Thursday, January 9, 2025
Just a few words about the admiration I have for a grand man, my dear, old friend Guy!
When a man is born, some say, before him lies an infinite number of paths that will lead him through life and experience and finally to his mortal end, and only his unwieldy will, virtues, vices, acumen or obtuseness will forge the shape of his own unique road through time and trace the form of the truth by which he will be remembered with scorn, love or admiration. Still others say nothing a man can possibly do, try as he may, will alter the road already preordained for him by God and his genes, and ultimately his life is a mere series of acts already scripted in an inscrutable book of fate.
Saint Paul combined these two views of man’s free will, or only apparent free will, when he wrote that now, while alive, we look through a mirror into an enigma but when mortal existence is over, we will be known to ourselves as God always knew us. In so many words, only by not turning our eyes away from and embracing our own mystery and confronting all the unknowns and twists and turns of life, will real truth and love be possible and revealed.
My old friend Guy never passively accepted the enigma of his own existence as a timid spectator, looked askance from it or shrunk from its constant barrage of daunting tests. Instead, Guy immersed himself in his being as if it were a series of oceans and continents to explore. With near superhuman vigor, he investigated every contour and possibility of what life was dishing – at times to his detriment, at times against all odds resulting in heroic victories. Fearless, he drew from his inborn fortitude, wit, self-love, courage, humor, and passion to carve a mighty path through six decades of nearly inconceivable fortunes, misfortunes, daunting challenges, defeats and towering successes. Like a magnet, his charisma attracted a host of friends and family along in his journey.
For those of us who had the chance and privilege to bear witness, a blaze of light and love and a few jagged edges here and there shot forth from this passing meteor of a man infecting us all with awe, apprehension, strength. inspiration and love. Of those of us who knew him, who can say their interpretation of the world has not been forever altered by their encounter with Guy Garrubbo?
Some, especially like his beloved Tricia and children, held fast in every moment to his magnificent trajectory with loyalty, devotion and (yes) tolerance, feeding Guy’s beautiful, hypnotic flame with unconditional love. Others, somewhat overwhelmed by the outsized enthusiasm, had to hop on and off from time to time fearing a crash or complete assimilation into “Guyness”.
Some years ago after Guy and I decided to have a wrestling match smack in the middle of the lobby of the Plaza Hotel after a cocktail or two at the old Trader Vic’s, Guy, out of nowhere, told me that one day when his time would come he would pass to the other side in the blink of an eye taking it head on with both eyes open. He said it without any cowardice, fear of the end or affected self-pity whatsoever. Guy was only expressing that he would confront it with the same vigor, wonder and curiosity that he mustered when taking on a new project, a new chance to learn and advance.
Guy left us as he lived, revealing his truth as a champion, a grand man, a fearless businessman, a natural, gut-splitting comedian, a good and cherished friend to so many and, above all, an outstanding and loving father, husband and son.
Speaking for me, the road Guy traced through this world shines on indelibly, and will be remembered with admiration and as an inspiration.
Caro Gaetano, quanto però mi mancherai, porca miseria!
