The last time I saw him was at a concert performance of an operetta (with piano) on the upper east side in NYC about 13 or 14 years ago where one of my students was performing the lead role. We shared a cab afterwards during which he embarrassingly asked me if I was indeed "W. Stephen Smith," my professional name. (Anyone who knows me well, calls me Steve.) He was an early supporter of me, first as a singer and then as a teacher. I was a young artist at DMMO in 1983, attended all three operas for 3 or 4 successive summers, and have had many students perform there through the years. His passion and energy for music and specifically opera was unabated for so many years. His influence on the art will live long. Rest in peace!