Fredrick "Rick" Cartwright

Fredrick E. Cartwright (Rick) passed away Thursday, May 25, 2023, surrounded by loved ones in the comfort of his own home, after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Bath, North Carolina, Rick graduated from Bath High School in 1969 before departing the coastal town to pursue his passion for drawing and art. He moved to Fort Wayne in 1975 after earning his bachelor’s degree in Art Education from then Pembroke State University (University of North Carolina at Pembroke) and subsequently, his Master’s Degrees in Arts and Fine Arts from Bowling Green State University.

Rick began his revered 42-year career at University of Saint Francis (USF) in 1975. He was the founding dean of the School of Creative Arts in 2004, which achieved accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design that same year. During his tenure, he oversaw and led many endeavors, projects, and committees at USF including the restoration of the Bass Mansion, the opening of the Mimi and Ian Rolland Art and Visual Communication Center and the introduction of new programs such as music technology, pre-art therapy, art history, museum studies, in conjunction with the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, as well as dance, in partnership with the Fort Wayne Ballet. He was instrumental in the development of Media Entrepreneurship Training in the Arts (META), marching band, theater program and the continued growth of the nationally recognized Jesters performance group.

During his quest for excellence, Rick received numerous awards, including the Sears Foundation Teaching Excellence and Leadership Award, Esther Ritz Collyer Award for Lifetime Achievement in Art Education, Keegan Award for Outstanding Arts Educator and was also named a Lilly Scholar. While proud of these achievements, witnessing the success of his students and supporting their endeavors is truly what brought him joy at USF. Rick provided over 700 students first-hand exposure to the rich history of the Arts, by way of leading 19 trips to different European countries. Yet undoubtedly, his earliest and most joyful accomplishment at Saint Francis was meeting his wife of 45-years, Louise, whom he loved dearly and married on August 13, 1975.

Rick’s impact did not cease with his retirement. He continued to serve on numerous boards, including ArtLink, of which he was a founding member. He was an avid supporter of organizations focusing on the growth and development of youth and young adults, specifically the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Blue Jacket, Inc. and the Fort Wayne Ballet.

What cannot be celebrated with awards and accolades was Rick’s tremendous love for his family. He spent an immeasurable amount of time invested in whatever was important to his two sons, Kalen and Austin, and later, his grandchildren. You could often find him cheering on the sidelines at sporting events or in the audience at a dance recital or school performance, ready with a high-five, a hug and a “great job, buddy!” when it was over. Rick’s constant, genuine encouragement will be deeply missed.

Rick is survived by his wife, Louise (Schaefer) Cartwright, his two sons, Kalen (Kimberly) Cartwright and Austin (Mandy Shepherd) Cartwright. In addition to Louise, Kalen and Austin, he is survived by his brother CM Cartwright of Bayview, NC; grandchildren, Isabella, Hadley, Natasha, and Barrett; as well as Louise’s siblings Sandy (Rick) Burkley of Payne, OH, Ken (Kam) Schaefer, of Fort Wayne, Jerry (Glenda) Schaefer of Lima, OH, Evie (Joe) Kuhn of Payne and Rita (Rick) Waggoner of Fort Wayne, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Marion Cartwright, Jr., Leona (Ormond) Cartwright; brother Donald, sister-in-law Barbara Cartwright, and father-in-law Charles Schaefer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 am, Thursday, June 1, 2023, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1502 E Wallen Rd, Fort Wayne, IN with calling from 10:00 - 11:00 am. Visitation also Wednesday, May 31, 2023, 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave. Burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to “Rick and Louise Cartwright Scholarship” through University of Saint Francis, ArtLink, or Blue Jacket, Inc.