO’s Sistema program in 2017. (PNN)

 

After losing her daughter Pamela to juvenile diabetes in 1980, Richardson devoted much of her time to supporting research into the disease, including the establishment of the local “A Starry Starry Night” fundraiser in support of Breakthrough T1D (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation).  

Richardson was invested into the Order of Canada in 2004. 

A champion for the fine arts 

Richardson was instrumental in Winnipeg’s arts and culture community, providing support to dozens of organizations, exhibitions, and concerts. She played a key role in the development of the Winnipeg Art Gallery and supported the development of its Inuit art collection in Qaumajuq. Richardson was also a keen supporter of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and its Sistema programming, as well as the Manitoba Museum, the Winnipeg Library Foundation, Assiniboine Park, Manitoba Opera, the Women’s Musical Club of Winnipeg, and Rainbow Stage, among many others. 


 

“We are profoundly saddened at the passing of Tannis Richardson, a remarkable philanthropist, community leader, and champion of the arts,” the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra shared on social media. “We are immeasurably grateful for her dedicated support of the WSO for more than seven decades. Her commitment to arts, culture, and community will leave a lasting legacy in our city.” 

Richardson is survived by four children, nine grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.