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

[Susan Kitchens]

My condolences. What a tribute to a marvelous man.

[Dirty Dingus]

My condolences to you and your family

[Jim S.]

It pains me to read of this. I wish you and your family all the best in this dreadful time.

[Eric Jaffa]

I'm surprised and saddened. My condolences.

[Jo]

I'm sorry. My thoughts are with you.

[owillis]

Sorry to hear this Lindsay, condolences to all your family.

[rob helpy-chalk]

Oh this is so sad. I could tell from your writing how much he meant to you. My thoughts are with you.

[cfrost]

If the daughter is any measure of the father then you and yours have suffered a very great loss. My humble condolences.

[Idealistic Pragmatist]

Oh, Lindsay. I'm so, so sorry.

[Ken from Ken's Kitchen]

So sad. Condolences to you and your family.

[iain]

I'm so sorry to hear this. Your father did excellent, valuable work.

[ThinkItThroughNow...]

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.

[etaoing]

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.

[Champ]

Too young, too sad. Deepest sympathy to you and your family. Terrible.

[Steve Ingalls]

Lindsay, I'm so sorry to read of this.

[Raphael]

My warmest condolences.

[Maiden]

I'm so sorry for your loss. May light perpetual shine on your father.

[Gag Halfrunt]

My condolences.

[Minnesotachuck]

My condolences, as well. Your work and writings are testimony to his value as a father.

[Andrew Myers]

I'm really sorry, Lindsay.

[John Protevi]

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.

[PSoTD]

Lindsay - my sincere condolences to you and your family.

[cope]

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

[curmudgeon]

Deepest sympathies, Lindsay.

May his memory be for a blessing.

[Andrew]

My condolences to you and yours. May fond remembrances of times past carry you through his absence in the future.