In Memory of David, August 10, 1950 to January 19, 2001 "History counsels patience: Tyrants come, like plagues, but none Can rule the roost for ever." [Auden, Loneliness, 1971, 866] That is the title of my late friend’s last painting, “History Counsels Patience”. Today would have been David’s sixty-third birthday, two weeks after mine. I have old photos on a brownie camera of the two of us celebrating our third birthdays; there were not too many kids around in the summer when we were young. David was a dear friend I knew all my life, a painter, a Professor of the Visual Arts graduate program at The University of Toronto. He was the best story teller I have ever known, had a photographic memory, and a hearty laugh. His friends adored him, as did his students. I prefer to observe David’s birthday. David was brutally murdered in his office at the University of Toronto on January 19, 2001. It was a premeditated murder, because it is very difficult to find his office in an old building near the main campus, impossible unless you know the way. He had been working on his computer when the murderer entered and stabbed him innumerable times, even on his arms as he tried to defend himself. David was 6’3” and in excellent shape. Had he been standing I believe he would have had a change but…. The murder remains unsolved. While working on the case, detectives said they did not hear one unkind word about David. He was such a kind and loving person. A friend took a video of one of David’s master classes and it is so inspiring, he really listens to his students before he comments on their work and always has something encouraging to say to each student, no matter how good or not so good the work. I know David would understand, I have forgiven the murderer, I cannot live with the anger. I even pray for him, our worst enemies can often teach us more than our loving friends. If I could I would have a sip of the best scotch, something David had frequently before he started his evening work. I will always hold David in my heart.
Posted on: Sat, 10 Aug 2013 06:07:57 +0000
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