On the 7th (I believe), as the snowstorm descended on the state, a wonderful man and friend of the highest quality, our neighbor and longtime friend David Segal, passed away.
We are all very, very sorry to hear of this. David was special, a person who, twice, at least, took dying friends under the broad span of his wing and, in every way he could, tried to fill their last days with a sense of friends, family, and the permanence of love that permeates, at its best, the transience of life.
Our mutual friend Karpo, Michael David Karpovitch, was one of these people. He was very ill with cancer and needed people to care for him and a place to spend the end of his life. David and his wonderful artistic, creative wife and partner, Judy Jensen, took him in and made their home his.
They cared for him with warmth, companionship and humor and as much relief from pain as was possible.
At Michael David's memorial service, people said this many times regarding David and Judy-- that they were able to extend family to a degree many people are never able to offer even to members of their own families. I felt that we were all seeing the true face of a Bodhisattva in David, and in Judy, too, as they performed this act of grace and neighborly openness. To them, I know, it seemed perfectly normal, and I agree with them: it is.
David has passed on now himself-- apparently swiftly and without a long, painful last illness.
We will all miss him, and I am so sorry he is gone, especially for the sake of his wonderful family, Jeanna and Sammy, Sammy's wife, and Judy. Yet there is some great blessing, at least it seems to me, in being able to go swiftly, and without a long-drawn-out last illness.
Peace to peace.
I hope no one is offended by what I am trying to say. I know it is a time of sorrow, but we can, I am sure celebrate the quality of this special life-- one of great generosity, good humor and deep caring.
We are all very, very sorry to hear of this. David was special, a person who, twice, at least, took dying friends under the broad span of his wing and, in every way he could, tried to fill their last days with a sense of friends, family, and the permanence of love that permeates, at its best, the transience of life.
Our mutual friend Karpo, Michael David Karpovitch, was one of these people. He was very ill with cancer and needed people to care for him and a place to spend the end of his life. David and his wonderful artistic, creative wife and partner, Judy Jensen, took him in and made their home his.
They cared for him with warmth, companionship and humor and as much relief from pain as was possible.
At Michael David's memorial service, people said this many times regarding David and Judy-- that they were able to extend family to a degree many people are never able to offer even to members of their own families. I felt that we were all seeing the true face of a Bodhisattva in David, and in Judy, too, as they performed this act of grace and neighborly openness. To them, I know, it seemed perfectly normal, and I agree with them: it is.
David has passed on now himself-- apparently swiftly and without a long, painful last illness.
We will all miss him, and I am so sorry he is gone, especially for the sake of his wonderful family, Jeanna and Sammy, Sammy's wife, and Judy. Yet there is some great blessing, at least it seems to me, in being able to go swiftly, and without a long-drawn-out last illness.
Peace to peace.
I hope no one is offended by what I am trying to say. I know it is a time of sorrow, but we can, I am sure celebrate the quality of this special life-- one of great generosity, good humor and deep caring.
Thank you so much for posting this about our friend David. He was indeed an extraordinary individual who opened his heart, his home and himself to so many whether it be a time of joy and celebration, a time of need, or just a time to share. He will be missed by so many. Our sense of sorrow is profound;our wish to help each person who suffers is great. We wish peace and healing to all those who mourn him, and encourage everyone to honor his memory by sharing their heart, their home and their love with others. Peace be with you, brother.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. I am very grateful for your thoughts-- very.
ReplyDeleteLadybelle
Evey Segal Stein - cousin of David Segal
ReplyDeleteDavid was a wonderful person, full of life and compassion!
He loved his friends and family with all his heart.
His father, Hal, moved to Rochester to be closer to David because he missed him so much!
David made sure all his father's needs were met and Uncle Hal had so much pleasure helping David out in the shop because he loved talking and spending time with him!
We will miss David so very much!
may his soul rest in eternal peace!
Thanks so much for posting your thoughts and feelings here. I am so grateful to be able to participate in honoring David!
ReplyDeleteBrion and I will be there at the service, which I understand will be Sunday. Till then, all love to the entire family.
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ReplyDeleteUpdate on the above-- yes, may he be in peace. I really liked his father, too, and am glad to hear they are near each other on the Farm.
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