Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Godspeed, Jose


My friend Lisa's husband passed away early this morning. Jose Gaytan was diagnosed with myeloma - cancer -  in March, after he went to see his doctor about a stomach ache.

Jose was a photographer, and intimately acquainted with his neighbourhood - their house is on a leafy street in Park Slope. But he loved the derelict Gowanus Canal, as only someone with a camera can. He walked his photographic beat every day with their beloved dogs Rudi and Lola, and missed those walks very much while he was ill. Jose was featured in a New York Times article and slideshow in 2009.

I cannot imagine Lisa's loss, but when I think of it in my own life, I taste it. If you have a moment, send your love out to Lisa - whose blog, Knithound Brooklyn, has been silent since March - and to his family.
Posted by Marie at 10:39:00 AM
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11 comments:

  1. JillDecember 7, 2011 at 10:58 AM

    Oh, my heart aches for his family. His photography brought me a lot of joy and inspiration, and he and his family will be in my prayers.

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  2. Donatella con TristezzaDecember 7, 2011 at 11:26 AM

    What a striking picture of a cardinal in flight. Perhaps Jose's spirit left in a swirl of beautiful wings and feathers. I wish Lisa and everyone who loved Jose peace and comfort at a very difficult time.

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  3. knithound brooklynDecember 7, 2011 at 11:33 AM

    <3

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  4. petoskystoneDecember 7, 2011 at 12:02 PM

    Swift journey, Jose. For his family & friends may the passage of time ease bitter tears to bittersweet memories, & from bittersweet to sweet.

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  5. Nora RDecember 7, 2011 at 12:56 PM

    The photos are amazing. Hard to choose a favorite, but the abandoned sofa stopped me in my tracks.

    Thanks, Jose. I wish I'd known you.

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  6. FrankDecember 7, 2011 at 4:06 PM

    Thank you for alerting us to his passing. I had no idea. His pictures are perfect and his face, although I am sure we never met, seems so familiar and warm.

    A loss for us.

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  7. webbDecember 7, 2011 at 6:36 PM

    So very sorry for your loss - way too soon, way too young.

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  8. IkaikaDecember 7, 2011 at 9:46 PM

    Beautiful photos. Such a loss. We send our heartfelt condolences to Lisa and her family.

    Soar free, Jose ...

    'Keli'i

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  9. AnonymousDecember 7, 2011 at 11:53 PM

    Marie,

    Sorry for the loss of your friend's husband. And to his wife, family and friends, may the memories of Jose bring warmth and smiles once the pain of his loss gives room to peace.

    Maria, from Plainfield

    ReplyDelete
  10. JoanneDecember 14, 2011 at 12:01 PM

    My younger brother Dill, aged 22 died in late November three weeks ago of cancer; he was also diagnosed in March 2010. I feel so bad for Lisa and am thinking of her and how hard this is. Too cruel.

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  11. MarieDecember 14, 2011 at 12:45 PM

    Thank you on Lisa's behalf for your good wishes.

    Joanne...22? My heart goes out to you.

    ReplyDelete

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