Ireland G. Regnier

Ireland G. Regnier, a decorated World War II veteran, graduate of the Kansas City Art Institute, distinguished Professor of Art in Clemson University’s School of Architecture, a recognized artist with private collections in the U.S. and England including a painting in the permanent collection of the Greenville Art Museum, father and grandfather, beloved friend of the senior golfers at the Boscobel Golf and Country Club, and dear friend to many others, left us on August 15, 2020, at the age of 95.

Ireland was born in Horatio, Arkansas on March 2, 1925. He discovered his passion for art at a very young age. World War II and the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor called him and many others in the Great Generation to serve their country. He was inducted in the Army and sent to the Pacific Theater, where he fought bravely as a machine gunner in the 41st Infantry Division subsequently being awarded the Bronze Star for heroism. At the war’s end he pursued his love of art by attending the Kansas City Art Institute earning an MFA degree. His professional career led him to Colorado Springs, Colorado, Corpus Christi, Texas and St. Petersburg, Florida and lastly to Clemson where he was hired as an Assistant Professor of Visual Arts at Clemson University in 1962, and retiring from the university in 1988, as Professor Emeritus. During his teaching career he had two sabbaticals, working in Guadalajara, Mexico and London, England and he was invited to teach painting and drawing at Penland Arts and Crafts School in North Carolina which he did for over a decade during the summer months. Many of his former students cite Ireland as the professor who influenced them most during their years at Clemson.

Ireland will be remembered by his friends as a congenial and lively conversationalist who did not hesitate to express his own opinions, while listening to those of others. His infections laugh punctuated almost every conversation. He entertained everyone with his guitar and piano playing. Ireland was truly a Renaissance man.

Ireland is survived by his wife, Linda and her son Ryan, his oldest son Michael and his wife Andrea, his grandson Max, and son Marc and wife Jane.

A graveside military service will take place at a later date at the Woodland Cemetery. A celebration of life including family and friends will take place at a later date.