Peter Gwynn joined Christie's in January, 2002 and while he was formally working for us for only seven years, if you knew him you would swear he had been here all his life.

Ostensibly International Head of Security, all of us saw Peter wearing his many other hats: Front of House, Art Handler, Business Development Director and so on. While flawlessly protecting our client's property, Peter was able to face these same clients with a friendly openness that won him admiration and affection, especially in Russia, Asia and the Middle East, where he was truly a public face of Christie's at offsite sales and exhibitions.

Peter died Tuesday after a difficult year health-wise, during which he never lost his sense of optimism nor forgot his love for his colleagues and our business. Peter did not want flowers but donations to two charities instead - Kidscape or Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund.

Let’s all think back and remember how Peter touched our lives. We should all be thankful that we were given the chance to have known Peter.