I had the privilege of sharing an office with Ira for eight years. We shared a lot. We shared stories, thoughts and feelings about everything from the disheveled squirrel outside our office window to confidences I have only shared with a handful of good friends in my life.
Ira had a pleasant calm about him, a warmth and ease. He had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. If i were to do the math (and i just did), I probably spent close to 20,000 hours with Ira. I would guess we spent about 10,000 of those laughing, hard. It’s how we started most of our days. Over coffee, we shared stories about life, art, love, children, parents, and occasionally even work. We laughed about all of it.
Ira had the respect and admiration of the entire office. He was the foundation of CATS and the glue that held it together. He was a mentor, a friend, and a refuge on stressful days. No matter what the circumstance, everyone wanted to hear his perspective. He always gave an honest opinion and presented it with tact and respect. He understood and valued the thoughts and perspectives of everyone around him, whether he agreed with them or not. I would guess Ira’s advice was sought after by everyone in CATS at one point or another.
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| Sunday Morning Smile, 2001, mixed media. Acquired by Booth Library. |
Ira was a hard worker who always had the best interests and future of CATS in mind. This newsletter was his creation and an example of his desire for CATS to succeed in serving the EIU community. With every individual CATS hired, Ira was looking ahead. He had a real gift for understanding the dynamics of an office. Several of us are here right now because Ira saw something in us. I am absolutely certain i wouldn’t have the good fortune of working here if it weren’t for him.
I’m not sure everyone knew how talented of an artist he was. He had been, and
continued to be, a successful and prolific painter. His
portfolio speaks volumes of his work ethic and his view of the world. His landscapes tend to focus on the warmth and beauty that surround us. Through color and light, he brought out all that was good. I think he was able to see that sort of potential with all those around him.
Ira was truly an asset to EIU, and I feel blessed to have had him as a colleague, a mentor -- and most of all,
a great friend.
For information regarding this story, please contact: mwbabcock@eiu.edu
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