From Erich Graf

I have known Felix’s name for a long time but became personally acquainted with him only recently. He came to Salt Lake City in 2004 to judge a competition and called me. Our schedules that year only permitted a short meeting for coffee, but after a few minutes, we felt like old friends. He returned again in the summer of 2005 for the same reason, and we had more time together. He stayed at my home for a few days and also attended a chamber concert on which I soloed. He was certainly a “flute iconoclast” due to his preoccupation with wooden instruments. We spent time discussing wood vs. metal, reminiscing about our experiences with Julius Baker, and had some great meals together.

I knew of Felix’s health problems because we discussed them. I was amazed by his ability to assimilate these challenges into his life as a “given” and continued to pursue his passions with great fortitude and enthusiasm.

Felix maintained an extremely rigid diet. Celery was an acceptable vegetable because it was low in potassium. I will never forget the look on his face when he bit into a celery stick in my kitchen and said, “Ahh, this is SO refreshing.” This was a great moment for me because it emphasized how the small pleasures in life can be ultimately satisfying!!

Even though Felix no longer has a physical presence, he will always represent what the “creative spark” is to me.

Erich Graf
Principal flutist, Utah Symphony
President, Local 104, American Federation of Musicians, Salt Lake City