Gary Lehrer passed away

[Wahl]

David Isaacson's post on the Fountain Pen FB page:

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 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, one 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 legendary. I’m grateful for the years hanging out with him at the pen shows.
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 he touched.
Rest in peace, Gary.
 

[Audrey T]

What a lovely tribute, Wahl.

[Bisquitlips]

Gary will be sorely missed!  Such a kind soul.  Many, many prayers for Myrna and the families.

 

You will be deeply remembered Gary.  Rest...

 

 

 

 

[Toll]

I did not know him — but I enjoyed seeing him and his pens at the DC Pen Show — certainly a kind professional and a gentleman. I am saddened to learn of his passing. 

[peroride]

Oh dear, deepest condolences to his family.

 

Just saw him at the SF Pen Show 2021.

 

Brought over a friend with a thrift store Waterman, I could not ID and Gary was so generous with his time and explanations, honed it down to a 0512 gold fill and unclogged the section.  Also chatted about Cliff Harrington passing. 

 

Both will be sorely missed. 

 

What gets me is that I think familiar faces will be there forever ...

 

until they're not.

[como]

I am absolutely shocked and so sorry to hear this terrible news. I had email exchanges with him as late as mid December when we said to each other our holiday wishes. I just got the notice that a package from him will be delivered tomorrow by Swiss Post. I just couldn't believe the news when I saw the title of this post 🙁. This is a huge loss to the pen community. Gary was a great resource for fountain pens, especially the vintage pens. He was kind, knowledgeable, helpful and easy to work with. I will miss him dearly. My most sincere sympathy and condolence to Myrna and his family. Rest in peace, Gary.

 

@Wahl Thank you for letting us know. 

[Wahl]

Gary and Myrna at the Madrid Penshow 2017 or 2018

 

 

 

[Toll]

That is the perfect photo — just as I remember him. Thank you. 

[markofp]

What a terrible shame. I always looked forward to the new Go Pens catalog, he had amazing things there. Rest in peace.

[joe120]

Thank you, David. I will miss my friend.

[jchch1950]

My deepest condolences to his family.

[Azuniga]

I learned it this morning, I could not believe it so I came here to look for a confirmation. Very painful. He was a great person and I also learned a lot from him.

My deepest condolences to Mirna.

[penzarme]

So sorry to hear of Gary's passing.  It was quite a shock and loss to his family and the pen community.  Gary was such a pleasant and  knowledgeable member of the pen family, he will be greatly missed.  My condolences to his wife and family on their loss.x

 

Thanks David for sharing the news and your supportive words.

 

Felix Tarasco

Penzarme

[Gloucesterman]

Met Gary and Myrna at the Boston (New England & Commonwealth) pen shows over the course of many years. Had brief, and informative conversations were enjoyed. He presence will be missed.

 

My deepest condolences to his wife and loved ones.

 

Gary, thank you for being a wonderful part of my fountain pen experience and our community.

[lionelc]

an absolute shock to me - we corresponded just over a month ago!  condolences to myrna and his family.

[Parker51]

Surprised and saddened. 🖌🖌🖌🖌🖌🖌🖌🖌🖌🖌🖌🖌🖌🖌🖌🖌🖌🖌🖌🖌🖌.

[gordeeal]

Such sad news. I have subscribed to his catalogue for about 20 years and bought scores and scores of pens from him.  I always enjoyed chatting with him and Mryna at the LA Pen Show.  But he was a knowledgeable fellow about pens and a source for vintage German and Italian pens and I considered him a friend. RIP, Gary. Gone too soon.

[Parker51]

Has anyone heard what Myrna plans to do with their business? I believe they have been the only ones selling pre-made pen trays. I have bought the trays from them in the past, have used them in pen cases and have hoped to convert other pieces to pen cases in the future. I really appreciate this service to the pen community. Attached are a few of the cases I have converted to pen storage using their trays.

[Robert_J_Boyle]

I just heard this very sad news.  Gary was an exceptionally kind man, always willing to help educate novices such as yours truly.  I saw him at the last DC Supershow.  I was not sure about going- COVID and all-  but now I am glad I did.

[Seney724]

On 1/21/2022 at 3:00 PM, Parker51 said:

Has anyone heard what Myrna plans to do with their business? I believe they have been the only ones selling pre-made pen trays. I have bought the trays from them in the past, have used them in pen cases and have hoped to convert other pieces to pen cases in the future. I really appreciate this service to the pen community. Attached are a few of the cases I have converted to pen storage using their trays.

For those who are unaware, Steve Weiderlight has announced that Fountain Pen Hospital will be selling Gary's collection.  They began doing so about 6 weeks ago and now it is "official."

https://www.fountainpenhospital.com/images/mailer_images/2018/060122_mailer.html