Both Gerry Williams, my father-mentor who did so much to launch my life in a new and better direction, and William Greaves, the great documentary filmmaker–the Dean of African American Documentary, died on the same day.

Gerry Williams (1926-2014) outside his studio, Dunbarton New Hampshire

William Greaves (1926-2014) in action.

Both GW and WG were born in 1926, and both had been in failing health for some time.  I had known Bill Greaves since 1976 when I  was working as a film editor for Amram Nowak: Bill had his offices next door.  Inspired to write about Bill Greaves, I penned an essay on his life and films with Adam Knee–who had similar interests.  Bill was very happy with the essay, which meant a great deal to both of us.  I apprenticed to Gerry in a very modest fashion (more of an intern in today’s paralence) and ultimately made a documentary about him––An American Potter (1976).  Some of that film was cut in Amram’s editing rooms on nights and weekends.  Only in writing this post, do I realize some of these uncanny parallels.

There is much that I could say about each one of them.  I will try to come back to this post and do so, but for the moment I just want to note their passing.  My admiration and gratitude was shared by many in both cases.

Here is the original brochure for An American Potter: