In Memoriam

Matthew van Guilder Howell (Van), 1946-2023

Longtime beloved ranch member Matthew van Guilder Howell, or Van as he was known, unexpectedly left our midsts in November. A Ranch stalwart, intrepid motorcyclist, master craftsman, and much admired community-theater director, set builder, and actor, Van brought a generous spirit, keen intellect, strong sense of reasoned discourse, and lively wit to our community. The ranch extends its deepeset condolences to his cherished partner Fox, daughter Allegra, grandson Oren, and the larger circle of family and friends who were fortunate enough to fall within his sphere. Read Van’s full obituary here.

Edward J. Doogan, 1936-2023

A founding member of Rancho Linda Vista, as well as a gifted storyteller, Ed Doogan sadly passed away in September. His life had many facets, from studies in economics and history and a long stint in the army, to travels far and wide, a burgeoning passion for adobe construction, and unflagging record of service to community. Ed enriched the lives of the Ranch, with which he remained involved over the years, as well as countless friends and associates. He is survived by his daughter Moira, who continues his legacy of commitment. Read more about Ed’s life.

Margaret Mary Bailey Doogan, 1941–2023

We were immeasurably saddened to learn of the death of Margaret Mary Bailey Doogan, a supremely gifted and fearless artist, as well as beloved professor, mother and friend. Also called Peggy by close associates, her loss has been profoundly felt by the Rancho Linda Vista community and the greater world of art. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her cherished and devoted daughter, Moira Doogan. Read Cathy Burch’s testament to Peggy in The Arizona Daily Star.

(Photo credit: Tucson Weekly)

George Harkins, 1934–2023

An original member of Rancho Linda Vista, George Harkins joined the community as an MFA student at the University of Arizona, from which he graduated in 1969. Born in Philadelphia, his undergraduate studies were completed at the Philadelphia Museum School of Art. In the 1970s, George moved from the ranch to NYC where he helped to pioneer the lower Manhattan artist loft movement. A dedicated painter, he remained in the loft he renovated with his wife Shirley Sherak, until his passing in 2023. George is survived by his son John Wesley Harkins and daughter Jennifer Harkins Richardson, both from a former marriage, as well as four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Cora Cherry, 1935–2019

When Cora discovered in 1967 that the Rancho Linda Vista property was for sale, she encouraged her then husband, Charles Littler, to pursue his vision for creating an artists community in the high desert. Born in upstate New York, Cora was a gifted violinist, who later taught college technology courses. After leaving the Ranch, she went on to lead a peripatetic life with her second husband, Tony Cherry. Together, they traveled in Latin America, resided in Yorkshire, England, and eventually settled in Canada. In her last years, Cora moved to the Tucson area to be near family. She is survived by three children, Steve Littler, Selina Littler, and Rachel Cherry, as well as her grandson Nicolas Littler Baird.

Marilyn Bernice Werble Nelson, 1944–2019

The ranch deeply mourns the loss of Marilyn Nelson. A brilliant, vital and beloved member of RLV, Marilyn was to found and shape so many aspects of our greater community, in the realms of learning, public health, and theater. She also profoundly touched many people’s lives, as a friend. Under her charge, the Lodge became the welcoming heart and hearth of our community. She led an extraordinary life and was renowned for a wonderfully generous spirit. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her beautiful family.

Ann Woodin Rush, 1927–2017

A redoubtable writer, dauntless traveler, social activist, and community volunteer, Ann passed away in her sleep at the age of 90 here at Rancho Linda Vista. Ann’s books are not only still treasured, she was to achieve a lasting impact through her mediation work with youth and her volunteerism at The Drawing Studio. Beloved wife of artist Andrew Rush, inspiration to four sons, four stepchildren and several grandchildren, her death is mourned by many in our community and beyond. Read about Ann’s fascinating life.

James G. Davis, 1931–2016

We are deeply saddened by the loss of the extraordinary painter and longtime RLV member James G. Davis, who departed this life at his Rancho Linda Vista home, on September 28th. An internationally exhibiting artist, his work and teaching were to profoundly influence those with the great fortune to have encountered and known him. Bridging the realms of formal abstraction and poetic narrative, he was, in the word’s of his son Turner Davis, “the champion of the everyman. There’s a struggle to represent the daily conflicts and loneliness and aspirations of the people all around him.” He will be greatly missed. In addition to Turner, who is also an artist, he is survived by his devoted wife of many years, Mary Anne Davis. Read more about Jim’s life and work here.

Bruce McGrew, 1938-1999

Bruce McGrew was a renowned painter with a national record of exhibition, as well as a treasured University of Arizona professor for 33 years. As a founding member of Rancho Linda Vista, he had a profound impact on the nascent community’s future shape. Broadminded, full of wit and vitality, Bruce had a gift for engaging the world—from setting up art programs in Guadalajara, San Miguel de Allende, and Edinburgh to enjoining illustrious poets to spend time at RLV. He also inspired countless young artists in their careers and formed deep, lasting friendships over the years. In his masterful paintings, he brought the desert landscape into focus, in a way that uniquely expressed the duality of its formalism and mystery. While his loss remains profound, his gifts to our community reverberate to this day. Bruce is survived by his wife Joy Fox McGrew, his daughter Shelley, his son Blake, and his grandchildren Cezanne, Lyra, Forrest and Violet. Read his tribute in the Tucson Weekly by Margaret Regan.

Charles Littler, 1928-1991

Charles Littler was a multi-dimensional artist, with a unique gift for inspiring transformation. Possessed of a searching intellect, as well as a generous and open mind, Charles set forth a vision for an artists’ cooperative in the Sonoran Desert in which artists and their families could thrive—one that would engender creative process and new living modes. Charles spent time at Black Mountain College and studied with Hans Hoffman in NYC. He also served as Hoffman’s secretary for several summers in Provincetown. Influenced by figures like Buckminster Fuller, Charles pulled together a nexus of artists, architects, scholars, and students to form the core of Rancho Linda Vista. His own innovativeness was realized in a body of work that evolved from abstract expressionist painting to a drawing series exploring the psycho-social mind-body conundrum, to radical experiments in mixed media, installation and the land-art movement. The latter was pursued in collaboration with his second wife, artist Pat Dolan, under the shared name of Ruby Lee. Beyond his role as a creative and social ground breaker, Charles was a close friend to many, one with whom the flow of fresh ideas and conversation never staled. An inspired university professor, Charles provoked not just friends but students into rethinking their worlds in unexpected and often playful ways. In addition to Pat Dolan, he is survived by his eldest son Steve Littler, his daughter Selina Littler, and his youngest son Patrick Littler. His grandson, Nicolas Littler Baird, today is in many ways assuming his mantle as an artist and societal innovator.