Comments on: Marvin J. Berkman, R.I.P.

By: Bill Lich

Bill Lich — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:43:42 +0000

Hello Patrick.

I just got a call from Marv’s Judy giving me the news. Googled for an obit and got you.
Our family had the pleasure of being Marv’s across the street neighbors before he moved to Colo.
What an amazing man! I’m actually sitting at one of his optician’s desks as I type this. I think about Marv and Judy every time I use their hand-me-down “antique” wagon to haul stuff from the car to the house.

We had a time. Whether block parties or just watching the kids playing, Marv and Judy helped make this place special. Our loss; your gain. Marvin was a marvel who always had an impish twinkle in his bearing. The first time he brought out his guitar, I was sold. When I ran into him at the Haymarket Monument, we were both a little shocked, but it made our subsequent talks all the more candid and informative.

Thank you for continuing and encouraging Marv’s impish side. They might not make `em like Marv anymore, but he went out of his way to pass along the joy of life, friendship and music to those he felt were receptive. I consider myself lucky to have had the time we had together.

Please give Judy a big hug from her neighbors back in Forest Park.

By: gloria stitz

gloria stitz — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:26:53 +0000

oooh, fine fine story
and so touching
the berkman bro’s input, gratitude etc.
Your writing ROOLZ
Patrick O.

By: bob berkman

bob berkman — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:30:28 +0000

im marvs nephew,son of anatol,dan’s brother bob. im deeply touch by your tribute to my uncle marv!i would like to add additional info on our family.i played guitar,lead trumpet in my youth and put it aside for my love of raceing motorcycles,etc,blacksheep or rebel in short.the berkman family grew up on music,good conversations,love and respect for each other.as a kid to my adult years,my father and his brothers norman and marv have played music from old eroupean,russian,blues to jazz they played it all!when one of the brothers,[uncles or my dad]would bring up a song of the past,and not sure what key,or tempo it was played,one of them would say it went like this… and i heard yeah,yeah,thats it and they played like they have played that song before… 100 times b4!this was our life! family,get togethers,my mothers great dinners,strong coffee,and apple pie,everyone was welcome!when my uncle marv would come over, he always brought his guitar.it didnt matter because we had several instuments in the house, including a piano for uncle norm.the berkman house rocked big time and thats the short of it!as i roll out on a cold,rainy night in chgo on my softail to sing a song at some distant bar to bring a smile to someones face,im my fathers son,nephew to norm and marv.your tribute was not only to my uncle marv but to my family.god bless you!

By: khal spencer

khal spencer — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:30:28 +0000

Good video and good story from Marv. Yeah. The Greatest Generation. Those of us old enough to have spent time with them know that.

Thanks, O’G.

By: Mr. P

Mr. P — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:48:12 +0000

Sorry to hear of this loss. Marvin sounds like a terrific person and grat friend. BTW - Dashiell Hammett spent WWII in the Aleutians. I wonder if they knew each other.

By: Libby

Libby — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:16:21 +0000

As the praise on a book jacket might say: “I laughed. I cried.”
Thanks for sharing your tribute to Marv and the wonderful gift of friendship you both enjoyed. The video was terrific and the story of Ramon and Marv and the gifts they received from each other was also very poignant.

By: Stich

Stich — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:54:46 +0000

For all the people we come across who it would be no loss if we hadn’t, it is rare and a great reminder of all that we miss, to find one who it was unfortunate to not have known.

By: Avery

Avery — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:11:22 +0000

I recall an afternoon sitting on the back patio (at the Dog Haus) drinking rose, when Marv stopped by to talk. I remember him in a white undershirt (with sleeves), and shorts - it must’ve been a warmer day. It was my only encounter with him, but received updates on his condition now and again. I remember thinking he was eccentric, but also warm and obviously full of the most enriched life experience. Cheers to Marv.

By: Dave Pickering AKA Last Gear

Dave Pickering AKA Last Gear — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:44:43 +0000

Thank you so much for sharing a part of your friend with us. Too often we fail to appreciate what is close to us until it’s too late and it’s gone. RIP Marv.

By: Mary Walter

Mary Walter — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:42:30 +0000

Wow Patrick, what a tribute! Watching your video is a reminder to do what we love. Marv exempilfied this with his words and music. Keep your words coming.