3-25-2014
Dear Irv and Betty,
Just a short note to thank you for the conversation we had last week. It was a pleasure to talk to you and Irv.
I wish I had reached out many years ago, and thought of doing so often, but life has it’s own demands and trajectory that often keeps us so involved with just surviving so that we have to set aside or miss some of the things that probably would have been better and more meaningful than the path we pursued, but over the years I remembered and thought about Irv often. Irv was always a wonderful friend to me and a man I have always admired and respected greatly.
When I met Irv at the Community Theater, and then visited him from time to time when he was working at his night job at the motel for late night conversations and discovered that this was his second job, and that he worked a full time day job, and found time to do community theater, I was astounded not only by his wit, wisdom, and good humor and great conversations we had, but by the strength and dedication that Irv had. Even though I was still a very young man, I knew then that this was an exceptional man and unparalleled friend, and I have never forgotten it. I have often measured people I have met in my life against Irv, few have even come close to my memories of the man that Irv is.
I am very saddened to hear of Irv’s health problems and ultimate passing. It is a deep and sometimes very difficult mystery to try to comprehend why some of the kindest and gentlest people have to suffer such tragic occurrences in their lives, when they seem the least deserving of any such difficulty. I know that if anyone could handle such things, it would be Irv, but still I know it must be have been a terrible trial for both of you over the years. I can only offer my prayers and good wishes, and I am glad to hear from our conversation that Irv has clearly retained his sharp mind, wit and sense of humor!
I just last July lost my best friend to cancer, someone who I loved dearly and who like Irv, was one of the nicest and sweetest people you could ever know. It is a mystery, incomprehensible. I can only hope and pray that there is a greater plan we will all meet again someday in a better place.
When I look back over my life and review the people I have known and the friends I have had, Irv always stands out as a bright and sparkling friend whom I will always remember.
Kind regards,
Jim - 646-298-5802
Jim Lamm
May 26, 2023
Dear Betty, Erin and family,
I met Irv when we performed in The Tea House of the august Moon together at The Cedar Rapids Community Theater in the mid 1960's.
Although I had not seen Irv for many years after I moved from Cedar Rapids at age 26, I have always remembered him and thought of him often. He was a true friend. I spent many pleasant evenings talking to him and having interesting conversations when I would visit him at his night job. He always had interesting stories to share, a great sense of humor, and a kind and understanding ear to listen when a friend was needed, and possessed great wisdom and advice.
Irv was a kind and extraordinary friend, a man dedicated to his family (I cannot express the admiration and respect that I felt when I discovered that the job where I always saw him was his second job and that he held down two full time jobs for many years and still managed to find to be a friend and do community theater!) and a person who shared of himself selflessly always.
He will always be remembered by me and admired as the ideal of a good man and great friend.
Kind regards,
Jim Lamm
New York, New York
Jim Lamm
April 8, 2017
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Dr. Fitzgerald and staff
April 30, 2015
Betty and family,
What a special spirit!
Irv has (and will always have) a very special place in my heart.
His smile, his laughter, his positive manner, his love for family, his love for music, and his love for life impacted so many individuals in a positive, supportive way.
"Walk on Irv" knowing your life made a foot print on many hearts!
Audrey Reid
"Milestones"
Audrey Reid
April 28, 2015