His Gift

BY RANDY REINHOLZ, PROFESSOR, HEAD OF PERFORMANCE, SDSU, SAN DIEGO, CA
I have just returned from two months of work with the last four weeks being in Australia. I had a letter at the University yesterday about Tony's long-term care needs. I made out the check to send in to support his assisted living care, when I received Michael's email about Tony's passing. Michael and Kate so kind, first they organized support, and then they bring many of us together to celebrate Tony's life on line. I don't know them personally, but admire their efforts in pulling all of Tony's students together.

I feel sad about Tony's passing. He helped so many people achieve their dreams in life. Maybe it is just the stoic Indian in me (I'm Choctaw), but I think Tony would have wanted it this way. He spent his life so beautifully. And when he was in need - there were lots of us who wanted to help him in return. We all loved him in a simple and human way. He had invested his gifts in us and we wanted to help him in return. It is great to know that he appreciated the love, but I believe he knew it was his time to go. When I think of Tony, he was always a man who loved to talk about what he had just done, what he was doing next and celebrate the accomplishments of others. He kept us connected on many levels. I imagine it was a little lonely for him not being able to discuss his most recent projects and the accomplishments of his network of friends and former students.

What a gift - to live ones life as an artist and teacher. Tony's gift was living so much of his life for the benefit of others. I'll miss him greatly.