Obituary of Emel Erkan

Emel S. Erkan

1933-2026

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Emel S. Erkan, on Friday, February 27^th, 2026 in Napanee, Ontario. He died peacefully surrounded by his loving family.

Emel was born in 1933 in Limassol, Cyprus.

After completing Secondary School, he departed Cyprus to attend University of Sheffield in England, to study architecture. Upon his graduation he returned to Cyprus, he was the second registered Turkish architect on the island. For the next few years Emel practiced architecture in Nicosia Cyprus, Aden Yemen, and London England.

In 1966, Emel emigrated to Canada, landing in Cornwall, Ontario. He found employment as an architect at St. Lawrence College. After working on several building projects for the college Emel changed his career course and became a professor for the College, helping establish the Photography Department at the college’s campus in Kingston, ON. He later became the head of the Graphic Design Department at the College, eventually retiring after 25 years.

As well as working at St. Lawrence College, he also owned and operated a successful business, "Erkan Oriental Carpets" in downtown Kingston, for many years.

In his earlier years, Emel raced cars in competitions, owned race horses, enjoyed hunting, fishing, horse riding and gardening. He loved art, history, music, sports and fine food. His main passion in life however was always fine art photography.

Emel was the first photographer to hold a photography exhibition at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre in Kingston, ON, and is a member of the National Archives of Canada. He had many exhibitions in Canada and Cyprus over the course of his career.

Emel was a very compassionate and spiritual man. Wherever he spent time, he left behind a trail of charm, good humour, generosity and wisdom, everyone touched by his life are all greater for it.

Emel will be loved and remembered by his wife Lorraine, children Feza, Gokche (Rhonda), Ezel (Claire), Ziya (Angela), grandchildren Ebru, Cigdem, Casey, Aidan (Phoenix), Mason, great grandchildren Henry, Harrison and all of his extended family in Cyprus.

Our family would also like to graciously thank the staff at John M. Parrot Centre in Napanee, for their endless loving care and compassion, thank you.