Comments on: Edgar Gunther, RIP

By: Jim Swander

Jim Swander — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:15:26 +0000

Marc,

I am an American living in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. I spent many nights sharing discussions with your father in many different restuarants here. He shared wonderful stories which showed how proud he was of all his family. I knew he had a serious illness, as he had expressed, in a few emails, his desire to travel, and return to Cambodia, but the doctors would not let him travel. I am sorry to hear of his passing. The good part is that he lived life to the fullest. He brought joy to many of us who met him. He remined me a lot of my father, who passed a few years ago.

I used to share stories of some of my travels with him. I have just returned from Beijing and worked on a travelogue on Sunday afternoon. It reminded me I had not heard from your father, and hoped he was still fine. I decided to Google search him to see if I could find one of his family. I did not want to find your story, telling me of his passing. Your story closed a chapter on “Ed”, who I considered a friend, yet it open the door to communicate with you. If you ever want information on his travels to Cambodia, just let me know.

I share the loss with you,
Jim

By: sertillanges bernard

sertillanges bernard — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:28:29 +0000

Cher Marc-Je suis bien triste d’apprendre la disparition d’Edgar que je connaissais depuis plus de 15 ans. Nous avons été des amis tres proche et je regrette de ne pouvoir venir le voir a NY en juillet comme il me l’avais demandé….il voulait me rendre mon invitation a Sihanoukville. De retour au Cambodge tous nos amis communs me demandent la date de son arrivée! Ici il est toujours vivant et nous ne l’oublierons pas. Je suis tres heureux d’avoir pu partagé ses dernieres années lors de ses voyages au Cambodge il etait si heureux après avoir touché le sol de ce pays dont il aimait sa simplicité et son hospitalté.
Marc recevez toutes mes condoléances ….si vous désirez quelques photos de votre père envoyez moi votre email et je vous les enverrais. bien à vous. -Bernard Sertillanges

By: April James

April James — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:11:05 +0000

Dear Marc – I am sorry that I am only reading this now, 22nd November ‘09. I had the pleasure to work for your father when he was living in Gunter Grove in London, from 1981 – 1983. I worked for Investor’s Administrative Services in London. When he was in London, I used to travel to his flat and work with him. When he was travelling I used to go to the flat once a week to sort the mail, deal with any ‘phone messages. I remember that I always had to buy a copy of the Financial Times for him, while he was away, in particular the Saturday edition.

After working in London I moved to Hong Kong and unfortunately lost contact with him. He was a wonderful man and I thoroughly enjoyed working for him. I often think of him fondly and am very sorry that I did not have a chance to make contact with him before he passed away. It is purely by chance this evening that I thought of him and typed his name into Google and your very moving tribute came up. My very best wishes to you all kind regards April

By: wayne

wayne — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 02:09:05 +0000

wow never knew him or you before a minute ago im truly touched and am honored to have read this post.

RIP Edgar Gunther

By: Jerry Brady

Jerry Brady — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 17:30:38 +0000

I enjoyed your tribute, Marc. It was honest, respectful and what you could say. Growing up in a predictable and conservative environment as I did, I have had a hard time imagining someone living so much for himself and his interests as your father. Stay home, act your age! But I’ve come to think that when one lives honestly it frees those around him to live honestly too, and to take chances. I admire the way he lived the end of his life. I wrote a column some months back about the odd fact that people who are “religious” are three times more likely not to have living wills and to go on living near the end with greater suffering for themselves and their families than those who are not. I cited Ed as a good example for all of us. He had lived his life as he wished and it was okay to let it go. This is wise and courageous. It seems to have followed naturally from the way he lived. I have a friend, Forrest Church, who has been pastor to a Unitarian church on the Upper East Side for a couple decades who write a book, Love and Death, about the prospect of his imminent death from cancer. He told me he had done everything he needed to do and it was okay to go now–although he continues to live and is, what else, writing another book. Both provide an example for which we can learn and be grateful.
You have been a good son and can rest knowing that is true.

By: Matt Quinn

Matt Quinn — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 02:14:34 +0000

Marc, I am sorry for your loss. I remember Ed well; our family stayed in his place in London (Gunter Mews was it?) way back when. My dad died three years ago (was still living in New York); Gertrude moved to Atlanta not to far from us a year or so later.
Best, Matt (sometime reader of your blog!)

By: Adrian Day

Adrian Day — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 18:15:13 +0000

Your father lived a full and rich life, and was a free spirit (Mark Skousen reminds us of that ponytail!). Always interesting, several of us frequently remark on a wonderful evening at Vong in New York, when he joined a group of us, most of whom he did not know. It remains a “benchmark” for a fun evening. Always generous, helping friends and unknown young Latin artists, for example. He was a genuine friend. Once I needed a favor, and offered to help me without hesitation and without discussion. I shall never forget that kindness.

By: carlos bogni

carlos bogni — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 17:42:34 +0000

mark, un abrazo, acabo de recibir la noticia, estoy muy triste, trabaje con tu padre diez años durante mi permanencia en ny, justo ayer lo llame y le deje un mensaje en la grabadora.
tengo mucha pena.

By: jaleh

jaleh — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 15:59:09 +0000

Dear Marc,

Your dad was a good guy, great to work for. I helped him type his correspondence on the computer in 2000 twice a week at his apartment on . His was a rich and good life, his contribution to art and artists in Latin America significant. My condolences to you and your family.

Jaleh

By: Marc Gunther

Marc Gunther — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 15:33:49 +0000

I’m so grateful to all of you who took the time to comment here. Your kind words have meant a lot to me. I’m taking some time to mourn and rest, but I’m also eager to get back to my regular life. Best, Marc