Thanks, Ted. Over the last few months I had suspected your report and hadn't been able to find an obituary. King was well into his late 80's when he lost a Lab, but replaced it with a puppy knowing all the while that in the natural order, the dog would outlive him. He was encouraged by a younger friend to take the pup and that the younger man would adopt the dog when King passed. King never considered a life without a retriever. King overcame a heart attack and alcoholism in his middle years to live a life that could be envied by all. RIP, King.
Here he is with Nancy on May 7,2014 just before accepting the award mentioned in his obit. Photo was taken by street youth on the steps of the Museum of Natural History in NYC. According to him, he was dressed in "full Highlander."
[Linked Image from jpgbox.com]

Gil