Walter Henry Glass

When Walter found out he needed open heart surgery about 3 1/2 years ago, his daughter-in-law Karen, an internist, became very involved in his medical care, advising our family and speaking when necessary with Walter's physicians. Given his tremendous respect for the medical profession, Walter was beyond grateful to have what felt like his own private physician at his side. I remember how his face would light up when she entered his room. Karen's presence reassured Walter during his times of greatest illness. Karen is in China this month and will not be able to attend the memorial service, but we are very grateful for, and touched by, the care she gave Walter.

Libby

Dear Libby,

Very sad to hear of your Dad's passing. All the Glasses were so kind to my brother and me. Many of my happy childhood memories include some number of Glasses. Loved the tribute to him in the link. He overcame severe struggles as a child and that propelled him to become a wonderful, caring, fun-loving, family man. With his passing I am again reminded of that generation's couageous sacrifices so that we could live our relatively easy lives, free of the early turmoil and difficult choices so many of them bravely endured. Know that I am thinking of you and your siblings, reflecting and sending you all lots of love.

Fondly, EB

Like everybody I have always been fond of Walter and had many interactions with him over the years.
 

 "Talking classics" with Walter: I used to have numerous discussions with Walter about science and the classics. We had very similar backgrounds, and he was a very good mathematician in school. But he had been very impressed by his classical upbringing and he loved Thucydides. I remember that he once gave me a copy of a text edited by the University of Chicago in which all the naval battles were graphically described. A fantastic book! Walter saw the demise of Athens through this foolish war as a parable for bad wars and government. Some of the key battles of the history of the Peloponnesian War happened around Syracuse in Sicily. When discovering the site in 2010, I thought so much of Walter. During one of our discussions on science and classical education, he told me that he had studied political sciences as an undergraduate because of his need to understand what had happened in Europe and the factors leading to fascism and the holocaust. A quest very similar to the one of Hanna Arendt.
 

 Vienna: I discovered Vienna only recently, when we visited with our children the city and saw, on the outskirts, Walter's old apartment in front of the Schoenbrunn Castle, where he played as a boy, and the railroad tracks where he waited for the Orient Express. I must say the trip helped me understand Walter’s background: this fascinating combination of intellectual cafés, sophistication, the ferment of so much of the intellectual life of Europe and, of course, some of its greatest musicians. The cultural burst at the end of the 19^th and beginning of the 20^th century is absolutely remarkable, and I had a cultural shock when I discovered Klimt, Schiele and the Viennese Secession. At each of my steps, I was thinking about Walter, born a few years after this. I could feel more intensely the drama of his youth.

 

 Walter was a sweet man I loved: When I met Libby, l was quite lonely as a student in the USA and Walter made me feel at home in the family immediately. I was very fond of him, and happy times and memories keep coming back to me. I will always keep him with me.

Jean-Pierre

To Libby and the entire Glass Family:

Such a lovely tribute to Walter.

Everyone has a story -- but certainly Walter's story was special and incredible! What resonates most poignantly with me is Walter's  intelligence, prescience , determination and dedication to his family, world-understanding and having fun! Remarkable as his international career was, for Walter what was most important was creating a tight-knit, loving family who shared stories and family outings, laughed and played together. 

I remember the excitement when Walter would return from one of his overseas trips. Gathering in the Glass living room on Ardsley Road, Walter would spin tales of his latest travels. I remember fondly his erudite but approachable way of discussing the latest news from the international front -- very awe inspiring to a teenager who had never even been out of the U.S. I also recall his delight and creativity in selecting a special souvenir for each family member.

His European politesse and wordliness belied his homespun charm and ability to make you always feel comfortable and important. It was always a special treat for me -- especially as an adult -- to share chats and a glass of wine with Walter in Rowayton. I will certainly cherish them.

Sweet, loving memories of a true Renaissance Man -- who lived his dreams, inspired those he touched and left a legacy most wonderful.


With much love,

Gail

 I was saddened to hear of Walter's passing.
>
> Thanks for sending this. While I knew something of the broad arc of Walter's long life, I really appreciated learning more of the fascinating details, especially his resilience in the face of early adversity.
>
> Dan
>

From my Edgemont friend Liz Dickinson:

 Adam,
>
> Thank you so much for the lovely portrait of your dad.  I will always have a very warm spot in my heart for him.  I can see him now standing in your light-filled living room in Edgemont in a sweater knit by your mom.

Ann and Walter (probably mostly Ann) invented the Kitchen-Family Room, prevalent in most new construction in Edgemont today.  At some point during  the 60's,  Ann decided she spent most of her time in the kitchen and that is where the comfortable furniture should be. So the living room couch and various other pieces were moved into the kitchen and thereafter that is where everyone hung out.

Sincere and deepest condolences to the whole family.

Love,
Val

"All day I have been carrying your father, your mother, your sister, you, your brothers in my heart. I feel so honored and improved as a human being to have been one of the friends to hang out in your house in Edgemont and know first hand the specialness of your family. The flower garden in the front of your house was the variety of perennial flower gardening that I have emulated over the years: overflowing, resplendent with flowers, just barely kept in check. I fell in love with bleeding hearts when I spotted them as a 14-year-old in the garden near your parent's kitchen door. They’re in bloom now in my Iowa garden. How fitting."

Marcia made a special memorial for Walter:

Blog: Urban Sketchers Midwest 
Post: Flowers for Mr. Glass: a Memorial 
Link: http://urbansketchers-midwest.blogspot.com/2012/04/flowers-for-mr-glass-memorial.html  

Dear Martha--