MEMORIES OF KURT SIMON
At first, I struggled with idea of telling Kurt Simon memories and I wasn't quite sure why. When I figured it out - It was because I always felt that the stories Kurt shared with me were with me alone. I felt privileged to hear his stories almost as if they had been told to me in confidence. As Kurt's friend, he made me feel special and that my friendship with him was important.
I first met Kurt Simon in the early 1980's in Los Angeles when he was friends with my dear friend Kathleen Burke. I'm not sure how Kathleen knew Kurt but she introduced me to him. Kurt and I became friends and would meet for coffee or sometimes dinners and talk about the most interesting things. I was in my twenties and Kurt must have been in his seventies. I had recently graduated from UC Berkeley in Architecture and we would often talk about architecture and design. I was fascinated with his design sensibility and how he integrated his ideas into the properties he renovated along with his places in Venice, Malibu and his home in LA. Sometimes he cooked me dinner and we would talk for hours. We talked about so many things - his experiences when he worked in the movie industry. One time, we even talked about World War II and about a time he released some Jews who were being held. He described how a very gaunt man thanked him as he opened the gate. I could see the man's face in Kurt's as he described the story. I never forgot it.
When I got married and had my children - Kurt remembered me and sent gifts to Boston where we live. Both of my daughters received their engraved silver baby spoons from Kurt Simon. I have them wrapped safely and saved for their children.
Another amazing thing about Kurt Simon was his attitude about abundance. He did not lead a cluttered life nor did he have a cluttered house or a cluttered closet. He was streamlined in his thinking and in most everything he did. He once said "I have 3 ties, if I receive another - one must go." The simplicity he managed to keep was ahead of our time and one that I strive for.
There are so many wonderful things to remember about Kurt Simon. These are just a few.
Kurt was a special person in my life. I felt deep sadness when he died but gratitude that I had had the opportunity to know him. It was time to let him go. When he sent out his last email to say good-bye to us all, I sent him back the words to the song below. I didn't expect a response but of course he did. He thanked me and let me know he liked the lyrics.
Dear Kurt,
I am sending love to you and believe that you will receive it. I know that you are at peace in spirit.
Thank you for being my friend.
Love,
Francene
Deep Peace
Deep peace of the running wave to you
Deep peace of the flowing air to you
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you
Deep peace of the shining stars to you
Deep peace of the gentle night to you
Moon and stars pour their healing light on you
Deep peace to you
Deep peace to you
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Francene Amari-Faulkner
Boston