Barry L. Beyerstein (1947-2007)

Dad with Book, originally uploaded by Lindsay Beyerstein.

This is the last picture I took of my father, who died on June 25th. The picture shows him unwrapping a 60th birthday present. It was taken less than a month before.

Quite simply, I adored my father. He was among the most ethical people I have ever known. I don't think it's an accident that he was also one of the most fulfilled people I've had occasion to meet.

Dad was a scholar, an activist, and a devoted family man.

Dad loved all knowledge, no matter how arcane or obscure. He believed in the power of reason, compassion, and humility. He lived a life of service. 

I loved and respected him so much. It's a rare person who could leave so little unsaid or unfinished, despite having his life cut short so suddenly.

Comments

[bean]

Lindsay, my warmest thoughts and deepest sympathies are with you and your family right now. I hope that you can draw strength from the wonderful memories. I'm sure we'll all keep your dad in our thoughts. He sounds like an amazing man.

[Jordan Barab]

I'm so sorry Lindsay. As the father of a couple of daughters who are just starting to make their way in the world, I'm sure he was very proud of you and your impact. What else can a father ask for?

-- Jordan

[Zeke]

My sincere condolences for your loss.

[Bruce/Crablaw]

Lindsay, I am so sorry.

[Tara]

I am so sorry. Losing a parent can be like your whole world falling apart. One thing that someone told me that helped a bit after my mom died was, "A long life isn't good enough, but a good life is long enough." I wish for strength and peace for you and your family.

[darkblack]

Please accept my deepest condolences to you and your family.

[Elayne Riggs]

Oh Lindsay, I grieve for and with you. My dad was killed three months ago and I still can't deal with it. I have moments now when I don't think about him, but they're still far outweighed by those when I do think about him, and tear up, and -- I wish I could say it gets easier, but it hasn't really so far. Please email me if you need to grieve with someone who's going through what you are.

[ChrisR]

That's just awful, Lindsay. My condolences to you and your family.

[minstrel boy]

my deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.

[Count Zero]

My condolences Lindsay.

[Count Zero]

My condolences Lindsay.

[DrDick]

My sincere condolences. I know how hard it is to loose a parent. It sounds like your father was an exceptionally fine man.

[Mark]

My condolences. Best wishes to you and your family.

[alphabitch]

What an awful thing. I'm so sorry, Lindsay.

[LizardBreath]

I'm so sorry to hear this. Please take care of yourself.

[norbizness]

My Dad just turned 60 a month ago. I got a very bad knot in my stomach upon reading of your loss. My deepest condolences to your whole family and to his friends. Travel safely.

[Scott Lilienfeld]

Lindsay: I'm so very, very sorry; you have my most heartfelt condolences. Your dad was a truly great man and an uncommonly kind and honorable human being. I know you will forever be influenced by him.

[Disgusted Beyond Belief]

My deepest condolences.

[Michael]

I'm very sorry. Your work is a tribute to his qualities.

[John Ruscio]

I'm so sorry for your loss, Lindsay. It sounds like your father was an even more wonderful human being than was evident in his first-rate scholarly work.

[mudkitty]

Took me two years to get over the feeling like I'd been kicked in the stomach when I would think of my Dad after he died. I hope it doesn't take you as long, LB.

My condolences to you, to your entire family, and most especially to your mother.

[Monica Pignotti]

My condolences, Lindsay, to you and your family. I'm deeply saddened to hear this. I just want to let you know that your father's work is very important to the work and research I am doing in gaining a greater understanding of pseudoscience and the people who engage in it. Just last month I downloaded a number of articles from his website that are going to be extremely helpful. I'm so sorry I never had the chance to meet him in person. His death is a major loss all of us who strive for a more rational world and the work that he did will continue to be greatly valued. On a more personal note, I lost my own father when he was far too young, so I can relate.

[PhoenixRising]

Oh, Lindsay. So sorry.

My dad died in July 1996. I miss him every day.

The only helpful thing anyone has said about this loss I will pass on to you: While it's painful to lose a father who was such a good man, you are now free to incorporate all his best qualities into your life and your work. In that way he will live on through you.

Take care.

[Sundar]

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Gregory]

I'm very sorry for your loss.