Thursday, November 21, 2013

A tough day

It has been a tough day here. Yesterday, our friend Gary passed away in New York. He had a very long journey with chronic leukemia. Gary's partner Brian has been our friend for over 20 years. Brian went to law school with Gordon. We are just so sad for Brian, so sad to have lost Gary, so sad period.

Four years ago, Gary and Brian stopped by the farm while in town to visit Brian's family. We had a good time showing the city boys around the farm...


Gordon, Gary and Brian, December 2009


Gary gamely posed on our Bushhog mower!



And look who's saying hello to Brian and Gary! Yes, it's Charlotte, who is now 4-1/2 years old.

Tomorrow we are flying to NYC to see Brian. 

With Gary's passing, the world has lost a wonderful man. He was a talented computer scientist, not to mention a gifted pianist; just an amazing, giving person, with so many great friends. The loss is indescribable, especially for Brian. I feel angry tonight that he has been taken from us far too soon.

One of my fondest memories of Gary is from my trip to NewYork in 2010. Gary and I went to see a matinee of "A Little Night Music" with Angela Lansbury and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Brian had to work that day.

It was a terrific performance. Before the show, we stopped at Starbucks for drinks and a chat. Afterwards, Gary and I had a nice meal out at a little Israeli restaurant where I had the best hummus I've ever eaten. The whole day was just lovely, and I so enjoyed Gary's company. He was just a sweet, gentle, thoughtful soul with so much to offer. I feel lucky to have known him.

Brian took excellent care of Gary throughout his illness and they were such a great team.

Whenever I think of Gary, I think of Gary smiling. A very sad day here for us...


39 comments:

  1. It's so wonderful to have these great memories of your friend, Gary. I know, with time, they will surely make you smile. Isn't it great that you have these photos of his visit. They are treasures now. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow. Sending hugs to all.

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  2. My deepest condolences to you, Gordon, and especially Brian. It's always magical to know somebody wonderful and talented; and Gary sounds like he was such a one.
    Please give yourselves and Brian a hug from me.

    xx Trish

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    1. THanks Trish. I was lucky enough to be able to bring home some of Gary's piano music after our visit this weekend. I'm looking forward to playing it!

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    2. It will be an honour to hear you play that music, Knatolee, when I next visit your farm. For Gary, piano was his connection to LIFE, even tho it worked in computers. His music will live again with your fingers on the keyboard, Knatolee.

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  3. Sympathy to you and Gordon on the loss of a great friend. You have written a great tribute about your friend .

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  4. I'm so very sorry,Knatolee, it was so long ago that you showed us a lovely photo of your visit with the guys.
    Jane x

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  5. My deepest condolences. Gary sounded like a wonderful friend.

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  6. so sorry for the loss of your good friend. We wish you guys and Brien will be comforted with his loving memories!

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    1. Thank you Pasha. So many good memories!

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  7. Thoughts are with you all, so sorry. Jx

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  8. I'm so very sorry. Gary sounds lovely. There are so few lovely people in the world.
    My thoughts and prayers are with you and with Brian.

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    1. Thanks Maggie. I swear that only the good die young! :(

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  9. A lovely couple with lovely friends. Condolances.

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  10. I absolutely know what you're going through and my heart goes out to Brian. Just being there with him and sharing your memories of Gary will help. XOXO

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    1. It was so good to see him this weekend!!

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  11. We are so sorry for your loss. Our friend Ellen from Mississippi Lake is on her last journey, too. Thanks
    to cancer, which hit her out of the blue. And she is only 64. So sad, indeed. I used to play quite a few rounds of golf with her. She always made me laugh.

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    1. I am so sorry ot hear this Willie. My Mum was 64 when she died. Way too young!!!

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  12. Sorry to hear about your loss. We can see from your post that he was a very nice man. It will be a very difficult time for Brian. I am glad you were able to join him.

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  13. So infinitely sad! Hugs and prayers for all who loved this very special, unique friend. May you find comfort in remembering all together the very rich moments of Gary's life.

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    1. We sat shiva with Brian and it was pretty special talking about Gary!

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    2. Knatolee and Gordon made Gary's life richer and sweeter. We had an amazing time visiting the farm!

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  14. Sending heartfelt thoughts to you, Gordon, Brian, and everyone who loved Gary.

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  15. I am sorry for your loss. Gary certainly sounds like a great person and he will be missed by him loved ones.

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  16. I am so sorry to hear your sad news. Your post is a lovely tribute to him.

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    1. :) Many thanks!!

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    2. Yes, your post is an exceptionally lovely tribute to Gary. Thank you Knatolee for expressing our shared thoughts so beautifully.

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  17. My sympathies to all of you mourning the loss of a good man. We need more of them in this world.

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  18. Gary was blessed to have known you also. Don't forget that half of the friendship.

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  19. Very sorry for your loss.

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Thank you for all your comments, which I love to read!