Adam Block Memorial 1951-2008: from Jan Dudley

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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Saturday, February 2, 2008

from Jan Dudley

I was saddened to hear about Adam's death.

When I oozed into the Block Bubble, Adam had already quit the scene but his presence hovered like a scent redolent of lavender and lemons and persistent as hell.

What a piece of work! One night Adam, Daniel and I went out to a underground bar under the Alaskan Viaduct and danced with every stereotype of dysfunctional one can imagine. It was one of the best evenings of my life!

He was challenging in the way it would be if you were invited to attend the Algonquin Round Table and spent time with Thurber, Alexander Woolcott and Dorothy Parker, or maybe an evening with Oscar Wilde! I was totally disabled.

He scared the hell out of me.

Your obituary was spot on and appreciated.

Warmest regards,

Jan Dudley