GREG KNOTT'S MEMORY LIVES ON

Greg Knott, who died in January, really made a difference in his way-too-short life. I have posted about him earlier, see older posts, but new information has come my way via Peggy Kramer. Marilyn Kehl was Greg's good friend and right hand woman. Please go here to see a website dedicated to, among other things, Greg's involvement with Gay rights and betterment of the environment relating to life as a gay or lesbian person in our world. Additionally, below is a note from Marilyn to anyone who is interested. Greg certainly is another of our KHS65 members gone way too soon:

"At the time of Gregory's death, Judy Stone, of the Old West End Association, suggested that he should have a Memorial Plaque, similar to Murray Whiteman's, placed in the Old West End Arboretum. Many of you will remember Judy, an OWE Realtor whom I think of as Greg's successor in that field, deeply committed to the community and involved in its activities. In her tribute written at the time of Greg's death, she recalled, among other things, “parties at Lolly Blair's”. Many of you must remember her. We who consider ourselves the “immediate family” who handled all the funeral arrangements, etc. were very enthusiastic.

Pushy woman (not to say “bitch”) that I am, after a couple of months, I started asking questions. I contacted Judy, who told me that the matter was being handled by Michael Murray, yet another OWE Realtor. Many of you undoubtedly also remember Michael. Speaking for myself only, I would not trust Michael as far as I could throw the Refectory at Robinwood and Bancroft where he used to live. (Used to, because it really belongs to his wife. She divorced him and kept it.) At the time of Greg's death, I felt that the only reason Michael came to the Friday night visitation at the funeral home was so he could hand out business cards that said “Michael Murray, Auctioneer, Pamela Rose Auctions”. Michael told me that he had $300.00 in the fund, and had no idea what had been collected from our side, nor had he had any communication from us. He also advised me that the deceased woman who had funded the Arboretum had specified in her Will that no more plaques could be installed, however Memorial Benches were permitted. Attached is a picture of a different bench. Greg's would be similar. [This photo did not come over to me via email.]

I brought this information back to the “family”. There was no objection to the bench. The person responsible for collecting donations on our side said he was under the impression that Michael was to contact him. He had a number of pledges, but only one contribution to date. He immediately started calling in his chips. Sadly many of the pledges had melted away, not uncommon when time passes after the emotional event that prompted the pledge.

At this point, we have $700.00 and need $500.00 more. I'm not aware that any of you are fabulously wealthy, or I'd come after you first. But I am like Barack Obama, no amount is too small. $5.00, $10.00, $25.00 is welcome. Every little bit really does help. Of course, if you're in the position to do so, more is fine. Below are the instructions for making contributions from the man who is handling this on our behalf, followed by his business address.

Checks should be made out to Old West End Association w/ a notation in the memo section for Knott Memorial Bench. The OWE Assn. is being used because of their tax exempt status to avoid paying sales tax on the bench. Given Greg’s fondness (not!) for the current OWE Assn. I have been holding back any checks until we have the entire amount to give them in a lump sum.

Bill Robison
Great Lakes Sound, Inc.
230 Arco Drive Toledo, Ohio 43607
419-534-2260 Fax 534-2261 www.greatlakessound.com

If you prefer, you may send them to me:
Marilyn W. Kehl
3443 Broadway Place Apt. B Columbus, Ohio 43214 (614) 447-9922
broadwaybabes@wowway.com
Unfortunately, your donations are not tax deductible, but Greg's worth it. Love, Marilyn"

I pass this information on to our classmates with no prejudice or preference, but for your information and action if desired.