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Sabah bestows the late Tina Rimmer with Sabah Cultural Icon award

KOTA KINABALU: The late Tina Rimmer who passed away last week, was awarded the Sabah Cultural Icon certificate in acknowledgement of her contributions to the state’s arts and culture scene.

The award from the Sabah Cultural Heritage Council was presented by State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun to Rimmer’s grandniece Shona Lewin, who flew in from Brisbane.

Masidi met Lewin at the funeral service here this afternoon.

Rimmer, a retired teacher turned artist, was two months short of her 100th birthday, when she passed away at Jesselton Medical Centre here on May 31.

Born Mary Christina Lewin and originally from Devon, England, Rimmer moved to Sabah in 1949 to become an education officer.

Her husband, Bert Rimmer, who she wed here, passed away in 1984.

Known for her tamu scenes in Tamparuli pieces and her portraits, Rimmer’s most prolific years as an artist were in the 1980s after she retired from teaching, said Sabah Art Gallery curator Jennifer Linggi.

Her work ranges from oil painting, Chinese ink and pencil drawing, Jennifer said when met at the wake.

"To remember her by, the gallery will also hold a special exhibition of her works starting from her birthday (on August 1) for three months," said Jennifer, adding they are expected to showcase over 100 pieces.

She added that while Rimmer never wanted to price her artworks too high, one piece would probably fetch RM20,000 nowadays due to her well-known reputation.

Jennifer also revealed that Rimmer's last request was that her ashes be scattered at sea, which her grandniece is expected to carry out tomorrow.

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