Words of farewell

Re “Studs Terkel, 1912-2008,” Obituary, Nov. 1

I first met Studs Terkel when I became senior vice president at Playboy Enterprises and started spending a lot of time in Chicago.

He was easygoing and acerbic, witty and contemplative, curious and laid-back, but always interested in life around him. I ran into him twice while he was waiting at a bus stop for public transportation; appropriate, as he so loved the public.

This morning, I pulled out my well-worn copy of “Working” in his memory. He had signed it, “For Marty -- Here’s to delight in your work. Take it easy, but take it ... Studs Terkel.”

And to you Mr. Terkel: “Take it easy.”

Martin M. Cooper

Encino