Adam Block Memorial 1951-2008: from Dr. William Schwartzman

Adam Parker Block Memorial----1951-2008

Adam Parker Block----1951-2008

Adam Parker Block, 56, died Sunday morning January 27th at his home in San Francisco after a protracted pulmonary illness. A fifth generation Seattleite, he was born at Swedish Hospital February 7, 1951. He attended high school at Lakeside and Putney Schools and college at Reed, California Institute of the Arts (Cal Arts), graduating from Harvard.

Adam was a writer, avid reader and keen social observer and critic whose deep curiosity and insights crossed many disciplines. He lived in San Francisco for the past 30 years. In the 80’s Adam was popular music critic for The Advocate where he wrote a regular column, "Block on Rock". His writing also appeared in numerous publications including Mother Jones, the San Francisco Examiner magazine Image, the Bay Area Reporter, the New Musical Express and Creem. During that time, Adam interviewed virtually every pop star from Elton John to Bono.

Adam was a challenging and unforgettable friend, in turns fiercely loyal and loving and breathtakingly selfish, combative and self absorbed. His curiosity, knowledge, humor and spirit were contagious. Adam believed punctuality, deadlines and being awake during daylight hours were vastly overrated. He loved to outrage and often bragged that being gay, Jewish and half Texan (on his mother’s side)---he had something to offend most everyone. Adam loved literature, art, music, film, news, politics, humor, ideas, food, drink and travel---but most of all, smart lively conversation and animated debate.

Adam is survived by nine siblings; Jonathan, Daniel, Kenan, Susanna, Mary Judith, Tamara, Christina, Melinda, Newton and his step mother, Mary Lou Block as well as 13 nieces and nephews. Adam’s father Robert Jackson Block and mother Dorothy Wolens Block preceded him in death.

With Adam’s death, the lives of those who knew him will be calmer and quieter but far less interesting.

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Wednesday, January 30, 2008

from Dr. William Schwartzman

I am so sad that Adam is gone.

I will miss his funny, loving, annoying, humane menschlichkeit as will you all.

I remember him the last time I was in San Francisco , searching for a little no frills Chinese restaurant with great reviews.

Adam walked slowly and puffed; but was ever debonair in his fedora, leather jacket and scarf.

The food was fantastic and Adam was putting his usual energy into rapid fire questions, stories and acid commentary. When I last spoke to him, before the holidays, he was straining at his physical limits, trying to comprehend his choices, his mind burdened by lack of oxygen, but still analyzing and questioning.

Thank you for sharing his last moments.

I add my condolences to everyone’s.

Love,

Dr. Bill