Gene was put to rest today with dignity and tears, surrounded by family and friends and sent off with a military honor guard marking his service to his country during World War II. It was humbling and warming and memorable.
The lessons I learned from this fine man are just starting to articulate themselves. He promised me when I was young (with regards to my writings), "If you're willing to do it for free, you'll make it." Mull that over for a while.
More importantly, Gene taught by example the importance of being happy for happy sake. He was what Pirke Avos characterized as a rich man. He was happy with his lot.
Thank you my friends across the fruited internet for your kind emails and messages during these sleepless days. Your words especially, Harlan, are always balm in Gilead.
And thank you, Gene, for sharing your final moments on this planet with this small voice.
Cliff
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5 comments:
You're a good man Cliff.
My deepest condolences to Gene's family and his friends, Cliff, of which I know he was proud to count you always in the vanguard.
I am happy to have known Gene, Adrienne and you, Cliff. I miss him already.
Very sad news indeed. Sincerest condolences to all Gene's family and friends. It is difficult at such times but one should try to recall the good times and the great work Gene left us. He was a wonderful artist and we can celebrate his memory through the joy it continues to bring us.
Chris
As always, beautifully blogged and succinctly said. I ran across a pic of Gene and Adrienne on the back of an Escapist comic today and felt a mixture of sadness and comfort. Your post expressed it perfectly.
Thanks again for everything you did for Gene. He couldn't have had a more dedicated friend.
Best,
Mike Pascale
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