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Walter Schels
Walter Wegner
[Life Before Death]
2003, 1 December
Black and white print
Provided by the artist - Walter Schels
LL/28952
age: 81
born: 18th December 1923
first portrait taken: 1st December 2003
died: 13th March 2005
In November 2003 Walter Wegner moved into the hospice. He no longer wanted to be a burden to his lady friend at home. He has brought his electric organ with him, "but it's hardly worth me practicing any Christmas carols: I'll be dead by Christmas." But things turn out differently. He's still there on New Year's Eve.
"I came here to die," he says morosely. "So why aren't I dead yet?"
Wegner lives to see the spring, as well as the following autumn. His partner's visits become increasingly rare. On Christmas Eve 2004 he plays "Silent Night" for the others. On a Monday in March 2005 one of the nurses says to him: "You've been with us for over a year now. You've recovered so well, this is no longer the right place for you. We're going to have to ask you to move out soon." Wegner flourished in the hospice, he is afraid of the residential care home. He asks his partner: "Can I come home?" She refuses.
Walter Wegner dies five days after the conversation with the nurse.
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