Jeff Rosen June 9, 1958 – March 17, 2009
Jeff was a warm, loving and generous man. His life centered on his family and friends, whom he adored. Melissa was the love of his life and soulmate for 33 years. He loved his work; it was important to him to help others pursue justice. He was passionate about music and sports. Go Giants!! Some of Jeff’s favorite times were spent in the green chairs at Tuolumne Family Camp, rocking out at concerts, visiting family and friends around the country, getting together for sing-alongs, and participating in activities with his children. Jeff touched all of our lives in so many ways. He will remain in our hearts always.
“River gonna to take me,
sing me sweet and sleepy,
sing me sweet and sleepy
all the way back home.
It’s a far gone lullaby,
sung many years ago.
Mama, mama, many worlds I’ve come since I first left home.
Goin’ home, goin’ home, by the waterside I will rest my bones,
listen to the river sing sweet songs, to rock my soul.”
sing me sweet and sleepy,
sing me sweet and sleepy
all the way back home.
It’s a far gone lullaby,
sung many years ago.
Mama, mama, many worlds I’ve come since I first left home.
Goin’ home, goin’ home, by the waterside I will rest my bones,
listen to the river sing sweet songs, to rock my soul.”
From "Brokedown Palace"
-- Hunter/Garcia
-- Hunter/Garcia
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BOB NEWELL'S EULOGY TO JEFF AT THE FUNERAL
For many years Jeff, Eric and I ran a fantasy football franchise named “The Sensitive East Bay Guys”. We haven't been overly successful and we probably aren't all that sensitive but we've always had a lot of fun. Two years ago the draft for this league was being held in Las Vegas. I was determined not to go because Vegas isn't my favorite place, but Jeff kept working on me until I finally gave in. After agreeing to go, Jeff insisted on taking me to a show, it would be his treat. It turned out to be one of the best shows I have ever seen. It featured Beatles music and it was called “Love”.
Tenacity, generosity, music and love. That’s Jeff.
Jeff's tenacity and passion for social justice made him a very successful lawyer. His generous spirit, passion for music, and never ending love of family and friends are just a few traits that made him an extraordinary person. Jeff also engendered trust and security. As a friend you knew he would always be at you side when needed. As a family member, you would be loved, provided for, and protected. It felt good to be around Jeff.
Jeff comes from a strong supportive family. Yudi and Ayala allowed him to make his own choices, make mistakes and grow up to be his own person. The women who were closest to him, his mom Ayala, Emily and Melissa are all remarkable and yet very different women. Their commonality is their strength, love of family, their ability to be at their best at the worst of times and, of course, their love of Jeff. I am 100% sure, and I think that Jeff would agree, that the world would be a better place if it were run by women.
Emily, you are a natural healer. Be true to your dreams and we’ll keep a collective good thought for your and Jeff’s beloved Giants.
Melissa, you have taught us all how to deal with adversity and your support of Jeff over the last 15 months has added a dignity and a grace to an untenable situation. We love you.
Jeff's brother Danny reminds me so much of him. Hard-working, smart, funny and so very protective of his loved ones.
And then there's Sammy. Born at Passover and just so incredibly full of life. You are youth and energy at its essence. There is nobody that can ever replace your father, but you are blessed with a great family and a great spirit. And please remember, Emily and Sammy, that Jeff's friends are and will always be, your friends.
Jeff loved his sports. We watched countless games together and bonded, as many men do, in our mutual disdain for umpires, referees, officials and any team that might be beating-up on the A's, Giants, 49er's, Yankees, Warriors , etc. etc.
In 25 years we never argued. I'm not sure whether that’s good or bad, it's just the way it was. The relationship was always comfortable. Just two guys talking sports, talking music, talking politics, and talking kids. Probably just like our dads.
Jeff's love of music was a constant theme in his life. It was a hobby, a release, a passion and a therapy. The Dead, the Boss, the Indigo Girls, Dylan, and all the great and not so great musicians of our time. His music collection was fabulous and he treasured the time he spend embellishing it in music stores. He always seemed to know the right song for the right time. He made a CD for Judi and I when we drove up to Oregon last year. The 1st song was “Thank You For Being A Friend”. We felt as though Jeff was in the car with us.
Jeff and I shared a song through his last year. It was Springsteen's “Waiting On A Sunny Day”. To me it reflected Jeff's optimism that somehow the effects of his maddening disease could be turned around. Though it didn't work out that way, I am grateful that we got to sing that song one last time at a sing-a-long 10 days ago. At that point the song took on a different meaning.
Perhaps when the sun shines and we feel it’s warmth on our faces we will think of Jeff. Or perhaps, in Jeff’s more subtle way, he’ll choose to be a headlight on a northbound train lighting our path till we meet again.
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