IN MEMORY OF CROSBY -- A
DEAR FRIEND
When a remarkable man passes away, there is always a hole in the life of his friends, and a deep wound. In time, the pain gets numb, but the wound never heals completely.
Inga and I have known Crosby and Grace for over thirty-five years, and were fortunate enough to have them as close friends.
It's hard to say what was most remarkable about Crosby -- his sharp, penetrating eye of a brilliant art historian, his encyclopedic knowledge of art and culture, or his deeply felt concern for others --friends and strangers. In the case of the latter, it could be a cause where he would perceive some injustice, whether in our neighborhood in Cambridge, or half a world away, and he would do all he could to make things right. And, of course, Crosby's sincere and heartfelt humbleness. He, who knew so much, always listened carefully, and would make his most intelligent remarks in the most modest way.
He and Grace were a unique couple. We used to see them regularly, and after Grace passed away, Crosby would often come to us, and Inga would prepare dishes that we knew he liked.
By his nature, Crosby was a reserved man, who tried not to show his emotions, but his devotion to Grace was beautiful. I remember some years after Grace died, I showed him some of my new works.As always, he was making some perceptive comments. I must confess, he liked the works (they are now in the MFA Boston collection), and then, suddenly, his eyes welled with tears and he said quietly, "If only Grace could see them."
This is how I will always remember Crosby -- his eyes welled with tears, saying quietly, "If only Grace could see them."
Leon Steinmetz,
Cambridge
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| Leon Steinmetz at Crosby's 85th Birthday |
When a remarkable man passes away, there is always a hole in the life of his friends, and a deep wound. In time, the pain gets numb, but the wound never heals completely.
Inga and I have known Crosby and Grace for over thirty-five years, and were fortunate enough to have them as close friends.
It's hard to say what was most remarkable about Crosby -- his sharp, penetrating eye of a brilliant art historian, his encyclopedic knowledge of art and culture, or his deeply felt concern for others --friends and strangers. In the case of the latter, it could be a cause where he would perceive some injustice, whether in our neighborhood in Cambridge, or half a world away, and he would do all he could to make things right. And, of course, Crosby's sincere and heartfelt humbleness. He, who knew so much, always listened carefully, and would make his most intelligent remarks in the most modest way.
He and Grace were a unique couple. We used to see them regularly, and after Grace passed away, Crosby would often come to us, and Inga would prepare dishes that we knew he liked.
By his nature, Crosby was a reserved man, who tried not to show his emotions, but his devotion to Grace was beautiful. I remember some years after Grace died, I showed him some of my new works.As always, he was making some perceptive comments. I must confess, he liked the works (they are now in the MFA Boston collection), and then, suddenly, his eyes welled with tears and he said quietly, "If only Grace could see them."
This is how I will always remember Crosby -- his eyes welled with tears, saying quietly, "If only Grace could see them."
Leon Steinmetz,
Cambridge
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