GILBERT PARKER

I was friends with Gilbert for 20 years. He was a wonderful, generous man and incredibly loyal to his friends. We met at the William Inge Theatre Festival in 2000, the year of the tribute to his client, A.R. (Pete) Gurney. I was driving us to the gala dinner and we both started telling theatre stories and I was so enraptured, I missed the exit. We got so lost on the backroads of Kansas, we almost missed the entire event! My husband Don and I spent an incredible weekend at his home in Fire...

Gilbert - You were always a challenge and a joy to negotiate with - especially because your clients were among the best and you commanded and gave them the respect and representation they deserved. When you said "I'll recommend it" at the end of a deal it was like heaven. I will always cherish the last time I saw you - at the Primary Stages dinner honoring Biff - another superb gentleman of the theatre. You are remembered. Rest in peace.