Peter Urban, photographer and friend

The photographs of me on my books, my web site, and accompanying my blog were taken by Peter Urban. He was a wonderful photographer and I was honored to consider him my friend. Peter died on Saturday and I will miss him.

Arlette Kafayas, whose gallery on Harrison Avenue in the South End represents Peter’s work, said this about him: “Peter’s enthusiasm for life, his love for his friends, his energy for his community are all part of what made him a remarkable human being. Knowing Peter was a gift--being with Peter energized your life.”

When Peter first learned he had pancreatic cancer, he told me he and Patrick Swayze had something in common. Now, sadly, they continue to. I will continue to picture his smile, to hear his laugh and to wish we could meet for another lunch.