Joseph Switz

Still missing you, old friend. Would you believe I was talking about you just the day before your anniversary remembrance popped up in Legacy? My favorite tale of you taking in the sun (as usual) on the steps of the Acropolis, tanned and handsome, silver-haired and mustachioed, the picture of Zorba. How many tourists captured shots of that "real" Greek gentleman graciously smiling his permission? If that was a tall tale, it should have been true!

You have too many other beloved friends with you now. Please give my special love to Ms. Courtney, the other beachbum, Mikey -- and, of course, Miss Betty.

Still miss you my brother! You wouldn't believe how much Savannah has changed and you'd have whole new legions of fans! Can't believe you're gone! Don't worry I'm reminding everyone on Facebook to raise a toast to you this week!

I still think you all the time Joe and only wish you'd kept an adventure journal! I'd give anything to know all of the lives you touched. It might shock you to know that at one point your photos from your stage acting days in the 1960s were for sale on eBay at one point! I have copies of them in my character file and I was not surprised that such a "character" had such a past! Savannah not the same without you nor is my own life. Those were good times and you are missed!

My friend Joe. I will miss you sir. I was remiss after you joining Jennifer and I at my birthday party April 21, two years ago, and had such a great time, that Jennifer and I did not get to see you again. Life took off for us and we did not get another laugh with you or some other adventure. It broke my heart to walk in to your residence hall and learn that you had passed away. Although Jennifer loved you and felt you an amazing man, I was blessed with at least 20 some odd years of encounters and fun moments with you. You were such an inspiration and you always had encouragement for me in my own path and it was truly one of my great honors to know you and to have had you as a character in my life. I hope we will remeet one day and share a cocktail and make fun of everyone and everything!

I consider my life far richer and more colorful for having had Joe in it as a co-worker, and after his retirement from Customs (which was left much duller by his absence), as a continuing friend. I feel lucky that I was able to spend time with him three times after his move back to Savannah: in 1988, 1997, and 1998. Maybe I'll make it back and raise (another!) glass to him at Kevin Barry's pub in memory. He was the handsomest man in town, and there could not have been a better advertisement for his hometown with his charm -- and his fabulous wicked sense of sarcastic humor -- and his kind heart. Since Clara made it to 96 or so, I had so hoped we'd be able to meet up at least once more. Now who will tell me all the real gossip that didn't make it into Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil? And how will Miss Betty ever get along? Much love, Joe. You were such a travelin' man, I hope this journey has been your best.

How well I remember Joe when he was a very young man living at my family's residence, the Lenore Apartments in Savannah, back in the 1940s. He was a fine young man then, and it appears from his obituary that he led a full and happy life. I wish his family well.