Jean Yves Georges Audigier Obituary

Jean Yves Georges Audigier, Age 83, passed away on October 1, 2024 in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

He was the son of Carmen Audigier (née Onffroy de Verez) and Raymond Audigier and was born on October 27, 1941 in Auvergne, France. He served as a first lieutenant in the French Army and he graduated from l'École des Beaux Arts in Paris, France before pursuing a Masters in Arts from Dominican University in California, followed by a second Masters in Arts from San Francisco State University in California, followed by a PhD from the University of California at Berkeley in California. He initially taught French at Horseheads High School in Horseheads, New York before teaching French at Elmira College in Elmira, New York. He then moved to San Francisco to become a professor of French and of Fine Arts at the University of San Francisco in San Francisco, California. He was also Vice President of the Franklin Bowles Galleries in San Francisco, California and New York, New York. He spent the next 50 years in San Francisco and attained the rank of full professor at the University of San Francisco before retiring as a Professor Emeritus. After retiring from the University of San Francisco, he continued consulting at the Franklin Bowles Galleries until his final retirement and his move from Hillsborough, California to Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. He loved his new house in Kennett Square and spent many hours watching the local fauna, reading, admiring his extensive art collection and spending time with his adored wife and family.

He was preceded to heaven by his beloved mother, father and younger brother, Georges. He is survived by his adored wife and mother of his children, Mercedes Audigier of La Paz, Bolivia; their children, Sylvia Audigier Putnam of Bethesda, Maryland and her husband Michael and Mark Audigier of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania and his partner, Alexis; five grandchildren, Sean Putnam, Jack Putnam, Robert Audigier, Julien Audigier and Olivia Audigier; brother, Marc Audigier of Plaisir, France; sisters, Anne Touzé of Paris, France, Hélène Bannier of Boulogne Billancourt, France and Jeanne-Elisabeth Gautier of Lyon, France; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Jean was a deeply beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. His passing was due to complications related to his Parkinson's Disease and was peaceful just as he had wished it would be.

While we lost our most beloved father, many have lost a loved one in him. He was the rock of the family, a deeply intellectual man who loved art in all of its beauty. He had charisma, charm and depth. He used some of that charisma and charm to woo our mother, Mercedes, the love of his life, and convince her to leave her native Bolivia to forge a new life with him in the United States. Throughout his adult life, Mercedes was his greatest source of comfort and joy. He was an optimist by nature who preferred to find solutions to life's problems, forgive transgressions and move forward in life. He was well known in academic and artistic milieus. When an important exhibit would come to San Francisco's local museums, he was often asked to give lectures on the subject matter. He was innovative and sought to shine the limelight on many talented artists, either through representation by the Franklin Bowles Galleries or through creative programs at the University of San Francisco. But first and foremost, he loved to teach and share his incredible knowledge, whether with his children and grandchildren, his college students at the University of San Francisco or with his clients at the Franklin Bowles Galleries. He could be intimidating at first with his incredible intellect, his French accent and his penetrating green eyes. But his charm, wit and grace soon put all around him at ease. He left an indelible mark on all those who knew and loved him and his strong presence will be greatly missed.

Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions can be made in Jean's memory to the Parkinson's Foundation for research, (https://secure3.convio.net).