EVELYN OSTIN, REST IN PEACE

Sooner or later everyone dies. I don't know how many people die so respected, so admired, so beloved, so cherished as Evelyn Ostin. I don't know of anyone who ever met her who wasn't bowled over by her joie de vivre, her compassion, her uncanny ability to empathize with her entire being, her kindness, her warmth, and her generosity. EVERYONE loved this woman.

She passed away Tuesday evening. Her family announced a memorial service on the Warner Bros lot and within hours it became obvious they had to move it someplace larger. UCLA's Royce Hall graciously accommodated. Like Evelyn, the memorial was dignified and easy-going; there were tears and there was laughter. Presidents and royals don't get a send-off more impressive or more filled with awe and love.

The speakers, all relatives and close friends of Evelyn's were inspiring because they were to a person inspired by her. Evelyn was always alive to discovery and spirituality and her own spirituality imbued each and every speaker, from her young grandchildren full of grace to important spiritual figures Eitan Yardeni, Deepak Chopra and Quincy Jones. Between speaker some of Evelyn's favorite singers performed, some of whom talked about what an integral part of them lives she was: Barbra Streisand, Paul Simon, Neil Young, Patti Austin and James Ingram, Don Henley, Josh Groban and Nita Whitaker, and Randy Newman.

A haiku by Evelyn:

Enfold your loved ones into your arms
and never let them go.

Let them know how treasured they are
so that when some darkness comes,
they can look up and say "I am loved"
and see the light come through.

Love them even more.