Adam Block Memorial 1951-2008: from Fred Strasser

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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Sunday, February 3, 2008

from Fred Strasser - Montclair NJ

It’s disheartening to see the best minds of your generation begin to disappear down the rat hole of time

I last saw Adam when I graduated from the Putney School in June 1967 , so for me time and illness have taken no toll at all. He remains in my mind’s eye a pudgy, restless, quirky kid with a high voice and a rapier wit. He wasn’t in my circle and, high school being what it is, that was that. Still, Adam in his sports coat (at a place where fashion ranged from flannel to denim) always made me stop and listen. He was funny and sharp and smart. I read his stuff later and thought how much I had missed by not paying closer attention. Forty years on I’m still wondering why, rather than using the bridge, did he push up his glasses on the lenses. How does he see through the smudges, I wondered?

Reading the tributes here, I realize he saw it in his own way.

My deepest condolences to family and friends.

Fred Strasser