Update 11-12-13

 

Hi,

Sadly, as I'm sure many of you know, Ira Mitzner died last Wednesday.  His funeral was on Friday, and I'm told the room was full.  Ira had many friends.  Notes from some of them can be read on the Caring Bridge site, where Rachael also posted this.

From Rachael:  Wednesday, November 6th.  Ira's journey ended today at 12:50.  His brother and I were with him, and it was quiet and peaceful.  We appreciate all the prayers, and I know they helped both of us get through the last two weeks.  Ira walked gracefully through life and touched many lives at work and play.  We will always remember his dry wit and his ability to remember the words to almost every old song and some new ones.  His ability to take a risk and start boxing at 50.  His ability to turn a letter, brief, or any other written communication into a sea of red with his trusty editing pen.  His obsession with exercise and low fat diets.  His loyalty, love of family, and concern with doing the right thing showed in all areas of his life.  He was my husband, my friend, my lover, and my English professor, and I will miss him terribly and carry him in my heart always.

Thursday, November 7th.  There are people who believe the spirit of those who leave us can communicate that they are ok.  I've always been open to that, and I now believe that we always find a way to comfort the ones we love.  Yesterday, when I went to DC to pick up some things, I picked up the star sapphire Ira always wore to bring it to his brother.  As I put it on my finger, the star sapphire suddenly shined more brightly than I'd ever seen, and I was in a semi-dark apartment.  I looked more closely and saw two stars, one imposed over the other.  It only lasted a short time, and I didn't see it again, but I feel that it was my sign that Ira was with his dad, and he wanted us to know he was all right.  Love is a wonderful gift, and the angel who was our father, brother, grandfather, friend, cousin, and my husband and lover will always reach out to comfort those he loves and cares for.

Friday, November 8th.  To each of you who participated in Ira's life, thank you.  We had a lovely service and celebration of a life which impacted many in a variety of ways.  By sharing stories, laughter, and sorrow, we were able to support and comfort each other.  I want everyone to know, whether you were able to physically grieve/celebrate with us or not, you were in our hearts and in many of the stories which were shared.  Every comment posted before Ira died was shared with him, and each one helped us both to see a life well-lived and gave us the ability to let go.  His web site and each of you were a blessing to us both, and I am eternally grateful to everyone who made this trip with us.  God bless each of you.

 

Robin Seader Cottmeyer added:  As I think you know, Ira took up boxing again at age 50, and he truly loved it.  He's had the same trainer/sparring partner for years, a terrific guy -- Lawrence.  Well, Lawrence sent Ira to his final resting place with a brand new pair of boxing gloves, placed lovingly in Ira's casket, a gesture that brought all of us "in the know" to tears. 

 

Marc Jonas wrote:  I can still picture Ira at the reunion, so physically fit, so very Ira.  Despite the years and little contact, it feels like the loss of someone close -- a member of the family.

 

Robert Fiveson wrote:  Lots of good times, he and I.  Playing in our band, fishing in his boat, playing his guitar at his apartment -- he threw a birthday party at his boxing gym once and beat me up!

 

Terry Shields wrote:  Ira is now part of the Angel Band and at peace.  They'll be amazed at how many songs he knows.

 

Finally, Linda Cohen Greenseid wrote:  In our senior year of high school, I was dating Rob Kelman, and he took me one afternoon to Ira's house.  Ira took out his guitar and played the most filthy, sexual lyrics to Louie, Louie by the Kingsmen, and he tried to convince me that those were the real lyrics.  I did finally believe him.  It was a most entertaining and enlightening afternoon.
    This week, I went to snopes . com and put in Louie, Louie lyrics.  The site gave the real version -- clean --
that was recorded.  It also gave me the same version Ira sang to me.  Apparently, the dirty version is connected with some sort of myth -- if you played the 45 record on 33, you could hear the dirty lyrics.  Not true.  It never was recorded.  But Ira, I will never hear Louie, Louie without thinking of you.

 

Again, there are other notes, on other subjects, but they'll wait.

 

The South '65 e-mail addresses: reunionclass65 . blogspot . com

 

The South '65 photo site: picasaweb . google . com / SouthHS65

 

 

Rich