It is fitting that the Head Theater at Center Stage -- a performing space noted for its innovative possibilities -- carries the name of one of Baltimore's more imaginative minds. For the wider public, Howard Head, who died this past weekend at the age of 76, will long be remembered as the champion of the RTC amateur athlete. Like many of us, Howard Head tried skiing and tennis and found them rather daunting. Instead of giving up or blaming his lack of ability, Head scrutinized the equipment he was using. The results -- flexible skis and oversized rackets -- benefited amateurs and experts alike.

For this city, Howard Head has left another legacy: a shining example of intelligent, informed, involved philanthropy. In particular, Head enjoyed a long association with Center Stage as a patron, trustee and donor. His participation was more than perfunctory; he was not interested in simply making an institution richer, he was determined to make it better. The Head Theater -- in which his involvement and interest extended far beyond the $1 million contribution that helped make it possible -- will be lasting testimony to his success.