Richard Condron Lafean

Richard Condron Lafean
March 11, 1931 – May 2, 2021 (Age 90)
Richard Lafean passed away peacefully on May 2nd in Tega Cay, SC having lived a full and artistic life. He loved to talk about art and taught students of all ages. He is survived by his two daughters, Elena (Bill) & Lauren (Andy); nine grandchildren, Matthew, Rhema, Daniel, Mallory, Devon (Laura), Ryan (Marine), Lea, Amber & Jonah; two great grandchildren Amaya & Forest; and Richard’s sister Kaybie.
Richard grew up in Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from the Carnegie Institute of Technology and the Tyler School of Fine Arts of Temple University. He met his lifelong partner Yvonne Vasileff Lafean at Tyler in Philadelphia. They produced art works over 66 years that included ceramics, paintings, sculpture, weaving, mosaics, stained glass, quilts, and multi-media works. Several of Richard’s ceramic works are in private and public collections including the Smithsonian, the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, VA.
Richard was a master potter who not only taught ceramics but also directed many ceramic departments including the Columbia Visual Arts College in Columbia, MD; the Chrysler Museum School of Art in Norfolk, VA; and the Corcoran School of Art Ceramics Department in Washington, D.C. Many of Richard’s students became successful ceramic artists and mentors to continue the tradition. Richard loved teaching which carried over into every aspect of his life: whether it was a golf or tennis swing; a butterfly stroke in swimming; using oil paints like the
Old Masters; using an oriental brush, ink stick and stone; applying aesthetic principles to visual compositions; or throwing a pot on the potter’s wheel. Richard always wanted to “give back” to people and used his talents and generosity to foster learning and appreciation in everyone he met.

Contributions may be made in his honor.
Hospice & Palliative Care Palmetto Region
P.O. Box 470408
Charlotte, NC 28247

Palmetto Funeral  Home in Fort Mill is in charge of the arrangements.