Zoe Chang
06-11 2021 15:12
wrote:
Our paths crossed so many times in so many ways - it began in the 80s, I listened attentively to my fellow representative Denis Sheridan at the U.N. Staff Union making sharp comments; in the 90s, we worked on the same floor for several years. Often he stopped by my office after hours to chat. He was a walking encyclopedia of homeopathic treatment and nutrition supplements. We both were active organizers in several UN Staff recreational clubs, and we attended activities at each other’s events.
Our friendship continued after retirement. Denis did not like to travel out of the tri-state area, but he flew out to San Francisco to attend our son’s wedding. It made our family feel very special. The United Nation international staff has a unique bond, we are all gypsies in a sense, we are a small village of people who can understand each other instantly. The closest to this community I can think of is the New Yorkers. Denis was a New Yorker, he enjoyed music, dance, and other cultural events, he loved food, often talked about how much he enjoyed going out with his office mates to Chinatown for a feast in the early years of his service.
We were also neighbors in Upper Eastside. Denis loved animals, told me that he grew up in the countryside with 12 siblings and all sorts of animals. He helped caring many pets for his friends and neighbors, our Bowie included. One time we were out of town for a few weeks, he came to take care of Bowie every day. As a night owl, he would come around 9 p.m. in his shorts and sandals, wearing a cap, walked the dog very late at night, sometimes at midnight. He always wore the baseball cap, except once at our Easter Brunch party, which he has done on a rose pink bonnet! One time we were walking on Central Park South, he stopped by to see the carriage horses. He agreed with me that he would enjoy being a coachman except he did not want to be bothered by the work to take care of the horses. I can see him now, riding high in heaven with full loads of animals as his passengers! Of course, in heaven, all the chores would be taken care of by other angles. Be free, finally, my dear friend, be free, we will meet again.
Zoe Chang
06-11 2021 15:12
wrote:
Our paths crossed so many times in so many ways - it began in the 80s, I listened attentively to my fellow representative Denis Sheridan at the U.N. Staff Union making sharp comments; in the 90s, we worked on the same floor for several years. Often he stopped by my office after hours to chat. He was a walking encyclopedia of homeopathic treatment and nutrition supplements. We both were active organizers in several UN Staff recreational clubs, and we attended activities at each other’s events.
Our friendship continued after retirement. Denis did not like to travel out of the tri-state area, but he flew out to San Francisco to attend our son’s wedding. It made our family feel very special. The United Nation international staff has a unique bond, we are all gypsies in a sense, we are a small village of people who can understand each other instantly. The closest to this community I can think of is the New Yorkers. Denis was a New Yorker, he enjoyed music, dance, and other cultural events, he loved food, often talked about how much he enjoyed going out with his office mates to Chinatown for a feast in the early years of his service.
We were also neighbors in Upper Eastside. Denis loved animals, told me that he grew up in the countryside with 12 siblings and all sorts of animals. He helped caring many pets for his friends and neighbors, our Bowie included. One time we were out of town for a few weeks, he came to take care of Bowie every day. As a night owl, he would come around 9 p.m. in his shorts and sandals, wearing a cap, walked the dog very late at night, sometimes at midnight. He always wore the baseball cap, except once at our Easter Brunch party, which he has done on a rose pink bonnet! One time we were walking on Central Park South, he stopped by to see the carriage horses. He agreed with me that he would enjoy being a coachman except he did not want to be bothered by the work to take care of the horses. I can see him now, riding high in heaven with full loads of animals as his passengers! Of course, in heaven, all the chores would be taken care of by other angles. Be free, finally, my dear friend, be free, we will meet again.
