Before I worked at Contract magazine in New York City, I’m not sure I’d ever met an openly gay man — at least, not one who’d actually told me. Looking back, I’m pretty sure at least one of my high school friends and another in college were gay, but in Central and Northern Illinois in the 1970s, coming out was rare and risky.

New York in 1985, though? Whole different universe.

That’s where I met Richard — our 30-something, whip-smart, endlessly creative art director. He was the kind of person who filled a room the second he walked into it, whether with his quick wit, his talent, or his laugh. He was sophisticated and worldly, yet warm and funny. A man who embraced his sexuality — and life — with confidence and silliness.

One day, Richard and Susan — our gum-snapping, Brooklyn-born editorial assistant — started making Chewbacca noises at each other. Not just once. Not twice. All. Day. Long. 

“WHRRRRAANNH!” from Richard’s office. “WHRRRRAANNH!” back from Susan’s desk. 

It was like Star Wars meets Abbott and Costello. Eventually, the rest of us joined in, because how could you not?

Somewhere along the way, Richard decided I needed a nickname. It had to have “dog” in it, apparently. Dogberry. Mardog. O’Woofberry Mardog. I didn’t exactly love it at first, but I quickly realized it was his version of a secret handshake — his way of saying, “You’re in.” 

And honestly? For a girl from the Midwest who wore suits to work in Manhattan and commuted home to New Jersey every night, that felt like an honor.

One Friday before the Columbus Day weekend, he handed me a gift. “Got you something,” he said casually. It was Sandra Boynton’s Doggies. Still on my shelf today, still makes me smile.

Then there was the time I came back from two days off to recover from wisdom tooth surgery and found a drawing on my desk. Richard had sketched my puffy face… with what looked like two bowling pins stuffed into each cheek. Which, frankly, was accurate. How did he know?

We’ve lost touch over the years, but I like to picture him still in New York, bursting with creativity, making art, making jokes, and making the people around him feel just a little lighter.

Photo: By [1], Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74718068