May 23, 2007

GWF - Writer, Gardener & Collector

My father passed away this afternoon after a long and happy life. He was born in Nottingham England in 1924. He served in the British Navy during the war years and spent time in Africa, Asia and India. After the war ended, he emigrated to the US in 1947. He became a US citizen in 1953, but also retained his UK citizenship. He also married my mother that year.

Dad was a writer for the Baltimore Sun and he maintained ties to the paper for many years, writing articles and features for the paper. He then moved to become the director of public relations at the Walters Art Gallery where he initiated many art in public programs, including the Art Abroad trips to Europe. Finally, he was the special projects for the Baltimore County Library system. After his retirement, he wrote for many publications on a range of topics.

Dad enjoyed many hobbies, especially reading, gardening and collecting. He was president of the Maryland Horticulture Society and the Baltimore Bibliophiles. He was very interested in history, cooking, travelling and classical music and opera. He loved to read and at one point had more than 4,000 books in his library. He read the Sun, New York Times and Washington Post every day.
My father, three days short of his 83rd birthday, will be missed by all who knew him, especially his three daughters and one son, his seven (soon to be nine) grandchildren and of course, my mother, his wife of 54 years.

15 comments:

  1. I already sent you a e-mail but wanted to express my sympathy here as well. Your Dad sounds like a great guy :-) and I am sure you have many happy memories of him.

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  2. My very deepest sympathies to you, Fairfax. At least he's free from suffering, and can rest in peace.

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  3. what a nice tribute
    He would be proud.

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  4. I am so very sorry about your loss. Please accept my sincerest symphathy. I know you will cherish your memories of him.

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  5. Sounds as though your father will be greatly missed here on earth but will be welcomed with enthusiasm on the other side.
    My sympathy to you and your family.

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  6. I just found your blog.

    Your Dad sounds like a wonderful person! How interesting he must have been and the stories he could probably tell. Sorry to hear of your loss.

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  7. Fairfax- What a very special father you had. He sounds like such an interesting and kind person, just as you are. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
    -Jennifer

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  8. How hard to lose your father, but I'm sure the fact that his life was long and happy gives you some comfort.

    He sounds like a remarkable man and your tribute to him is lovely.

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  9. M, your father sounds like the original renaissance man. Deepest sympathies to you and your family; it sounds as though you wish to celebrate rather than mourn him. He sounds like a paramount gentleman.

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  10. He does sound like a Renaissance man. I thought the same thing when I read your words. He must have been fascinating to be around. I do sympathize for your loss. What an incredible life he had.

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  11. I am sure you brought a lot of joy to his life and that he was proud of your accomplishments.

    Best wishes from this little Marrakech olive grove.

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  12. Yes, what a lovely tribute you posted here Fairfax. It seems he had a very rich life.

    Thinking of you,
    Courtney

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  13. I am so sorry for your loss. i just read this post about your dad, and wanted to send my condolences.
    -Rachel

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  14. I'm so sorry. He sounds like a wonderful man with a lot of interests, and with many people who loved him. Sounds like the kind of life I hope I lead!

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  15. Fairfax, Please accept my sincerest condolences for your loss. My thoughts and paryers go out to you and your family, he must have been very proud of your acheivments on this blog as it seems to embody a lot of the things that he valued.

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