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Y.Marks
August 11, 2024
A chance meet, that became a lifetime friendship. Gilbert was always so generously kind, considerate, and a true friend to anyone who knew him. I feel he was probably this way with everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. He was so well informed, but managed to always be genuine in his sincerities of what his heart felt about everything. I am not able to know if someone would know what I mean by this, except for those who knew Gilbert. A rare bird he was. Always singing to his own tune. I wouldn´t want to change a thing a bout him. In a lifetime, one should be so lucky to have known such a person, let alone becoming such life long friends.
It is so strange, how over time, we form relationships with others, and what that bond means to us. Its not quite like the flow of any movie I can think of that I have ever seen. But maybe similar to The Godfather. We interact we some daily, some barely. Some by choice, and some by association. And then there is Family, co-workers, employees, our attorneys, primary physicians, and my dog that are always priority, and most dear. Which is why having found a friend when I share my life and time with so many, who never strayed from being present and invested in every interaction we ever had, that was purely based on genuine enjoyment of company alone, no other strings attached, is so rare to have. I hold it dear to my heart forever. And what makes me so sad, is that I don´t believe I ever told him. We both never spoke of our friendship really. Well over ten years, and not once did we ever asked, "how two opposite lives, became such close friends for so long?"
I only know that I am addicted to genuine souls, and love the company of honesty to a fault. And if you have empathy and compassion in your heart , then you too would be a dear friend of mine for life as well.
I´m sorry I never said these words to you when I had many chances to Gilbert. I hope this message finds you, as every word I wrote is true. You will always be one of my favorites. Thank you for putting up with me as a friend. Love You FOREVER.
-nikki
ps/ still building Bridges
Stephanie Beroes
April 17, 2024
Gilbert had a wit and social commentary which was unlike anyone else! I remember his voice and he always helped me see the irony of life.
I think of him always every day, every day.
Stephanie Beroes
April 17, 2021
Dear Sandy ,
April 17, 2021 , After all the years , Gilbert is still much missed . His intelligent observations of everything and everyone , his sensitivity to art and music ; I think of him every day and often wonder what he would say about the world we live today ; “ what would Gilbert say? “
Stephanie Beroes
Raymond Rowlands
April 17, 2021
While working for the Marhoefer family, i met Gilbert in Balwin. A very interesting man. RIP
Raymond Rowlands
April 17, 2019
I knew Gilbert when i worked at Marhoefer court apartments. Rest in peace
Mark Henderson
April 17, 2014
Dear Sandy,
I remember Gilbert from my younger days in Pittsburgh. My impression was that he was smart, kind and intuitive. I am so sorry for your loss.
Raymond Rowlands
March 17, 2013
Hello Sandy, I just heard about Gilbert, I'm so sorry. I only met him a couple times, but he was always gracious. Hope all else is great with you and yours.
Kurt Flint
October 2, 2012
I was listening to Invisible Inc, which was made while I was away from town for some years, and then I decided to give a listen to "Edge" which I worked on with him. I had only had lunch with him a couple of times since then, as children and making computer games took all of my time about when he was finishing up "How to Pick Up Girls", so today I set out to fix that.
Dusted off the browser and found I was having trouble figuring out where I could get in touch. After a couple of hours I was broken hearted to unexpectedly find this.
We were around one another almost constantly when I lived in SF, and he shared my love of art and books. He understood what I meant by that "while everyone can't just do it every day without ruining it, a real Rauschenberg needs to be touched now and then so that its texture is appreciated properly". Art is not just pictures in books, somewhere they are real, vibrant with a life of their own breathed into them by their creators. I remember one object in his collection that depending on your culture strongly blurred the definitions of art and magic. Even standing at a museum looking at a de kooning from behind a rope isn't the same as running your hand over a Banksy. Maybe that is what makes making and collecting art so good. I think it is what makes me enjoy working with artists and musicians.
Gilbert: you were my friend, great dinner companion, a collector and appreciator, but always overall an artist. Thank you for everything.
William von Hagen
September 23, 2011
(Tried to post this before, but am not sure if it made it!)
I am so sorry! Gilbert was the most amazing person I ever met or will ever meet. Being his friend was an honor , and obviously a pleasure. I will miss Gilbert forever.
Bill von Hagen
September 23, 2011
I didn't know about Gilbert's death until a mutual friend told me about it a few days ago. I am so sorry! Gilbert was the most amazing person - smart, friendly, and happy to share. I literally owe him much of (the good things) that I am today. See http://1000memories.com/gilbert-marhoefer/memories/84902-knowing-gilbert for more info, but simply put, I will miss Gilbert forever, and am forever lucky to have known him.
December 15, 2010
There is never a day when I don't think about Gilbert. He was an extraordinary sensitive and understanding friend. He is terribly missed.
Stephanie Beroes
December 15, 2010
There is never a day when I don't think about Gilbert. He was an extraordinary sensitive and understanding friend. He is terribly missed.
Ed Morgan
August 30, 2010
I just found out online. I was looking
forward to seeing Gilbert again. In 1997 I was in San Francisco for a day and Gilbert drove my girlfriend and I all around the city to show us all
his favorite places. That's just the
kind of guy he was! I miss him already.
Paul Riley
July 10, 2010
A mentor, a best friend and a father to me. I love you mate.
Billy and Michelle Marhoefer
May 26, 2010
We are so sorry and shocked at cousin Gilbert's passing, we enjoyed his company and thought of him as an amazing artist and free spirit. He is sadly missed.
Love Billy and Michelle Marhoefer.
Jason Gibbs
May 15, 2010
Gilbert was an amazing person - it's hard to know where to start. He was the child lepidopterist, the philosophy major, the real estate manager. But he was also an aesthete, autodidact, sophisticate, a man of the world – all in the best possible sense. Through his mental prowess and doggedness he acquired an encyclopedic knowledge of English-language poetry. He also became an authority and connoisseur of tribal and contemporary art.
I started out briefly as his music teacher, but our relationship quickly transformed into a collaboration and friendship. He was an intensely creative individual, and thankfully working together we found an outlet for his rich imagination. The Apes of God became his calling; he released five CDs of spoken word music with a sixth in the offing. His verse was strikingly original and varied-- alternately profound, thoughtful and playful. He was very ambitious in his creative aims and could be exasperatingly exacting. But he demanded far more of himself than of
his collaborators, often anguishing for years in his search for le mot juste. But anyone who listens to his work can witness and appreciate the often spectacular results. His talents as a visual artist and filmmaker were also considerable.
Gilbert was a considerate, charming, gracious and generous man -- he is missed.
May 11, 2010
He will be missed. - His cousins in Chicago - Lynne Gregg Sonia and Chloe
Michael Leach
April 27, 2010
I had worked with Gilbert on the presentation of his African art over the years. Gilbert’s eccentric & poetic viewpoint in relationship to the art world, was matched by intellectual interests that ranged from books to butterflies and music.
In the end, Gilbert had one of the best eye’s for art that I have ever met, and his passion will be something I will keep.
I will miss him.
My condolences to his family
April 27, 2010
Dear family and loved ones of Gilbert,
I worked with Gilbert on the numerous art projects he'd bring to Artists Image Resource here in Pittsburgh, PA. All of them were exciting and challenging. Oh what a wonderful mind he possessed and what a generous and inspiring person he was. I shall always remember him. I'm sure the "Brain Trust," Bob Edmonson, Charlie Angemeer, Bernie Beck, Lou Palatis, and a few irregulars who would convene at at Max's Allegheny Tavern every time Gilbert was in town remember him fondly as well. Gilbert, I must add, loved Max's succulant Weiner Schnitzle. (I hope I spelled that and everybody in the "Brain Trust" names correctly.) We are all saddened and shocked by his sudden death. Gilbert, Farewell old friend. We love you.
Ian Short
[email protected]
April 26, 2010
Dear family and loved ones of Gilbert-
I'm so sorry for our terrible loss. Gilbert was a rare individual, talented, witty, generous to a fault and the kindest most sensitive fellow ever. I was Gilbert's friend, former housemate and bandmate in the Apes of God. If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know. My email is [email protected].
All my condolences,
Deborah Fox
Simon Pargeter
April 26, 2010
I had the privilege of working with Gilbert on numerous DVD projects over the years at Video Arts and always enjoyed his unique and highly creative approach, his wry sense of humor and multitude of entertaining stories. We were stunned to hear of his passing and all of us here at VA will miss him, his great personality and the collaboration we shared in the post-production of many of his projects. Condolences to Gilbert's family and his many friends around the world.
Michael Peglau
April 24, 2010
Dear Sandy,
Gilbert was a person of extraordinary talent, sensibility, and reach of mind in areas so diverse as art, music, poetry, film, and philosophy. He created and supported many remarkable works. His generosity toward other artists was, as we all know, extraordinary. All of us who knew him are stricken; truly he was a deep soul.
Ben Opie
April 24, 2010
My condolences to the family. Gilbert was a character among characters. He was, as you know, highly intelligent, loved to talk and tell stories, loved the spoken and written language, was well versed on a variety of topics. I always knew him to be very generous and enthusiastic. I was looking forward to seeing him this summer! I hope the family knows that I and many others share in the loss of Gilbert. We'll be thinking of him, and you, in this time of loss.
David Lenker
April 24, 2010
Dear Sandy and family: so very sorry to hear of Gilbert's passing - I received news via mutual friends. My residence here in Spain makes attending the funeral impossible... Needless to say to you, my friendship with G. was longstanding and he'll be missed. My love to you and yours, -David Lenker (Malaga, Spain)
Bill C. Jones
April 23, 2010
Dear Sandy and Family,
I was shocked and saddenned to notice, this afternoon, that Gil had passed, and I'm deeply sorry for your loss. Since then, I've been having a rush of pleasant memories of times we had together (just a few years or so ago) : when I found myself a stranger in a strange city, uprooted from friends and life in New York City, and it was Gilbert who made me feel less uncomfortable, inviting me over to your house repeatedly, introducing me to friends, like the Fridays up the street, helping me to develop a wry perspective which enabled me to maintain my sanity while I got ridiculed for a whole year by a fifth grade teacher. I remember the 'books' we wrote together, making light of the whole Shady Side experience until I could 'excape' after eigth grade .... What a good friend when I needed one most.
I wish the best to you, your family, and Gil's friends, as you sort through all the good effect that Gilbert had in our lives, why he will be dearly missed.
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