Adrian and I last saw each other over Thanksgiving weekend, and the last drink we shared was Lagavulin scotch, our favorite...and then we went outside and shared a big hug before going our separate ways. I'm damn glad of that.
Today in the car I mentioned to my 6 year old son Michael about the upcoming party to celebrate Adrian, and Michael wanted to know if he could come. I said, "I'm sure you will buddy. Adrian knew you and was proud of me for being your daddy." And it struck me...he would have been such a great father...
I agree. Adrian would have been an amazing father.
I last saw Adrian at Lisa Ballinger's house for her mother and father's 50th Wedding Anniversary. However, the most precious memory I will carry with me will be spending time with him and Lisa after his mother's memorial service. We sat at Lisa's house late into the evening catching up, sharing fond memories, and a few drinks. The highlight of the night was when he and his friend, Eliot, taught Lisa and I to salsa out on her patio. It was such a fun and engaging night that none of us wanted to see end...
I don't remember why I didn't come out to Lisa's with you guys that day...I think I may have driven back to southern Indiana that evening...but damn...
I remember how he would say your name and greet you when he didn't expect to see you. You felt warm, loved and hugged. Literally AND figuratively!
I last saw Adrian at Spike and Christie's wedding reception. What a gift that was! Got to catch up and intently listen to his latest project and wishing I could see him teach the subject that he loved. Then he got us out in the dance floor! Never being a smooth charismatic dancer - he said to me "are you having fun? Then dance like no one is watching!" I've thought about that so often over the last few days and I realized I want to live my life and experience the joys that he did with the people that matter most. He gave me a wake call to say "it's never too late!" Love you so very much Adrian Gaskins!
Possibly the finest, most guileless human being I have ever known. My last memory of him is when I was leaving Spike and Christie's wedding, I re-hashed a well worn joke about a certain painting, and his beautiful, full throated laughter still sings in my ears when I think of it. Godspeed brother.
He was better than us...he never used the things he did for others to gain any favor from anyone....how he cared for his mother, his brother, his friends....
Adrian had a way of making everyone feel needed and appreciated. He was his mother's son. Met him through his mother and developed a friendship that was such a blessing. He was such a kind and gentle soul. He texted my Mom on New Years after midnight and wished us all a Happy New Year. Wish him peace and love.
I used to love giving Adrian crap anytime that the UK basketball team lost...he particularly hated that I would predict big losses. I wish I could call him and piss him off about this year's team...
And the nights are hardest...he knew when I would be out in the garage having a cigar and reading to relax and escape to a little mental privacy, and that's when he would text or call because he knew that in that time and mind-space, I was free to laugh.
The profile photo of Adrian looking out over Paris was taken by me and it reminded me of an incident involving Adrian's profile while I was visiting him, with his students, in Paris...we were walking down a street together, when a young man, who looked much like a young, gentile version of Busta Rhymes, walked past, turned back and said something in French to Adrian. When he realised we were English speaking, he repeated his comments in English...he was remarking on Adrian's beautiful profile and asked if Adrian would accompany him to his studio so he could photograph and paint him...in profile...
The other photograph of Adrian in a cap, in front of a cup of coffee was also taken by me, during his last visit. We went to Amsterdam and on the way to The Cotton Club to listen to some live jazz, we stopped at the "Feel Good Cafe". Clearly it made Adrian feel very good indeed.
I met Adrian when going to Covington with Spike when we were at EKU. About a week or two after Adrian moved to Michigan State, I took him out to lunch to give him some company since I had been living there for a couple of years and figured he didn't know anyone. It took us a while to walk to the restaurant because literally every other person we passed stopped us to talk to Adrian. That's when I realized just how special he was.
I cannot believe this news. I was just talking about him today with my own students. I took his Black World Studies class and he was absolutely wonderful. An engaging, creative, kind, encouraging man who was passionate and pushed his students in an entry level course to dig into the material. He was always talking about salsa class and one day we moved all the desks and he taught us some moves. I only had him one semester but he had a huge impact on who I was as a student at Miami and who I am as a teacher today.
UnknownJanuary 27, 2016 at 5:27 PM Professor Gaskins, thank you for everything you ever taught me, and taking the time to always listen.
I had the honor of having Professor Gaskins for BWS classes. He had such a beautiful and engaging style of teaching, peppered by his obvious passion and great sense of humor. He was one of my favorite people at Miami, if not my favorite. You could turn to him for anything. We always had such thoughtful conversations together. I will never forget you. Thank you for everything. I'll always keep my fingers crossed for Kentucky.
Wherever you are, I hope there's salsa music there.
Professor Gaskins was one of my supervisors on a study abroad trip during the summer of 2013. While abroad I was hospitalized with a life threatening illness and Adrian was there with me every step of the way until a parent was able to get over to Paris. Throughout my entire illness, which forced me to leave Paris early, Adrian was there to update me on classes, support my mom, and help keep everyone calm.
When I returned to the US, Adrian was my mentor for everything I needed to do in order to recover my credits from my study abroad experience.
I will never forget this man and I know my family and I are eternally grateful for his help and passion for the students that he accompanied to France each summer.
Adrian was one of the most genuine, happiest souls I have ever met. He was one of the professors I studied abroad with in Paris and London during the summer of 2013. I was so excited for this experience and every time I spoke with Adrian he would make me more and more excited because you could see how passionate he was about traveling, people and cultures.
One of my favorite memories about the trip is when Adrian taught us how to salsa dance. He always said how much he loved it, he had so much passion for it and wanted to share that with us. I greatly admire that. That was the first time I tried salsa dancing and whenever anyone talks about it I always think of him.
I am still in shock that he is gone and I am so very grateful that I was lucky enough to have him as a professor and mentor. You will be greatly missed, Adrian. Thank you for everything you have taught me throughout the years.
Professor Gaskins had an incredible impact in the classroom. I was fortunate enough to take his introductory black world studies class at Miami, which consisted largely of Professor Gaskins navigating important race lessons to a predominantly Caucasian audience. My time in his presence in just one semester made an enormous impact on my time at Miami. Love&Honor professor Gaskins, I'll carry your messages with me for the rest of my life. Thank you for helping me to become a better human being.
I still remember meeting Terence. Within minutes of our first meeting he had challenged my own beliefs, educated me, and left a lasting memory.
He was likely the first person to really challenge my small-town spiritual ideology by dismissing my claims of historical religious significance by bringing actual data to the table. It was a historical discussion with several people from the 2005 Bellarmine campus --- we were downstairs, sitting in the larger music room. It was a lasting impression; I remember where we were sitting in proximity to one another.
He successfully argued against my case. He educated me that there was a world outside of what I'd been taught. He brought data to challenge some falsities I'd come to accept as reality.
He brought exposure to the world, acting as a marvelous teacher. I'm glad to have both learned from him and worked beside him. Few people leave a first impression that is memorable more than a decade later, but I'll never forget him. I appreciate that he challenged convictions with data, reality, and did so with grace. Damn, this man will be missed.
We fondly remember Adrian here at the John E. Dolibois European Center in Luxembourg. Adrian was here last January during the Winter Term with a Faculty-led program. He spent 2 weeks with us and we very much enjoyed his joyful personality and his very friendly and positive attitude. We were all saddened went we heard what had happened to him, because we had agreed that he would come back to Luxembourg for another semester or year to teach one of our classes. Too bad he couldn't make it, we would have loved to! He was a wonderful colleague
...and he truly loved his time in Luxembourg!! Many was the night that I would get messages from him about his adventures there...and always, I had to smile and think, "Who else but Adrian would be texting me from a castle in Luxembourg?"
His compassion, wit, and commitment to students and associates is what I'll remember most about Adrian. We would share commentary regarding Latin music and the artist that made the music popular back in NYC barrios. I was truly saddened by his passing, and I know that countless students adored him as an educator. My condolences to his family!
I was so sad to learn of Adrian's passing. We were friends from Interlochen Arts Center in Michigan. And we all called him "A-Team." Though I did not have the privilege of seeing him in many years, I'll never forget his million dollar smile. His greetings for his friends could absolutely make your day. He was always ready with a huge smile and hug and his undivided attention. He made you feel like you were the most important person in the world. He was a gift to all his students and co-workers and friends. We sure will miss you, A-Team. Hope to see you again someday, my friend. Rest in peace.
I remember at GSP how we would sit and talk about the world and the best places to visit, but we always ended up comparing notes of the best places to in the tri-state area. I will miss knowing that we might end up at one of the restaurants we talked about sometime.
Professor Gaskins was one of the only teachers I've ever had that I really learned from. Every class made me think deeply about many topics, and I always was able to take away some bit of knowledge or insight from each class. He cared about his students and was a genuinely kind man. He was one of the few professors that have truly had an impact on me and the way I think. Rest in peace Professor, my heart goes out to you and your family.
I met Adrian in the summer of 1993 when we were counselors at Interlochen. He was a remarkable friend to me, genuine, no pretense, opinionated, generous, dripping with personality. He valued personal relationships as much as anyone I had ever met. A conversation with him about philosophy, ethics, sports, culture or hip hop music was like a major event. I feel lucky to have known him.
So long, Team. I wish I could be there to say goodbye and listen to some stories from your friends and family.
I was privileged to know Adrian through his wonderful mother when she lived at Covington Ladies Home. He was so kind, so loving, so fun for the staff when he visited. The world is a much poorer place without him. Janet B
Adrian, along with his colleague and friend, Gene Metcalf, have been bringing groups of MUO students to London and Paris for many years, and I had the good fortune to get to know Adrian over three consecutive summers. What started off as a client/supplier relationship developed into friendship. We would discover parts of Paris with and without students, and I got to know some of Adrian's friends along the way, especially Cynthia and Tiffany. This year he will sorely missed,and this is indeed very sad news. I shall post some photos: one of Adrian, Tiffany and I on one of our many nights out, here in La Butte aux Cailles. Another at Harry's bar where we would always make a pilgrimage (I had to get down on lie on the floor to the Miami flag in the background, and more recently another MUO colleague, Katie Johnson, was here in Paris and we went for a drink there to remember Adrian), another with his 2015 group in front of the Opéra Garnier, and also another with the same group in Giverny, where Claude Monet lived. I shall miss him, his smile and constant cheerful personality. We would laugh so much together; a truly beautiful person! The scholarship is a wonderful befitting tribute, and I will do what I can to play my part in ensuring that his legacy lives on by welcoming more MUO groups to Europe. When you've regularly spent time with someone in the place known as the birth place of the Bloody Mary, I am wondering who is going to read me the riot act now? It's only the prices he would scold me about, and here his gentle nature would shine through abundantly; the fun, the merriment and laughter were never in short supply, and positively encouraged. Merci infiniment, Adrian !
I knew Adrian when we were fellows together at the Woodson Institute at the University of Virginia. We kept in touch for a little while after that, but lost touch in recent years. I am a little sad about that. But despite the passage of some years since we last spoke, I will have long treasured and will always treasure the depth of joy that he brought to this world. It's all too easy in and around universities to take oneself or all kinds of things far too seriously. During our time together in Virginia, Adrian did a lot to help me make sure I did not do that--or at least not too much. The story though that simply must be noted so you all remember it: Me and my friend Adrian, we correctly picked the Derby. First, we got up from our desks as "serious writing-on-Saturday academic types" to go watch the Kentucky Derby in my teeny tiny apartment; second we confidently picked Fusaichi Pegasus--not because we had any sound reason, to believe that after twenty years with the favorite NOT winning, this was the horse. Nope. Adrian had traveled in Japan. (Of course.) This was an excellent reason to have confidence in "our" horse. We unwisely decided to be frugal people and not actually bet money. We laughed about that for a while. What travel we might have funded with our Derby winnings! We also left our Woodson desks in the middle of the day to watch the live coverage from Chicago when the great running back Walter Payton died. Because he was a great athlete, and a decent man. Because we were sports fans. But mostly because a little time celebrating our shared humanity, enjoying that shared humanity, was as important as anything else we had to do that day. Thanks for these lessons and much more. Rest in peace dear friend.
I met Adrian several times in Paris over the last few years with the MUO groups as I was hired as their local guide at different museum venues. I warmed to him immediately, his kindness and humanity,heart on his sleeve attitude which endeared the students to him as well.I remember sharing a beer with him and Doug Chamberlain after a visit of Notre Dame cathedral with the students.He mentioned he would love to go to the South of France on one of his free weekends,and I arranged for him to stay at my friend Monique's in Nice and she looked after him. I just called her to announce the sad news and she shares with us in this tribute to a gentle,kind,intelligent man,who left an indelible mark in the hearts of all those he encountered.May he rest in peace.
How wonderful to learn a little more about his time there in Nice!! That was one of his favorite experiences and he shared many pictures and stories of that adventure. Thank you for sharing.
The first time I met Adrian was 1986 Governor's Scholars Program Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. He was Ghandi with a wicked good sense of humor. We stayed in touch very loosely over the years, but he seemed to transcend time and was largely oblivious to change. I last saw him in Boulder, Colorado, in his basement university office. That morning, just as he did in so many other ways over the years, he folded origami for my daughters and my wife, much to our amazement and delight. --Andrew Park
I last talked with Adrian about 8 or 9 years ago and just now found out he died. We had some great times in grad school, going to gopher football games, hanging with MÁS(S)Color, golfing, drinking bad beer, pontificating... such good memories... You made life better, Adrian. Take good care, we'll see you when we get there.
It's times like this that I reflect on the conversations and the readings, the insight and the passion that Adrian shared with me. I reflect on what he stood for, what he accomplished. I remember what he helped foster and facilitate in each of the lives he touched-- the learning, the listening, the empathy, the strength. I've missed his friendship. But the world misses him now. Thank you, Adrian. Thank you. I want you to know I'm still here. And I'll continue to learn, to listen, to empathize, to stand tall for justice and equality, and to breath passion and energy into this fight. I miss you, man. Thank you for giving me strength even in memory.
Mr. Gaskins was one of my professors at CU in Boulder. I wish, more than anything, he could be here to talk to right now. I feel like he would have wise answers for all of us. It’s been nearly 20 years and that’s what an impact he left on me. Trying to hear his voice. If anyone would like to get in touch with me regarding the professor and his teachings, I would be honored. Best, Catherine Wirth Shelton
I just was thinking of Adrian and decided to Google where he was teaching these days. I am heartbroken at seeing this news and also seeing that it was so many years ago now. I can say without a doubt that Adrian changed the entire course of my life. He was an incredible professor and friend. I am overcome wondering what happened to him, if he was happy, and wishing I could have told him how much he meant to me.
Lauryn - So sorry you had to find out this way, but it is special that you still thought about him. His death was shocking and sudden. He was traveling and not feeling well so he went to the hospital. He at some point had a embolism they believe caused cardiac arrest. Sadly a lot of his friends and family didn’t realize what had happened. But that was just like him to spare the rest of us any pain or suffering. We had a beautiful memorial in his hometown in Covington, KY.
Christie Jones (wife of Spike Jones one of Adrian’s lifelong long friends)
Please share your story here in the comments section. You can also submit pictures at the top of this page click on the link.
ReplyDeletehe is of legend...
ReplyDeleteRandom thoughts...
ReplyDeleteAdrian and I last saw each other over Thanksgiving weekend, and the last drink we shared was Lagavulin scotch, our favorite...and then we went outside and shared a big hug before going our separate ways. I'm damn glad of that.
Today in the car I mentioned to my 6 year old son Michael about the upcoming party to celebrate Adrian, and Michael wanted to know if he could come. I said, "I'm sure you will buddy. Adrian knew you and was proud of me for being your daddy." And it struck me...he would have been such a great father...
I agree. Adrian would have been an amazing father.
DeleteI last saw Adrian at Lisa Ballinger's house for her mother and father's 50th Wedding Anniversary. However, the most precious memory I will carry with me will be spending time with him and Lisa after his mother's memorial service. We sat at Lisa's house late into the evening catching up, sharing fond memories, and a few drinks. The highlight of the night was when he and his friend, Eliot, taught Lisa and I to salsa out on her patio. It was such a fun and engaging night that none of us wanted to see end...
I don't remember why I didn't come out to Lisa's with you guys that day...I think I may have driven back to southern Indiana that evening...but damn...
DeleteWell, hell...with my mind fogged by this...I forgot completely about Spike's wedding and seeing him there...
DeleteI remember how he would say your name and greet you when he didn't expect to see you. You felt warm, loved and hugged. Literally AND figuratively!
ReplyDeleteI last saw Adrian at Spike and Christie's wedding reception. What a gift that was! Got to catch up and intently listen to his latest project and wishing I could see him teach the subject that he loved. Then he got us out in the dance floor! Never being a smooth charismatic dancer - he said to me "are you having fun? Then dance like no one is watching!" I've thought about that so often over the last few days and I realized I want to live my life and experience the joys that he did with the people that matter most. He gave me a wake call to say "it's never too late!"
Love you so very much Adrian Gaskins!
That is a great story sums up a lot about Adrian :)
DeletePossibly the finest, most guileless human being I have ever known. My last memory of him is when I was leaving Spike and Christie's wedding, I re-hashed a well worn joke about a certain painting, and his beautiful, full throated laughter still sings in my ears when I think of it. Godspeed brother.
ReplyDeleteHe was better than us...he never used the things he did for others to gain any favor from anyone....how he cared for his mother, his brother, his friends....
ReplyDeleteAmen!
DeleteAdrian had a way of making everyone feel needed and appreciated. He was his mother's son. Met him through his mother and developed a friendship that was such a blessing. He was such a kind and gentle soul. He texted my Mom on New Years after midnight and wished us all a Happy New Year. Wish him peace and love.
ReplyDeleteI used to love giving Adrian crap anytime that the UK basketball team lost...he particularly hated that I would predict big losses. I wish I could call him and piss him off about this year's team...
ReplyDeleteAnd the nights are hardest...he knew when I would be out in the garage having a cigar and reading to relax and escape to a little mental privacy, and that's when he would text or call because he knew that in that time and mind-space, I was free to laugh.
The profile photo of Adrian looking out over Paris was taken by me and it reminded me of an incident involving Adrian's profile while I was visiting him, with his students, in Paris...we were walking down a street together, when a young man, who looked much like a young, gentile version of Busta Rhymes, walked past, turned back and said something in French to Adrian. When he realised we were English speaking, he repeated his comments in English...he was remarking on Adrian's beautiful profile and asked if Adrian would accompany him to his studio so he could photograph and paint him...in profile...
ReplyDeleteThe other photograph of Adrian in a cap, in front of a cup of coffee was also taken by me, during his last visit. We went to Amsterdam and on the way to The Cotton Club to listen to some live jazz, we stopped at the "Feel Good Cafe". Clearly it made Adrian feel very good indeed.
ReplyDeleteHe shared some of that adventure with me several times...he had a blast, to say the least!!!
DeleteI met Adrian when going to Covington with Spike when we were at EKU. About a week or two after Adrian moved to Michigan State, I took him out to lunch to give him some company since I had been living there for a couple of years and figured he didn't know anyone. It took us a while to walk to the restaurant because literally every other person we passed stopped us to talk to Adrian. That's when I realized just how special he was.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe this news. I was just talking about him today with my own students. I took his Black World Studies class and he was absolutely wonderful. An engaging, creative, kind, encouraging man who was passionate and pushed his students in an entry level course to dig into the material. He was always talking about salsa class and one day we moved all the desks and he taught us some moves. I only had him one semester but he had a huge impact on who I was as a student at Miami and who I am as a teacher today.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteUnknownJanuary 27, 2016 at 5:27 PM
Professor Gaskins, thank you for everything you ever taught me, and taking the time to always listen.
I had the honor of having Professor Gaskins for BWS classes. He had such a beautiful and engaging style of teaching, peppered by his obvious passion and great sense of humor. He was one of my favorite people at Miami, if not my favorite. You could turn to him for anything. We always had such thoughtful conversations together. I will never forget you. Thank you for everything. I'll always keep my fingers crossed for Kentucky.
Wherever you are, I hope there's salsa music there.
Peace,
Laura
Professor Gaskins was one of my supervisors on a study abroad trip during the summer of 2013. While abroad I was hospitalized with a life threatening illness and Adrian was there with me every step of the way until a parent was able to get over to Paris. Throughout my entire illness, which forced me to leave Paris early, Adrian was there to update me on classes, support my mom, and help keep everyone calm.
ReplyDeleteWhen I returned to the US, Adrian was my mentor for everything I needed to do in order to recover my credits from my study abroad experience.
I will never forget this man and I know my family and I are eternally grateful for his help and passion for the students that he accompanied to France each summer.
Adrian was one of the most genuine, happiest souls I have ever met. He was one of the professors I studied abroad with in Paris and London during the summer of 2013. I was so excited for this experience and every time I spoke with Adrian he would make me more and more excited because you could see how passionate he was about traveling, people and cultures.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite memories about the trip is when Adrian taught us how to salsa dance. He always said how much he loved it, he had so much passion for it and wanted to share that with us. I greatly admire that. That was the first time I tried salsa dancing and whenever anyone talks about it I always think of him.
I am still in shock that he is gone and I am so very grateful that I was lucky enough to have him as a professor and mentor. You will be greatly missed, Adrian. Thank you for everything you have taught me throughout the years.
Professor Gaskins had an incredible impact in the classroom. I was fortunate enough to take his introductory black world studies class at Miami, which consisted largely of Professor Gaskins navigating important race lessons to a predominantly Caucasian audience. My time in his presence in just one semester made an enormous impact on my time at Miami. Love&Honor professor Gaskins, I'll carry your messages with me for the rest of my life. Thank you for helping me to become a better human being.
ReplyDeleteI still remember meeting Terence. Within minutes of our first meeting he had challenged my own beliefs, educated me, and left a lasting memory.
ReplyDeleteHe was likely the first person to really challenge my small-town spiritual ideology by dismissing my claims of historical religious significance by bringing actual data to the table. It was a historical discussion with several people from the 2005 Bellarmine campus --- we were downstairs, sitting in the larger music room. It was a lasting impression; I remember where we were sitting in proximity to one another.
He successfully argued against my case. He educated me that there was a world outside of what I'd been taught. He brought data to challenge some falsities I'd come to accept as reality.
He brought exposure to the world, acting as a marvelous teacher. I'm glad to have both learned from him and worked beside him. Few people leave a first impression that is memorable more than a decade later, but I'll never forget him. I appreciate that he challenged convictions with data, reality, and did so with grace. Damn, this man will be missed.
We fondly remember Adrian here at the John E. Dolibois European Center in Luxembourg. Adrian was here last January during the Winter Term with a Faculty-led program. He spent 2 weeks with us and we very much enjoyed his joyful personality and his very friendly and positive attitude. We were all saddened went we heard what had happened to him, because we had agreed that he would come back to Luxembourg for another semester or year to teach one of our classes. Too bad he couldn't make it, we would have loved to! He was a wonderful colleague
ReplyDeleteRaymond Manes
Assistant Dean
...and he truly loved his time in Luxembourg!! Many was the night that I would get messages from him about his adventures there...and always, I had to smile and think, "Who else but Adrian would be texting me from a castle in Luxembourg?"
DeleteHis compassion, wit, and commitment to students and associates is what I'll remember most about Adrian. We would share commentary regarding Latin music and the artist that made the music popular back in NYC barrios. I was truly saddened by his passing, and I know that countless students adored him as an educator. My condolences to his family!
ReplyDeleteI was so sad to learn of Adrian's passing. We were friends from Interlochen Arts Center in Michigan. And we all called him "A-Team." Though I did not have the privilege of seeing him in many years, I'll never forget his million dollar smile. His greetings for his friends could absolutely make your day. He was always ready with a huge smile and hug and his undivided attention. He made you feel like you were the most important person in the world. He was a gift to all his students and co-workers and friends. We sure will miss you, A-Team. Hope to see you again someday, my friend. Rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteI remember at GSP how we would sit and talk about the world and the best places to visit, but we always ended up comparing notes of the best places to in the tri-state area. I will miss knowing that we might end up at one of the restaurants we talked about sometime.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteProfessor Gaskins was one of the only teachers I've ever had that I really learned from. Every class made me think deeply about many topics, and I always was able to take away some bit of knowledge or insight from each class. He cared about his students and was a genuinely kind man. He was one of the few professors that have truly had an impact on me and the way I think. Rest in peace Professor, my heart goes out to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI met Adrian in the summer of 1993 when we were counselors at Interlochen. He was a remarkable friend to me, genuine, no pretense, opinionated, generous, dripping with personality. He valued personal relationships as much as anyone I had ever met. A conversation with him about philosophy, ethics, sports, culture or hip hop music was like a major event. I feel lucky to have known him.
ReplyDeleteSo long, Team. I wish I could be there to say goodbye and listen to some stories from your friends and family.
I was privileged to know Adrian through his wonderful mother when she lived at Covington Ladies Home. He was so kind, so loving, so fun for the staff when he visited. The world is a much poorer place without him. Janet B
ReplyDeleteAdrian, along with his colleague and friend, Gene Metcalf, have been bringing groups of MUO students to London and Paris for many years, and I had the good fortune to get to know Adrian over three consecutive summers. What started off as a client/supplier relationship developed into friendship. We would discover parts of Paris with and without students, and I got to know some of Adrian's friends along the way, especially Cynthia and Tiffany. This year he will sorely missed,and this is indeed very sad news.
ReplyDeleteI shall post some photos: one of Adrian, Tiffany and I on one of our many nights out, here in La Butte aux Cailles. Another at Harry's bar where we would always make a pilgrimage (I had to get down on lie on the floor to the Miami flag in the background, and more recently another MUO colleague, Katie Johnson, was here in Paris and we went for a drink there to remember Adrian), another with his 2015 group in front of the Opéra Garnier, and also another with the same group in Giverny, where Claude Monet lived.
I shall miss him, his smile and constant cheerful personality.
We would laugh so much together; a truly beautiful person!
The scholarship is a wonderful befitting tribute, and I will do what I can to play my part in ensuring that his legacy lives on by welcoming more MUO groups to Europe.
When you've regularly spent time with someone in the place known as the birth place of the Bloody Mary, I am wondering who is going to read me the riot act now? It's only the prices he would scold me about, and here his gentle nature would shine through abundantly; the fun, the merriment and laughter were never in short supply, and positively encouraged. Merci infiniment, Adrian !
I knew Adrian when we were fellows together at the Woodson Institute at the University of Virginia. We kept in touch for a little while after that, but lost touch in recent years. I am a little sad about that. But despite the passage of some years since we last spoke, I will have long treasured and will always treasure the depth of joy that he brought to this world. It's all too easy in and around universities to take oneself or all kinds of things far too seriously. During our time together in Virginia, Adrian did a lot to help me make sure I did not do that--or at least not too much.
ReplyDeleteThe story though that simply must be noted so you all remember it: Me and my friend Adrian, we correctly picked the Derby. First, we got up from our desks as "serious writing-on-Saturday academic types" to go watch the Kentucky Derby in my teeny tiny apartment; second we confidently picked Fusaichi Pegasus--not because we had any sound reason, to believe that after twenty years with the favorite NOT winning, this was the horse. Nope. Adrian had traveled in Japan. (Of course.) This was an excellent reason to have confidence in "our" horse. We unwisely decided to be frugal people and not actually bet money. We laughed about that for a while. What travel we might have funded with our Derby winnings!
We also left our Woodson desks in the middle of the day to watch the live coverage from Chicago when the great running back Walter Payton died. Because he was a great athlete, and a decent man. Because we were sports fans. But mostly because a little time celebrating our shared humanity, enjoying that shared humanity, was as important as anything else we had to do that day. Thanks for these lessons and much more. Rest in peace dear friend.
I met Adrian several times in Paris over the last few years with the MUO groups as I was hired as their local guide at different museum venues. I warmed to him immediately, his kindness and humanity,heart on his sleeve attitude which endeared the students to him as well.I remember sharing a beer with him and Doug Chamberlain after a visit of Notre Dame cathedral with the students.He mentioned he would love to go to the South of France on one of his free weekends,and I arranged for him to stay at my friend Monique's in Nice and she looked after him. I just called her to announce the sad news and she shares with us in this tribute to a gentle,kind,intelligent man,who left an indelible mark in the hearts of all those he encountered.May he rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to learn a little more about his time there in Nice!! That was one of his favorite experiences and he shared many pictures and stories of that adventure. Thank you for sharing.
DeleteThe first time I met Adrian was 1986 Governor's Scholars Program Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. He was Ghandi with a wicked good sense of humor. We stayed in touch very loosely over the years, but he seemed to transcend time and was largely oblivious to change. I last saw him in Boulder, Colorado, in his basement university office. That morning, just as he did in so many other ways over the years, he folded origami for my daughters and my wife, much to our amazement and delight. --Andrew Park
ReplyDeleteI miss you, A...
ReplyDeleteI last talked with Adrian about 8 or 9 years ago and just now found out he died. We had some great times in grad school, going to gopher football games, hanging with MÁS(S)Color, golfing, drinking bad beer, pontificating... such good memories... You made life better, Adrian. Take good care, we'll see you when we get there.
ReplyDeleteIt's times like this that I reflect on the conversations and the readings, the insight and the passion that Adrian shared with me. I reflect on what he stood for, what he accomplished. I remember what he helped foster and facilitate in each of the lives he touched-- the learning, the listening, the empathy, the strength. I've missed his friendship. But the world misses him now. Thank you, Adrian. Thank you. I want you to know I'm still here. And I'll continue to learn, to listen, to empathize, to stand tall for justice and equality, and to breath passion and energy into this fight. I miss you, man. Thank you for giving me strength even in memory.
ReplyDeleteMr. Gaskins was one of my professors at CU in Boulder. I wish, more than anything, he could be here to talk to right now. I feel like he would have wise answers for all of us. It’s been nearly 20 years and that’s what an impact he left on me. Trying to hear his voice. If anyone would like to get in touch with me regarding the professor and his teachings, I would be honored. Best, Catherine Wirth Shelton
ReplyDeleteCatywirth@gmail.com
DeleteI just was thinking of Adrian and decided to Google where he was teaching these days. I am heartbroken at seeing this news and also seeing that it was so many years ago now. I can say without a doubt that Adrian changed the entire course of my life. He was an incredible professor and friend. I am overcome wondering what happened to him, if he was happy, and wishing I could have told him how much he meant to me.
ReplyDeleteLauryn - So sorry you had to find out this way, but it is special that you still thought about him. His death was shocking and sudden. He was traveling and not feeling well so he went to the hospital. He at some point had a embolism they believe caused cardiac arrest. Sadly a lot of his friends and family didn’t realize what had happened. But that was just like him to spare the rest of us any pain or suffering. We had a beautiful memorial in his hometown in Covington, KY.
DeleteChristie Jones (wife of Spike Jones one of Adrian’s lifelong long friends)