Daniel Bloom
1925 - 2016
Elizabeth Erickson, Unitarian Universalist Lay Pastor and Friend
I knew Daniel. We spoke about religion, the environment, and we shared a Passover Seder. And I’ve spent time with him this last month, reading his books, listening to his music and especially talking with his family and friends. How he would smile at this gathering, and say “You know I don’t want that religious stuff, just tell the truth!” He is with me now, not dead, but speaking in that more distant voice.
I learned Daniel was an idealist. He had high goals and he worked tirelessly for human rights, dignity for all people, justice and equality for those less fortunate and humility for those entitled. Even Windsor’s website has a picture of Daniel standing in defiant demonstration with his walker. Bravo Daniel, leading the way again.
Daniel was clear in his beliefs. Even as life became more challenging, he kept his resolve, he continued to ask that young doctors be taught compassion, and not just surgical techniques. He continued his studies, looking for the right words to champion this cause here at Windsor’s library. And we have heard how, in the end, he gave his body for the education of those doctors. The USC School of Medicine has told us they will honor him and look after him until he is cremated. Right now, he is teaching his final lesson.
Daniel was passionate. From accordion player, to bicycle rider, to theatre goer to block captain to dentist to peace activist to deep thinker. It takes a man full of life to father three children, however imperfectly. He and his father had boated together, so when he was able to get his own boat he took his family sailing. He sifted the many gifts he was given and tried to give only the best to us, those he loved.
In my last conversation with Daniel, he sat uncomfortably at a family Seder. He explained that he was a doctor, but apologized because he was not a real doctor, as if I would easily ignore his thoughts. Then and now I feel that in the arc of his life, Daniel never stopped reaching toward wholeness, wanting to be enough, seeking to love and being loved. Well Daniel, you made it, you are whole and enough and loved.
Good travels my friend.
I learned Daniel was an idealist. He had high goals and he worked tirelessly for human rights, dignity for all people, justice and equality for those less fortunate and humility for those entitled. Even Windsor’s website has a picture of Daniel standing in defiant demonstration with his walker. Bravo Daniel, leading the way again.
Daniel was clear in his beliefs. Even as life became more challenging, he kept his resolve, he continued to ask that young doctors be taught compassion, and not just surgical techniques. He continued his studies, looking for the right words to champion this cause here at Windsor’s library. And we have heard how, in the end, he gave his body for the education of those doctors. The USC School of Medicine has told us they will honor him and look after him until he is cremated. Right now, he is teaching his final lesson.
Daniel was passionate. From accordion player, to bicycle rider, to theatre goer to block captain to dentist to peace activist to deep thinker. It takes a man full of life to father three children, however imperfectly. He and his father had boated together, so when he was able to get his own boat he took his family sailing. He sifted the many gifts he was given and tried to give only the best to us, those he loved.
In my last conversation with Daniel, he sat uncomfortably at a family Seder. He explained that he was a doctor, but apologized because he was not a real doctor, as if I would easily ignore his thoughts. Then and now I feel that in the arc of his life, Daniel never stopped reaching toward wholeness, wanting to be enough, seeking to love and being loved. Well Daniel, you made it, you are whole and enough and loved.
Good travels my friend.
