Born in Nelson BC, Geoff graduated from the Vancouver School of Art (now Emily Carr University of Art + Design) in 1950. He became an iconic figure in Vancouver’s painting community, receiving numerous major Canadian and international art awards. Geoff went on to teach at Emily Carr for 35 years, where he created a profound impact on his students and colleagues alike. Geoff maintained a vibrant studio practice and continued to produce works after his retirement in 1992. The exhibition held at formerly Elan Fine Art in 2018 was his first major solo exhibition in over 20 years, and featured a body of his most striking large-scale abstract expressionist works. Rees passed away two months after the closing of the exhibition. In recognition of his years of service and outstanding work within the Emily Carr and external communities, Geoff was awarded Professor Emeritus status at Emily Carr this spring. Dr. Ron Burnett, President and Vice-Chacellor states: "Geoff Rees was a fundamental part of the history of Emily Carr University. Geoff helped build Emily Carr as an extraordinary teacher and contributor to the cultural sector of Vancouver."