I had the pleasure of meeting Moritz as a young man of 17. I sang in the opera for 27 years, it was the love of my life. I had the pleasure to serve on the opera board during that period of time when the Statue was made. In fact I personally made the pedestal which holds the statue something I am very proud of. Moritz was more than a friend, He was my introduction into the arts. At his celebration of his career dinner only a few people were asked to be there, I was one of the lucky ones. After dinner he sat with each of us individually and told us what we meant to him during his career. He gave each of us a gift, mine was the last painting that he would ever paint and I treasure it. He was first class all the way. Rest easy my friend, you touched so many people in your life's work. It was my true pleasure to be allowed to be a part of it.
David Pate
Prospect, KY read more