Arthur Block

The Honorable Arthur S. Block (Retired)

From the time he was in first grade, Judge Arthur S. Block (Retired) knew what he wanted to be when he grew up. He would say unhesitatingly, "I want to be a Lawyer." And a damn good one he became. It is with great sadness we announce the passing of a man who was not only a great lawyer, a well prepared Judge and an inspiring teacher, but most importantly, a loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather and devoted friend to an extended family.

"Art's" will-to-live for his family took him on a medical journey worthy of chapters in research books. His praise for his doctors was unyielding.

In 2011 with no other options available, Art received a new heart and a new lease on life at UCLA Medical Center. Doctors there must have been surprised that his blood didn't run green and white. A devout Michigan State Spartan, Art completed his undergraduate work at Michigan State University in 1965 with post-graduate credits in Psychology. While in college, Art taught sociology and civics at Detroit's Western High School, where he started the swim team and was assistant basketball coach. But ultimately, following his youthful goals and the tradition of 13 cousins and uncles, Arthur S. Block received his J.D. degree from Brooklyn Law School in 1971.

The desert sunshine called Art to California. After regularly visiting his mother and stepfather who had moved to Palm Springs, Art decided to leave the cold Winter's behind and hung out his shingle as a sole practitioner in the small town desert community he loved, specializing in domestic relations, business law and real estate.

After practicing for 10-years, in 1982, Governor Edmund G. "Jerry" Brown Jr. appointed Art to the Riverside County's Desert Municipal Court. Judge Block particularly enjoyed sitting on assignment in Superior Court. " The Superior Court is Qualitative." He would say, "There is time for the thought and effort needed in a decision." On the bench he enjoyed the challenges of the cases he heard, ranging from wrongful termination to medical malpractice and construction defect litigation; however he found child abuse matters the most disturbing for everyone.

Judge Block earned a reputation as one of the most aggressive and successful settlement Judges on the Bench. After retirement he continued working in mediation and arbitration for Dispute ASB Resolution and as an independent Labor Appeals Judge for the Agua Caliente Cahuilla Band of Mission Indian.

Art is survived by his wife Kathy, his children, Susan Tarnowski and Matthew Block, Daughter-in-law (Matt Blocks wife) Christina Block and Grandchildren, Britt Tarnowski, Matthew Tarnowski, Audrey Block, Sara Block, Michael Block, Mother-in-law Lorraine Dix and extended family Jinjin and Moses Lee.

Beyond family, Judge Block's contributions to the Palm Springs community will carry on as result of the generous work he did as Founder and President of the Lyceum of the Desert Children's Educational Foundation, Founder of Palm Springs Senior Center Free Legal Aid Program, the Palm Springs Boys and Girl's Club and the Angel View Foundation

Services at Temple Isaiah , 332 W. Alejo Rd, Palm Springs 92262 760-325-2281 10:30 AM Friday Oct. 16

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Mizell Senior Center Meals On Wheels Program, would be greatly appreciated..www.mizell.org. or 480 S. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Desert Sun from Oct. 15 to Oct. 16, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Arthur Block

39 Entries

Al & Vera Girolami

November 7, 2022

Dear Cathy, our sincere very late condolences. After many years we are going to spend a few days in PS and tried to track you down. What a shock when the first thing that popped up was Art´s obituary- and 7 years old! We thank you and Art for the memories of the great trips to Rosorito and the good times together at Judges and Law Wife´s meetings.We pray that you are doing well.

October 9, 2019

You are truly missed sir. The world is a little less beautiful without you. RIP

Rebecca Gilbert

December 1, 2015

Kathy,
I was just reminiscing with some new friends about you and your Arthur and was shocked to find this obituary. My condolences to you an your family. God Bless you and may he rest in peace.

PATRICIA CRAINE

November 5, 2015

DARLING KATHY AND FAMILY....OUR "RAY OF SUNSHINE" STILL SHINES WARM AND WILL FOREVER.... A LEGEND AND ROLE MODEL FOR ALL OF US...
HIS LOVE FOR YOU....HIS ANGEL.....WAS MAGICAL.YOUR STRENGTH TOGETHER WAS ABOVE AND BEYOND....YOUR DEVOTION AND LOVE FOR EACH OTHER...EXTRAORDINARRY AND SOOO BEAUTIFUL TO SEE..AND MAY THOSE WARM AND PRECIOUS MEMORIES HOLD YOU CLOSE NOW AND ..ALWAYS...WE LOVE YOU SOOOOO...PATTI AND BUD

Karen Baldwin-Holtz-Borders

October 27, 2015

Judge Block was such a pleasure to appear in front of and to share some laughs during down time, or when he was reading over search warrant/arrest warrants in his chambers.
He had such and infectious smile and laugh. He loved walking over to Palm Springs PD to visit or go on a ride-a-long.
He acted like a big kid. It was so fun to watch him act like he was just "one of us". He never acted better than us, because he was a judge, he was down to earth and knew how to be respectful to others. Even in his courtroom, he was respectful to everyone, whether law enforcement or suspect. Officers respected him as well. He will truly be missed.
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Kathy and the entire Block family for your loss. May God Bless You and watch over you at this time. Karen

October 25, 2015

Our condolences.
Dana and Cindy Hollinger

John and Kathy Sanborn

October 25, 2015

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Donavan Rice

October 23, 2015

As CHP officer I had the honor of appearing before Judge Block many times. He was always fair to everyone and when the opportunity presented itself for a good laugh he was the first one to laugh. Never once did I see him raise his voice but always acted as the professional that he truly was. The legal profession lost a great colleague and I'm sure he was friend to all that he worked with. God' blessing to all of the Block family. I am truly sorry for your loss.

October 22, 2015

Dear Kathy,

I am so sorry for your loss.

Arlene Young

Judy Demetriou

October 21, 2015

Kathy & Family:
Coming across the many miles to extend my Sincere Sympathy, during this most difficult time. Art left a deep impact in my life, as well as Jim's, with his Compassion, Knowledge and most of all His Special Friendship, which will I'll treasure forever. A True Gentleman, regardless of Time or Place..

October 20, 2015

Arthur may you rest in peace. You are so loved and so missed

Margaret Adams (Brhel)

October 20, 2015

My deepest condolences to your family. Art was a good man and a outstanding member to the Palm Springs legal community. He will be missed

Amy Blaisdell

October 19, 2015

Dear Kathy & family, Art was a such a rare character and his wit, legal talent and wonderful generosity will be missed by everyone he touched in Palm Springs and beyond. I was so sorry I was not able to attend the service, but please know his contributions to our city are much appreciated! I loved running into him and one function or another... and I will miss his smiling face. He was the first person to welcome me to Palm Springs City Hall seven years ago... and I will never forget all the words of wisdom he gave me. May he rest in peace.
xoxo

Joe Footdale

October 18, 2015

Judge Block it was an honor to be in your courtroom. Thank you for the search warrants you signed for me and members of CCPD. I truly enjoyed testifying as a witness in your court, and you were so respected by law enforcement. God Bless you sir

Wanda Remington

October 17, 2015

Kathy my heart goes out to you and your family at this time of loss. I worked for him as a traffic clerk for a while, and loved the fact that people couldn't and wouldn't treat his clerks like crap, cause all it took was a little phone call to him... And they would be apolizing to us in a full courtroom. Kathy he was an awesome Judge and man, he must of been for the news to be spread far and near. Rest in peace and in the arms of angels my Judge and friend.

Ron Johnson

October 16, 2015

Kathy and Family,

The valley will always remember Judge Art. My family will always remember "The Judge"for many reasons. He married our daughter, Susie on June 4, 1986 on the golf coarse of Cathedral Canyon Country Club. THe both of you attended the reception. Then in April of 1993, he married our son Scott at one of the lakes in the country club.

During my ten years as Police Chief of Cathedral City Police Department, my officers had great respect for Judge Block.

Ron and Barbara Johnson

Dale Gribow

October 16, 2015

lovely ceremony today Kathy.

May Art RIP..............dale

October 16, 2015

Kathy, My Sister and I were sorry to hear of Art's passing. We were very honored to have worked with you and Art in the past.Please think of us if we can be of any help to you, during this difficult time.Tim Brown & Debi Ward

Patricia Saleh

October 16, 2015

Hi Kathy,
I was very sad to think of Arthur passing away. He was such a dear and colorful personality. I will never forget him marrying Rene and me at the Enchanted Garden Wedding Chapel by reading words from Khalil Gibran, a Lebanese philosopher, Rene being French but of Lebanese origin. I wasn't sure Art knew that but perhaps he was touched by the angels to choose that passage. I do hope I see you soon. - Patty Patzner Saleh

Megan Harvey

October 16, 2015

Rest in eternal peace. I remember Judge block for the happiest day of my life. He married my husband and and I 19 years ago overlooking the valley at sunset at the Ritz Rancho Mirage. A beautiful evening. My condolences to his family.

Don Dougherty

October 16, 2015

All of us at Palm Springs Police Dept loved Art and knew him to be the champion of justice. He was always willing to help educate officers that appeared in his court room. He was highly regarded and well respected by those who knew him. He will be sorely missed. He was even so gracious that when he married my wife and I he invited us to his home to preform the ceremony in his own home.

Juanita Diaz

October 16, 2015

RIP Judge Block
My condolences to your family.

Jim Seablom

October 15, 2015

As a career law enforcement professional I admired Art's interest in seeking the truth and insuring justice in any matter presented before his court. He was always kind and helpful to those around him and his love for the Palm Springs community was reflected by his persistent great smile. I wish to thank Art one last time for all his service, including the lovely words he spoke while officiating the marriage to my beautiful wife Janice. We will not forget him.

Jack Sternlieb

October 15, 2015

To Kathy and family-
We are deeply saddened to hear of Art's passing. Art was an extraordinary man, who we knew professionally and personally. We will always remember him as compassionate, professional and giving. He had a zest for life and was always interested in others. It was always a pleasure to spend time with him and he was a treasured friend. We will remember his smile and caring thoughts in his heart. Our condolences go out to you at this sad time. May all your treasured memories comfort you.
In sympathy,
Dr. and Mrs. Jack Sternlieb

Joy Brown Meredith

October 15, 2015

I will remember Arthur Block as a good and kind man and a mentor of wisdom. Rest peacefully. Blessings to your family....

Kurt Handshuh

October 15, 2015

It did not matter if I was with "Art" in the courtroom or his dining room, it was always a good feeling just to be with him!! My best to Kathy and the family,

Harris Enteen

October 15, 2015

Arthur, I will miss you. You will always be my "Cuz". You and Kathy were a team who shared so many great experiences that will now be wonderful memories. Condolences to Kathy and the family.
Rest in Peace. With love, Harris

Kristi Collins

October 15, 2015

A kind and gentle man, I had the pleasure of knowing - Rest in Peace.

P K

October 15, 2015

I will miss you. Although it's been years since we talked, I'll always remember you with fond memories.

October 15, 2015

The Block Family. Art helped get me out of trouble when I was a young man. Through the yards when I would see him playing rec league softball or around town always greeted me by my first name and with a smile. Such a good guy. My sympathies to the family. Mike Downs

Denise Rios

October 15, 2015

He was a very good Judge and Man, that I worked with for many years. When I got sick he read about my illness and told me if I ever needed anything just let him know. Thank you Judge and RIP

Ron & Debbie Schulman

October 15, 2015

A wonderful man and a cherished friend. He will be missed by so many people whose lives he touched. May his memory be a blessing to all who loved him.

October 15, 2015

My condolences to you and your family Kathy. Art was a great man. Marc

October 15, 2015

Dear Kathy,
We will always remember Art and the wonderful times shared with both of you. May you find comfort in the memories of your life together.
Sincerely,
Patty and George Service

Amber Williamson-Okum

October 15, 2015

Rest in Peace.

Diane Hunter

October 15, 2015

The community has lost an amazing humanitarian. True gentleman in every sense of the word. Always took the time to stop and chat. God Speed Judge.

Lexie Martone

October 15, 2015

Kathy
I wish you a good continuation in life and hope Art is in peace . This is my priority, coming from France to pay tribute to a great friend .
Lexie Martone

Laura

October 15, 2015

I had occasion to testify before Judge Block one time and was so impressed with him both as a judge and a human being that I never forgot him.
Rest in peace, judge.
God's peace to his family.

John & Doris Hemmer

October 14, 2015

Kathy,
Please remember that your loss is shared by those who care and understand. I arrived as an older man but a new attorney in Art's courtroom in Palm Springs. He provided me with some words of wisdom and guidance that I remember to this day.
I will always remember him and appreciate him.
Doris had some very special dealings with Art when he was President of the Boys and Girls Club and she was with Variety the Childrens' Charity. People pass on, but their memories live on in our hearts.

Showing 1 - 39 of 39 results