Steve Sokolow, a mainstay, friend, mentor, peacemaker, and guide of the WSNC since its inception, died October 25th. Those of us who knew him are devastated. Messages of grief from friends have been coming in, but I've also been getting mail from out-of-area members who never met him and are equally stunned. For many of us, Steve was All-Vater.
Steve has been such an active part of WS activities for 30 yrs that it's difficult to separate him from the group. At meetings, Steve drew fascinating, intricate doodles while listening to lectures - one who didn't know him might think that he wasn't paying attention - and then he'd ask penetrating questions, quote passages from the Ring, and make insanely brilliant, insightful comments. Steve led many panel discussions over the years and always pulled the best out of a guest. He was WSNC president for many years and was the grease that oiled the machine.
A frequent attendee at the SF Opera, one could also run into Steve at the LA Opera, MetHD broadcasts, and various other venues, including Gilbert & Sullivan and Grateful Dead-related shows.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, November 27, at 1:00 pm, on what would have been Steve's 68th birthday. It will be held at Steve and Bryana's home:
851 Brittany Lane
Concord, CA
Please RSVP so Bryana can have a head count for refreshments.
All-Vater
Taken by John Chilcott at last summer's Ring
Apropos of never knowing where you'll bump into Steve is this remembrance from David Ehmke:
I have an endearing memory of meeting Steve in Bayreuth in 1996. I was there on my own that year, having been offered tickets after applying for 8 years. Steve was in Europe on business and had driven up to Bayreuth. He got someones ticket and saw the 2nd and 3rd acts of Siegfried - typical Steve.
So, as I was returning to my hotel, much to my surprise here came Steve up the street. We talked for a while. As we prepared to part, he said, "this calls for a hug" which we proceeded to do.
In 1996 I was not used to getting hugs from a guy. But that one has remained in my memory ever since. It was typical of Steve, a warm-hearted, wonderful man whom I shall miss very much.
So, as I was returning to my hotel, much to my surprise here came Steve up the street. We talked for a while. As we prepared to part, he said, "this calls for a hug" which we proceeded to do.
In 1996 I was not used to getting hugs from a guy. But that one has remained in my memory ever since. It was typical of Steve, a warm-hearted, wonderful man whom I shall miss very much.
Please feel free to post comments about Steve below or by email to me. If you have photos you'd like to share, send them to me and I'll put them up.
