The friendship between Howard and me began with a rather late-evening phone call - around 9:30 I think. In my career as bookbinder no client had ever called me at that hour, so I had a feeling this would be special. And it was. Howard brought a large book that had been bought as the special one-millionth commemorative volume at a university library. It was difficult to repair, I was scared beyond words to deal with it, but Howard's confidence in me, someone he had never met before, meant that I had to live up to his expectations. I guess I did, as that was the first of many books I repaired. The photo of Howard with the large book, taken in my studio, is proof of this. Over the years my husband Don and I came to treasure our time with Howard, enjoyed stories of his travels, his family, his important work with book dealers world wide and shared his love of all things 'book.' As librarian I had many thought-provoking talks with him about the book business and how the changes affected both his, and my, profession. In short, Howard, my husband Don (a print-maker) and I were on the same wave length as to what's important in our lives and what can be left by the wayside. Howard, we'll miss you more that you'll know, but will always keep you deep in our hearts where all the important things happen. To Beverly and all of his beloved family, our sincerest condolences and much love in this difficult time. Margit and Don (Smith)