Lester Goldman

I am so pleased to have one of Lester's paintings which was a gift when I retired from the Art Institute in 1989. We were treated to a brunch in the Goldman home which was such a pleasure. I remember when we went to leave your young daughter showed us what a sandwich hug was. I was fortunate to become good friends with Mr. and Mrs Topp and shared many lunches with them when they would come to the city. I was happy to see that Mrs. Topp is with you Katrin. Lester touched many lives, not only...

To the Goldmans,
My sister, Alison, and I came across the announcement of Lester's passing in the KCAI Fall 'O5 Alumni Notes. My sister had the privilege of being a student of Lester's in 1992. She tells me he was instrumental in helping her look deeper within herself for inspiration and meaning in her artwork. He was kind and patient.
My family also had a connection with the Goldmans through Bryant Elementary. Alison and I went to school with Chris from a young age.
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I was Warren Rosser’s assistant in the early 1990's and enjoyed Lester in staff meetings and around the Painting Department. One particular memory is when we were having a Department “Review” process meeting, which was quite tiresome in some regards. While we were discussing the history of the Department and its future, Lester began to play with his retracting measuring tape, lining up various little objects on its surface. He suddenly pressed the release and all the objects shot up into...

Lester was my painting and drawing instructor my senior year at the Tute (89 grad). He had a tremendous influence on how I look at my work and my creative process. His passing will be greatly felt in the art world. He will be missed.

Lester was really a parental surrogate for me during my time in Kansas City (the late '80s). Being in his class felt like being in a family. One time, I even had a classic Freudian slip by accidentally calling him "Dad." With his contagious enthusiasm, Lester taught me to love to work. He had a concept he called "plork," which is the combination of play and work. I have introduced this very Goldmanist idea to my children. One day, while helping Lester move some of his work in his studio, I...

I was lucky to be at KCAI when Lester was an instructor. His presence on campus was a huge positive force, one that I felt and benefited from even before taking his drawing class. Lester was full of energy and joy and this translated to his work, to his conversations, and rubbed off on his students. He is and was a big inspiration for my friends and me, one we will not forget or keep far from our thoughts. Thank you Lester!

I was a student of Lester's in the mid-80's. I remember Lester telling me about watching the mummer's parade in Philadelphia as a kid. I remember him telling the story of the 55 gallons of blue laughter.(this involved Stanley Lewis and a shipment of blue pigment)I remember that he loved to dance and would improvise funny and beautiful movements. I could list many, many other happy memories. I remember him as full of curiosity, intelligence and wit. I remember how generous he was in spirit.

I am so fortunate to have known Lester and to have been his neighbor. It was wonderful to be around him, to enjoy his sense of humor and to see his talent in action. I send my prayers to Kathrin, Chris, Jakob and Amanda.

I can't tell you all the wonderful memories I have of Lester. Being next-door neighbors to Lester and Kathrin for so many years, it was a joy to watch the kids grow up. The Goldmans couldn't have been better neighbors - and people. Lester will be missed.