Remembrances
Eulogy by Ed Howard
To Those I Love and Those Who Love Me by Anonymous
Remembrance by Randy Brecker
Remembrance by Al Marino
Passionate Saxman by Trish Franey
Photograph by Sarkis Boyadjian
Eulogy by Ed Howard
As read at the funeral service for Bob Berg in Sag Harbor, NY, on December 10, 2002.
The Sunday before last, Bob, Gary Novak, Joe Locke and myself were finishing up a two-night engagement in Seattle. After the set, Bob was putting away his horn, lit a cigarette, and said," Yeah guys, that felt good". Those of you that know Bob musically know he was pretty hard on himself when it came to his playing. Always striving to be the best. Rarely was there a time when he was happy with his playing. He was happy that night. I can't tell you how good that makes me feel to know that Bob's last night of music making was a joyous occasion for him. We had a lot of fun that night. Telling stories, eating pizza, laughing out loud, then taking the red eye back to New York.
Integrity, honesty, compassion, loyalty and just plain telling it like it is. These were just a few traits of this truly unique man. One of a kind. If I ever had a question, or was on the fence about something, Bob, in a few sentences would give me the options and help me clear it up. You see, you always knew where you stood with Bob. Politically correct? That wasn't a big concern of his. He wasn't trying to win a popularity contest. Letting you know how he felt was a big concern of his.
But beneath that tough guy exterior was a warm, gentle man that would be there in a heartbeat if you needed him. There were times when I needed him. And nobody has been more there for me. Being there and being strong for his family was the most important thing to Bob. He talked about you guys all the time on the road. How independent Mia and David are becoming. The deep love and friendship he shares with Arja. Annette, Jeff, Arja, Mia and David. You know better than I do what a great Son, Brother, Husband and Father he was. I know he was a great friend and musician. And from what Al Marino and Bob Wheeler tell me, a great fisherman. I always wanted Bob to take me fishing. I never got the chance. I feel so selfish in this feeling of loss because there's so many more things I wanted to do with Bob. So much more music to make. So much more to learn.
At the end of any typical obituary it is often stated that the departed is survived by his wife, kids, dogs, etc…survived. That's what it feels like we're all doing right now……. Surviving.
How do we find the strength to go on from here? Not to merely survive, but to celebrate life? We find that strength in each other.
Everything Bob was is alive in this room.
It's in the beautiful music he shared with us.
It's in the memories we have of him.
It's in the love we share for him.
It's in the things he taught us.
It's in the inspiration he gave us.
His absence will leave a void in all of our lives.
We will miss him very much.
And it will hurt for a long time.
But we will celebrate again.
Bob would have insisted on it.
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To Those I Love and Those Who Love Me by Anonymous
As read by Mary Maurey at the funeral service for Bob Berg in Sag Harbor, NY, on December 10, 2002.
When I am gone, release me, let me go–
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears;
be happy that we had so many years.
I gave you my love; you can only guess
how much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love we each have shown,
but now it's time I traveled on alone.
So grieve a while for me if grieve you must,
then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It's only for a while that we must part;
so bless the memories within your heart.
I won't be far away, for life goes on;
so if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can't see or touch me,
I'll be near–
And if you listen with your heart,
in moments of silence and prayer you will hear
All my love around you, soft and clear.
And then when you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and say "Welcome Home!"
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Remembrance by Randy Brecker
As read at the funeral service for Bob Berg in Sag Harbor, NY, on December 10, 2002.
Bob was a complex guy. His Father was Jewish, his Mother is Italian.
He grew up in the turbo-charged center of Bensonhurst. He loved his Caddy with the huge Fins, a good Cuban cigar, smuggled in by some of his friends, some 'yac', and a lotta Sinatra.
Mid-life he met Arja, settled down, had two wonderful kids, became a devoted husband and father, moved out to East Hampton, took up serious fishing in between tours.
He also loved the saxophone and jazz music, on which he focused his formidable intellect. The combination of this intellect, operating through the prism of his formative years and his daily lifestyle and environment, brought us a conception which was passionate, yet without mercy. He would play you back up against the wall, he would tear it and you, up.
You had to fight back, and be at the top of your game when you were on the bandstand with Berg..he never verbally said it..he demanded it through his horn.
That's what it was like to play with Bob Berg throughout all these years......he made me play better, he drenched me in his style...he seared my soul forever..
This is what I'll miss most about Bob...the unbelievable timeless, fearless, merciless yet passionate sound of his saxophone. Yet I remain convinced that I'll still hear it, day after day, year after year..every time I think of him...I'll hear it.... I know I will...
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Remembrance by Al Marino
As read at the funeral service for Bob Berg in Sag Harbor, NY, on December 10, 2002.
I've only known Bob for the past 5 years.
But we had a common bond—fishing—and we spent many happy hours.....many days and nights fishing together.
That bond made us very close.
I know all of you loved him and will miss him.
But, I'll miss him most on those Summer nights at Lazy Point—that was Bob's favorite spot, and he always caught fish there.
I'll miss his excited voice, "Hey Al, I'm in!"
Well, the fish at Lazy Point don't have to worry any more.
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Passionate Saxman by Trish Franey
As read at the funeral service for Bob Berg in Sag Harbor, NY, on December 10, 2002.
Walked into my world
Smiling, grounded, free
His passion for life reflects His energy
His face lit up
When I asked what's shaking?
Passionate saxophone man
He replied
The fish I hope to catch
Homemade chinese food tonight
My beautiful family is waiting
Sounds of his passion
Spread throughout the land
You touched our hearts
Your spirit lives on
Saxophone man
Your music and spirit live on
Forever...
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