We recently came across this beautiful tribute from dear friend and incredibly talented typographer and designer, Bert Rosamond:
“A few words about your head of household, father and husband, and extra-ordinary human being I shall never forget -
27, Sept. 1989
He was ‘Dick’ to everybody who knew him well, but to me he was always Sir Richard. I always felt that he was such a special man that I should acknowledge his specialness in some way - with a salute or at least a bow in his direction. Not that he was proud or felt he was special.
All of my conversations with Dick Gilpin over the years had to do with only two things, business and art. That was all we ever seem to feel the need to talk about.
To me, he was so much more than just a good friend. Through our many conversations on art and business I came to see and to acknowledge him as someone I could always trust to give me an honest and sincere evaluation or opinion.
The sacred scriptures reveal a few men and women without guile. Sir Richard Gilpin has been one of the very few people that I have even known, much less worked with, who I can sincerely say is without guile.
And last, but not least, there is the little matter of grace, or being a gracious person. Grace has been defined as the effect of God understood.
The practice of Christianity is tough enough, but to demonstrate it daily often seems impossible. To me, Richard Gilpin always, was full of grace, a man of great integrity with the courage of his convictions. A man I could always trust to say and do the right thing.
He became over the years a counsellor and advisor to me even though he knew it not. I guess exsampler or role model is the best way to say it.
Since I knew Jacobson and Gilpin from the days they started the Graphic Art Center, it sure was nice to hear what Bob had to say about his friend and business pardner.
The scriptures say that the good a man does will after him. Such is the case with my friend Richard Gilpin.
As a young artist I thought talent was the only important quality in life, until I met Dick Gilpin. Humility and humor were his greatest contributions to our world of art and joy.
Sincerely,
Bert J. Rosamond
P.S.//
One final word in regards to Dick’s generosity towards me as a fellow artist.
I must say, in all sincerity, because of always giving and sharing of himself with others, - I was totally unaware of his physical condition and long standing chronic illness.
I never once saw him as being handicapped in anyway. And I’m sure all who loved him never saw him in any light other than that of a dedicated, hard-working, honest and sincere humanbeing.
Very truly yours,
BJR”