We first met Gerhard through our friend Renee. He was the English professor who years earlier had been her graduate school thesis advisor. The two had remained very close and Renee invited Gerhard to join our group of friends who took turns hosting each other at dinner, and who in summer spent weekends together in the country at Renee’s house and at ours. (See Comfort Food for Renee) And times spent with Gerhard were always delightful! He was bright and witty, always ready for a...