October 1931 - April 2010
Edward James Kitson passed away in Lacrosse, Wisconsin where he was born and reared. He had lived in San Francisco for more than 50 years. After completing four years of service with the U.S. Air Force, he settled in Sacramento and later relocated to the Bay Area. He will be missed by many friends whose lives he touched, and by his partner of 23 years, Dehue Marshall.
Edward was an accomplished artist and painter. In 1964 he had a one man show at The California Palace of the Legion of Honor and in 1965 he showed 25 paintings and drawings along with works by Wayne Thiebaud and Roland Peterson at the Crocker Art Gallery in Sacramento. The 41st Annual Exhibition of Northern California Artists, curator Dr. Peter Selz, Director of the Museum of Art, University of California Berkeley, included works by Kitson. He also exhibited in The Bay Area Surrealists show at San Francisco Sun Gallery in 1968, The Banfer Gallery, New York City, Adele Bednarz Galleries, Los Angeles, St Paul Art Center, Minnesota and is represented in private collections.
Edward was a long-time employee of the early Cost Plus store, working in display design and product development. He was a consultant in opening their European/Asian Arts & Antiques
annex store. Edward completed commissioned commercial murals for States Shipping Lines, Storybook Land and other private clients. He was involved in the design and development of the San Francisco Chocolate Company.
Edward maintained an active and productive creative life after retirement. He returned to his home in Lacrosse due to failing
health. Condolences may be directed to: [email protected]