My friend Jack Palmer died yesterday. He was 84. Jack was my oldest friend and my oldest friend. Thirty years ago, when I was an aspiring science-fiction writer and Jack was younger than I am now, he introduced me to the joy of playing in the mail with our art. We made envelopes and postcards into our canvases, though some of Jack’s global mail-art friends could make art out of seaweed, toast, or the wooden arms of chairs and still manage to mail it. Jack was a real artist, I was a fraud, and we had a fantastic time.
I am not here to write his tribute or obituary. I’ll do that elsewhere. But I have to write something or I’ll just keep crying. The music Jack liked best was opera, so that will be my topic this weekend. Unfortunately for my readers – all three of them – I hate opera. Jack, if there is an afterlife, I know you’ll find a way to flame me for this post.
See you all on Sunday. And when the weather permits, go fly a kite. That’s what Jack would’ve done.
Run-DMSteve 
Steve, I got your letter yesterday and so am checking your blog today. Thanks so much for letting us know about Jack’s death. I’ve shared the news with the Vanguard crowd, many of whom knew Jack and Pauline and Tilda. Jack was a sweet man, with an infectious sense of humor — even when he was laughing *at* me. Sorry he had to go, but I’m glad I got to know him along the way. RIP, Rudi Rubberoid.
You and Jack and Jack’s family have been constantly in my thoughts. I didn’t know Jack liked opera! I guess if he couldn’t turn you into an opera fan, nobody could!
So sorry to hear that Jack died. I only met him a couple of times, but liked him immensely. And I remember seeing all your amazing postcards and the rubber stamp collection. My thoughts will be with you and his family.
Steven-I know by your post and the sky outside that Jack has found a way to make a postcard out of snowflakes and by sending it he has touched us all. Praise be for friends, and friends of friends. David
Thanks for your mail art Steve. I never saw Jack’s, but I though yours was great!