R.I.P. Wilhelm “Willi” Nitsch

News of the premature and surprising passing of a very dear person has reached me.

“Willi” was a kind mentor and fatherly friend during my student years. And had life not taken a different turn, he would have become my father in-law. He inspired my fascination with creative pursuits, vintage markets and the tireless acquisition of interesting, unusual books and objects. He also awakened my appreciation for the art of cooking, fine wine and cheese. During my most rebellious years, he accepted me the way I was, without passing judgment on the eccentric, provocative and outrageous ways in which I thought, dressed or wore my hair at the time. Willi loved to cook, and although I was on a tight student budget, I ate like a king whenever I was a guest at his house, and often left with leftovers for the next day.

He was a remarkable man, a person of genuine warmth and honesty who possessed unfettered tolerance for others, and whose philosophy was simply to “live and let live”.

Without him, I would never have become the person I am today. Thank you, Willi. I am lucky that fate joined our paths for a time, and I miss you a great deal.