Second only to family, friendships were of extreme importance to my father. He stayed in contact with his friends. He wrote to them, called them, sent pictures to them, dropped in to see them. But what he didn't do was neglect them.

He grew up in Jersey City with a group of friends, most of whom remained close to him, his entire life. His best buddies were George Cannon, Deckle McLean, and Raymond Anderson. They played basketball together, hung out together, shared their hopes and frustrations together. All the members of the core group either became doctors or dentists. They shared a passion for being the best at what they did.

George Cannon, the son of the founder of my father's church, Lafayette Presbyterian, became a well-regarded doctor in New York City. For many years, once a month, my father would take take xrays of his patients to New York and consult with his friend and staff members at the Hospital for Joint Diseases.

Deckle McLean, a member of an immigrant family from Barbados, became a dentist, and, eventually, was elected President of the New Jersey Dental Society.

The love, admiration and respect that these men shared for one another was abundant. As each one of them faced his life's difficulties, how much of a relief was it to know that they could count on each other?

50th Reunion of the Lafayette Presbyterian Church Brotherhood Fellowship Basketball Team. From left to right: George Cannon, Deckle McLean, Eddie Burke, Fred Smith, George Gaynor, and Bill Harris.

My father's best friend, Raymond Anderson, married my father's step-sister, Mary. When their marriage broke up, Raymond abandoned my father, despite their long, close friendship and Raymond's having agreed to be my godfather. My father deeply regretted losing Raymond's friendship.

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