Loss of Our Friend, Ira Kaye
Aug 9, 2008 9:43 - 3 Comments
Many of you may have seen the news reports about a man pinned between the cars in his garage on Thursday, but for our family this is not just a news story because he was a close friend. It is difficult for me to find the words.>
Ira S. Kaye was a good partner, father, son, friend, and colleague who leaves those who loved and cared about him with an unbearable sadness. We all wish we could go back and change those few short moments during the accident so that we would still have him safely with us. Life without him is unimaginable to all of the family and friends who have been arriving on short notice from all over the country in tears and disbelief.
His partner of 23 years, Michael Lacey, had one message, “The lesson is that we have got to all slow down.” We all pressure ourselves to do an excellent job with work and are trying to do our best for family and sometimes we are just rushing too much. Michael reminds us to remember what is important. As this story in The Washington Post describes, for Ira and Michael being together as a family with their son Zachary has always been their priority.
Ira was an avid reader and would spend hours with book sellers looking for books. He loved historical fiction and was excited about politics in general. He was proud of his current ethics work at the Department of Treasury because he felt he could make a difference.
The memorial service is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 10, 2008 in Danzansky/Goldberg Chapel at 1170 Rockville Pike (across from the Woodmont Country Club). Everyone is welcome.
For those wishing to make a contribution to honor Ira, the family has designated the Point Foundation.
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He was an incredible man. This is so tragic.
Ira was an incredible friend. To continue his memory and assist in our healing, please visit Ira’s memorial blog at rememberingira.blogspot.com
Ira was my little first cousin. My sister and brother, and he and his brother used to spend a couple of weeks together every other year while we grew up.>
With me in Los Angeles, it was very difficult to see him much over the years. However, when my student singing group started to come to DC to perform at the America Sings! Festival every other year, he, Michael and Zach started to show up, even if we could only see each other for a short while.
My wife and I were blessed to spend some time with him a month ago at my father’s 75th B-D party. One of the nights, we were standing outside of the hotel talking, and I jokingly said, “Why don’t you dump Zach off with my brother’s family and you and Michael come join Melodie and I for a drink.” (Not checking with my brother first). Michael and Ira looked at each other and immediately said, “Okay” and went off to make arrangements. They then joined Melodie and myself at a local bar for an hour or so, and we had an awesome time catching up and making plans to see each other in the future. It was so obvious during that short time how much these two loved each other. I don’t think that people realize that they were a couple for well over 20 years. I can only pray that my wife and I are that happy after 20 years.
He will be missed, and Michael and Zach will always be a part of our family.
Scott Mandel
1st cousin in Los Angeles