In the wake of the momentous floods of 2008, I found myself without a framer. The Art Cellar, which had so capably put up with the specificity of my idiosyncratic framing needs for over twenty years, had been, along with the rest of downtown Cedar Rapids, inundated by 8 feet of the teeming waters of the Cedar River. During that surreal time, Galen Lacey and his ebullient spirits came to my archival, preservation rescue.
Though Galen was a relative newcomer to the Mount Vernon community, his unfailingly gregarious manner had quickly insinuated him into the broad circle of varied cultural and social activities that distinguish that delightful Iowa town. His framing studio drew artists and customers alike, seeking the witty conversation that accompanied his impeccable professional services. And, over the course of a short summer, I came to depend on his discerning eye and good taste.
On the morning of October 3, 2008, Galen suffered a devastating heart attack. From that moment, the community of Mount Vernon rallied to this favorite son’s aid. An e-mail network coordinated by the indefatigable Katrina Garner, updated all of Galen’s friends of his condition. Galen’s sister, Julianne Gregory and her husband, Sid, essentially put their own busy lives on hold, to attend to Galen’s crisis and recovery. Artists, neighbors- all friends- performed innumerable large and small tasks as Galen survived the attack that destroyed his heart and the subsequent transplant that miraculously restored him to the prospect of a rich life to be taken up once again.
It was a bitter disappointment then, when Galen’s recovery became clouded by incessant complications and repeated hospitalizations. Throughout it all, Galen’s community- the people of Mount Vernon, Julianne and Sid, and many artists in farther-flung environs (I count myself among them) never wavered in their support. During a chat when he could first have visitors, Galen spoke of the blessing of his survival, if only to realize how genuinely people cared for him. The profundity of this realization and the prospect of eventual vitality sustained Galen for a year and a half.
This past Saturday evening, Galen succumbed to the exhausting conditions of a body that could not heal. It’s a cruel loss for all who felt him to be a kindred spirit. For all of these people, however, the true comfort is in the fact that Galen, after a lifetime of moving around, and many self-described, unsatisfying jobs, had found a home and work that he loved. I’m going to miss him.
9 Comments
Very sweet words, Mom. Galen was clearly a true friend.
Pricilla, I am sorry to hear about your friend. I never had the pleasure of meeting Galen although you mentioned him with regard to framing several times, and I never got around to see him. Procrastination takes on new meaning;I missed an opportunity to meet a very special man. Once again, I’m sorry for your loss and for those who loved him.
This is a beautifully written tribute to Galen. His tribulations over the last year and a half, and the community’s response of support, have made me more appreciative of how much each person’s life impacts the lives of those around him or her. Galen loved his relationship with you and your gallery.
Even when he is not of this world, Galen’s great good- will prevails and draws together a circle of friends!
I am sorry for your loss. It is difficult to lose those who touch our lives. Even though we see they are free from their suffering, we miss their goodness.
Pricilla ~ what a beautiful tribute to Galen’s life! I did not know Galen personally, but in a small town like Mt. Vernon, even if you don’t KNOW them you know them. He was a much loved member of the community. Thank you for putting words to “paper” in his honor. Blessings to you, M.
It’s easy to put words to paper about such a positive, enjoyable force in the community. Mount Vernon should organize the Galen R. Lacey Memorial 5K run, since he was an inveterate jogger right in the middle of that community’s streets. It would be precisely in the community/commerce-building mode that Galen always supported.
You don’t know me and I don’t know you but I was moved by your kind words about Galen Lacey. I am a 1979 graduate of Cornell and considered Galen’s older brother, the late Stephan Lacey, to be one of the major mentors of my life. It was Stephen who introduced me to his brother Galen in 1978. Since then I have developed great fondness for Galen, Stephen and their late mother Claudine Lacey. It is truly because of all of them that I ended up here, in Portland OR. I also have great respect for Julie and Sid and the pure quality of their care and support for Galen. I will continue to hold him, Stephen and Claudine closely in my memory and in my heart.
Rupert,
We’re all feeling the palpable absence that Galen has left. At his memorial service, all of his friends commented how he would have richly enjoyed that gathering. And, today while running errands, I spoke with another gallery owner who knew Galen well. Stan Wiederspan was on the brink of tears as he described that he and Galen spoke on the phone 2 or 3 times daily. Additionally he and Galen would share dinners and sit on Galen’s front porch and just shoot the breeze. We’re all facing this loss, and my heart went out to Stan to see how acute his feelings are right now. I hope that you can celebrate Galen’s vitality with a good dinner with friends and a morning run!