Monday, June 11, 2012
How saddened I was to hear the news of the passing of Uncle Harry. Regretfully I will not to be present to honor the memory of this gutte neshome, of whom I was always glad to have called him my godfather. So, I wanted to share with those outside the family, what it was like to have him as a big part of our family, a hospitable, loving man, who invitingly opened his home to Grandma and the rest of the Alent clan. The Cohen’s St. Paul Blvd. residence was always a worthwhile visit, where we were able to see a plethora of family members, marvel at Uncle Harry’s calligraphy, or simply indulge in red pistachios and Mary Janes.
During the decades when our whole family would congregate at 3367 St. Paul Blvd the Yom Kippur fast, it was Uncle Harry who set the standard. And when he made that walk back to the temple, the others followed. And no clearer conscience could one have but to wait to not break the fast until Harry and the men returned. That was Harry, a man who tacitly led, not just due to his strong convictions in honoring his Levitical heritage, but also for his sensibility which was difficult to refute. The respect he received for being considered the chucham of the family was common knowledge. His success in life and bold endurance through life’s trials, only to be surpassed by his exemplary devotion to his wife Marion, earned him the credibility and admiration from the whole family. Whether it was his patient demeanor, kind listening ears, or some sagely advice, we saw celebrity in him and cherished the opportunities in which we had audience for we all loved him. We thank you for being such an inspiring soul; will miss you, your wit, and and your welcoming smile.
