John Gardner at Home

Anonymous memories (2)

John,

First, let me say that I wish this wasn't happening to you. I hope that today you are holding up well.

I missed you at ALPC. You've always lit up the proceedings, not only with clarifying insights, but with your smile, your laugh, and your quick wit. I know I and the other attendees are indebted to you for your hard work on the organizing committee and for transforming ALPC into a friendlier and more diverse conference.

I admire and appreciate the enjoyment of life you embody. I'm always attracted to happy people, and I think of you as one of the happy people in the world.

What sticks with me especially are the hours you spent hosting me at All Souls two Mays ago. You brought the history of All Souls to life, and let me see what it was like to be a Fellow.

I realized I had discovered a friend, and I am heartbroken that the friendship might not have more years to develop.

You are and will continue to be in my thoughts. Thank you for living your life with joie de vivre and with such genuine kindness and generosity. I treasure the friendship that we have.