I'm coming in a bit late on this remembrance, because I've been out of town, sans computer, and then – er – recovering from being out of town. In fact, I was at my place on Sebago Lake in southwestern Maine, and was thus close enough to go to the memorial for Jay. Somewhere I have a picture of Jay and Lois on my porch swing in Sebago, taken at least 35 years ago.

I knew Jay at Colby College in the early 60s, and then for a number of years thereafter, during his marriage to my Colby roommate. I saw him only a few times since then, once or twice at the Press Room (probably not The Boarding Party's finest performance, but definitely fun), and most recently at a memorial service in 1997.

I remember Jay for his beautiful voice, both singing and speaking. He was a wonderful TV news anchor – intelligent, handsome, mellifluous, and obviously a real person. I remember talking to Lois via long distance phone one time -- "Gotta go," she said, "Goldenthroat is on the tube." As I recall, he was occasionally at odds with the station managers, because he didn't consider supermarket openings to be legitimate news.

I remember him for the songs he taught me, several of which I still sing regularly. Note I didn't say "songs I learned from him," because he patiently dictated the words and showed me the chords.

I remember him for good conversation and a fine sense of humor.

I remember him for the Press Room, which I only visited a couple of times, but it was clear it had become a power in the cultural life of Portsmouth very early in its existence. I was very pleased to learn (within the last two weeks) of all the other wonderful things Jay did for that city, and to see the Music Hall and the beautiful little park on State Street, and so many buildings Jay was involved in rehabilitating.

Good job, old buddy.

Nancy

(PS -- welcome to Mudcat, Loie!)