Bangkok, Thailand
Sunday Morning
March 15, 2009

Dear Friends,

I have some very sad news to report.

After several battles, my friend Jay Gilsen passed away in New York on Friday, March 13. Jay is one of my oldest and dearest friends.

Jay was my Anderson Avenue, Highbridge, Bronx, New York neighborhood buddy and my classmate from Kindergarten through Taft High School. As regular "cut -ups," we often met at "the Principal's bench" at PS 73.

As teenagers Jay and I partied and sang doo-wop rock 'n' roll songs together. In the park, we played (American) football. Our favorite strategy was "You hit 'em high and I'll hit 'em low."

Jay was joyous celebrant at my wedding. Jay was always my loyal and supportive friend.

Jay was one-of-a-kind. He was mischievous. He was hilarious. He was a real character. He was crazy for the New York Yankees; he worshiped Mickey Mantle.

Although I have only been able to see Jay infrequently these last few years, he and his devoted wife Marilyn (Mickey) were always in my thoughts.

Jay's passing is a great loss for me and for his family and friends.

May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.

Jan