Barry L. Beyerstein (1947-2007)
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.
My condolences. What a tribute to a marvelous man.
Posted by: Susan Kitchens | June 27, 2007 at 03:28 AM
My condolences to you and your family
Posted by: Dirty Dingus | June 27, 2007 at 03:32 AM
It pains me to read of this. I wish you and your family all the best in this dreadful time.
Posted by: Jim S. | June 27, 2007 at 03:37 AM
I'm surprised and saddened. My condolences.
Posted by: Eric Jaffa | June 27, 2007 at 03:51 AM
I'm sorry. My thoughts are with you.
Posted by: Jo | June 27, 2007 at 04:19 AM
Sorry to hear this Lindsay, condolences to all your family.
Posted by: owillis | June 27, 2007 at 04:25 AM
Oh this is so sad. I could tell from your writing how much he meant to you. My thoughts are with you.
Posted by: rob helpy-chalk | June 27, 2007 at 04:46 AM
If the daughter is any measure of the father then you and yours have suffered a very great loss. My humble condolences.
Posted by: cfrost | June 27, 2007 at 04:46 AM
Oh, Lindsay. I'm so, so sorry.
Posted by: Idealistic Pragmatist | June 27, 2007 at 05:42 AM
So sad. Condolences to you and your family.
Posted by: Ken from Ken's Kitchen | June 27, 2007 at 05:46 AM
I'm so sorry to hear this. Your father did excellent, valuable work.
Posted by: iain | June 27, 2007 at 05:50 AM
I am sorry for your sudden loss. I am glad your father lives on through you and your writing. Take care LB. We are thinking of you and the family.
Posted by: ThinkItThroughNow... | June 27, 2007 at 06:06 AM
I'm sorry to hear of your father's death. my dad died in January, so I know the pain and sense of loss that you are feeling. my very best thoughts for you and your family.
Posted by: etaoing | June 27, 2007 at 06:07 AM
Too young, too sad. Deepest sympathy to you and your family. Terrible.
Posted by: Champ | June 27, 2007 at 06:18 AM
Lindsay, I'm so sorry to read of this.
Posted by: Steve Ingalls | June 27, 2007 at 06:19 AM
My warmest condolences.
Posted by: Raphael | June 27, 2007 at 06:25 AM
I'm so sorry for your loss. May light perpetual shine on your father.
Posted by: Maiden | June 27, 2007 at 06:33 AM
My condolences.
Posted by: Gag Halfrunt | June 27, 2007 at 06:37 AM
My condolences, as well. Your work and writings are testimony to his value as a father.
Posted by: Minnesotachuck | June 27, 2007 at 06:50 AM
I'm really sorry, Lindsay.
Posted by: Andrew Myers | June 27, 2007 at 07:20 AM
I'm very sorry to read this, Lindsay. That's a great picture of your father: it shows his intelligence and ability to concentrate, which are traits that, as others have said, you share. I hope that the small tributes you read here show how many people value your contributions and wish you the best in this terrible time.
Posted by: John Protevi | June 27, 2007 at 07:41 AM
Lindsay - my sincere condolences to you and your family.
Posted by: PSoTD | June 27, 2007 at 07:55 AM
What a fortunate man he was to have you as a daughter and to live long enough to see you coming into your own. How lucky you were to have a father who meant so much to you and gave you so much. My dad died when I was 10. My son died when he was 17. My mother-in-law died three weeks ago. Please take care of yourself.
"There is no pain so great as the memory of joy in present grief." - Æschylus
Posted by: cope | June 27, 2007 at 08:02 AM
Deepest sympathies, Lindsay.
May his memory be for a blessing.
Posted by: curmudgeon | June 27, 2007 at 08:10 AM
My condolences to you and yours. May fond remembrances of times past carry you through his absence in the future.
Posted by: Andrew | June 27, 2007 at 08:16 AM