Page 221 - TheRussellCatalogue2016
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In MemoryPATRICIA HAMILTON MCGILLIS STEELE 1934–2015Patricia Hamilton McGillis Steele enjoyed the arts and was instrumental in establishing the C.M. Russell Museum National Advisory Board in 1983, serving as secretary and membership chairman.She hosted the inaugural meeting of the National Advisory Board on September 23 and 24, 1983, at her home, the Hamilton Ranch at Simms, Montana. In addition, she graciously hosted countless social gatherings for the bene t of the museum at her home in Great Falls, especially during the annual C.M. Russell Auction of Original Western Art.Steele was often the benefactor of beautiful  oral arrangements that adorned the C.M. Russell Museum galleries for gala events. Steele and her family established the Chip McGillis Art Acquisition Fund in memory of her beloved son. She bene ted the museum through her  nancial support of numerous projects, including the  rst computer system. e prestigious Josephine Trigg Award was eloquently presented to Patricia and Ray Steele by close friend Ginger K. Renner at a dinner party held in the C.M. Russell Museum galleries on September 9, 2005. e Josephine Trigg Award is the highest award presented by the C.M. Russell Museum. It recognizes individuals who have made a signi cant contribution and impact on the growth and direction of the museum.  e award acknowledges those who have demonstrated a sustained interest in the museum over several years through their o ering of time, collections and  nancial support—a very  tting recognition of Steele’s generosity.JAMES B. WALLACE 1929–2015James B. Wallace truly loved the West, its people, its history, and its profound natural beauty. He was especially committed to seeing Western art enrich the lives of the people of Colorado, Montana, and other western states. With the consistant and loving support of his wife, Lucy, he pursued that goal with persuasiveness and perseverance.  ese attributes did not involve a smooth or highly polished manner of persuasion or a stridently persistent presentation style. Instead, it usually entailed a rugged John Wayne-like focus on the intrinsic merit of anidea and a powerfully engaging sense of humor to convince others of the worthiness of a shared objective. e C.M. Russell Museum became physically larger,  nancially healthier, and decidedly more exciting as a consequence of Wallace’s persuasiveness and “stick- to-it-iveness.” When the Bu alo Bill Historical Center completed the de nitive database for the works of Frederic Remington, Wallace proclaimed, “ e C.M. Russell Museum should do the same for Charlie Russell.”For a full decade, follow-up e orts often ledby Wallace found the right people and thefunding to make the Russell catalogue raisonnéa reality. Wallace consistently demonstrated both persuasiveness and persistence in spades, and we were the bene ciaries. In addition, he exhibited grace and genuine love of his fellow human beings, for which we must be ever thankful.


































































































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