The passing of Gary Lehrer

[Jon Szanto]

I have just seen the announcement of this sad news: noted penman Gary Lehrer has passed away. David Isasscon posted a very fitting, fine tribute in his Facebook FP group:

I fear I have some very sad news to share. Hobby stalwart, indeed icon, Gary Lehrer passed away today while on vacation in St Martin. I was just alerted with a request to post the news from fellow doc and pen friend Lynn Morris, who was close to Gary. I wish the news had been different. Apparently Gary suddenly took ill and passed within a day of hospitalization.

This group was founded in no small part on celebrating and honoring life events for the people of pendom. Mourning indeed is a part of that. This news was not easy to absorb or to share.

Gary was a gracious and knowledgeable collector, who had huge impact on the hobby and on collectors. He always had time for those new to the game, and I recall the time he spent offering me advice when I was just starting. His quarterly pen catalogue was a premier presentation of quality collectable old pens for decades. Having played a bit myself at selling pens for twenty years, I truly remain in awe of his organizational skills and of the remarkable pens he sold. The shtufff he handled was lengendary.

Collectable pendom has suffered a huge blow. I offer condolences to Myrna, to all his family, and to the innumerable friends and customers whose lives were touched by him.

Rest in peace, Gary.


ETA - 01/07/22: One of the Pentrace members posted a link to a really nice article on Gary and his life with pens. I'm amending this post to include it now.

Gary Lehrer and the Art of Collecting Fountain Pens

[Kampo]

This is very sad news. Gary was truly a great collector and his loss will be felt everywhere.

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[Empty_of_Clouds]

Bought a couple of vintage pens from Gary last year. Was a gentleman to talk to, even via email. Subscribed and always looked forward with great anticipation to the pleasure of the quarterly catalogues. Sad news indeed.

[Lloyd]

My deepest condolences to his loved ones.

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[724Seney]

Wow!
What a sad, sad shock.
He will be missed by many and remembered as one of the greatest figures in the history of our world of pen collecting.
Sincere condolences to Myrna and his family.

[christof]

The release of Gary Lehrer's catalog was for decades the most eagerly awaited highlight of the quarter for many collectors.

We will miss him.

[welch]

A great one.

[empliau]

So sad. I was a subscriber and had e-mailed a few times. He was a lovely gentleman.

[EFnibman]

He was wonderful to talk to and deal with;completely honest. My condolences to his partner Myrna.

Steve aka EFnibman

[David Bidner]

Very sad to hear of his passing. Dont think there is a nicer or more knowledable person in the pen community. My condolences to his family.

[Keyless Works]

Very sad to hear. His catalogs were always excellent. I bought several pens from him over the years. I just emailed him last week to ask him to help me find a pen.

[gordeeal]

Such tragic news. Gary was a friend and I subscribed to his catalogue for many, many years and bought dozens and dozens of pens from him. But he was more than just a source for vintage pens; I considered him a friend. So sad for Myrna. Just terrible.

[fountainpenkid]

His catalogs are a lasting resource. My condolences to his wife and family.

[jar]

He was a true gentleman but if he had to go, then during winter in St. Martin was just his style.

[Jon Szanto]

Just a note that I've edited the first post to include a link to a nice profile article on Gary's life in pens. Such a good fellow.

[Blutarsky]

Extremely sad news, an irreplaceable gentleman and a huge loss for the hobby / industry.

[Zoe]

Very sad newa.

[kazoolaw]

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