Clarkson

Beverly, please accept my condolences on your loss of Austin. He and I sat on the Board of New Music Concerts for an eternity, and I know that you were also fans of Millers Country Fare, an Etobikoke restaurant in which I had a small share, with George McDonald. George is coming to my house for dinner tomorrow and I can assure you that Austin will be well remembered and celebrated. These are terrible times under Covid. My wife Tomiko died in Sunnybrook in November, so I can well sympathize with the grief you must be going through. It is very difficult. But to me, Austin was one-of-a-kind. Brilliant, understanding, and the centre of his own universe that included many parts of the world. A true treasure. Please know that I am thinking about you, but don’t try to reply to this message. I understand – I haven’t yet replied to the many messages I received from Tomiko’s friends. They say that life goes on – let’s hope that’s true! We shared some wonderful moments together and there is comfort enough in that. Jeffrey Smyth