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Leonard Epstein Obituary
~ 2013 ~
CARMEL – Leonard Epstein, father, educator, artist, much-loved man of many talents, died on April 6, 2013 at the age of 79. He is survived by his three children and their spouses: Bettina and Richard Moss; Nicole and Michael Kelly; and Seth and Monica Epstein; as well as seven grandchildren: Jacob Moss; Nicholas, Peyton and Keegan Kelly; and Weston, Grayson and Drake Epstein. He was married to Bee Epstein-Shepherd for many years.
Leonard taught at Kansas State University before taking a position in Humanities at Monterey Peninsula College in 1969. During his 26 years at MPC he taught innovative humanities classes and created The University for Man. He often expressed the thought that he should pay the college for the privilege of teaching, so thoroughly did he enjoy his profession.
Leonard was born in Philadelphia and was often taken by his parents to the seashore. It was there he developed a life-long love of the ocean and nature, and after bringing his family to the Monterey Peninsula he devoted much of his free time to hiking and camping in the Ventana Wilderness. He was also an avid reader, writer, and lover of learning.
He believed that it is our responsibility as human beings to take every experience, no matter how painful or trying, and learn from it so that we may live our lives as a blessing to ourself and
others.
A Circle of Friends will be held at a date and time to be announced. The family requests that any donations in Leonard's memory go to the Carmel Public Library Foundation, P.O. Box 2041, Carmel, CA 93921.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Leonard Epstein
Jeff middlebrook
March 2, 2024
Wow, in a random Google search of some of the faculty I knew at MPC back in the early-1970s I stumbled upon Len's 2013 death. I had Len in 1975 for his environmental philosophy class. I also taught classes through UFM that Len co-founded. Len and I sometimes disagreed about environmental issues and how to address them, but I always held him in the highest regard. The last time I saw Len was by chance at Pt. Lobos when my Irish fiancé at the time was hiking there with me. That was maybe around 2005 or 2006. My fiancé remarked what a "sweet man" Len was. Yes he was.
Clifford (Russ) Larson
April 25, 2021
I have wonderful memories of Leonard, as a teacher and a friend. Spent many days socializing on his patio in the valley. I fondly remember the Blue Nunn wine we both enjoyed.
I though about him today and ran into this on the internet.
Rest in Peace my friend, it's been many years since we've communicated, but we will meet again.
Guanyin - Goddess of Mercy
Ivan Hodgson
December 19, 2013
Oh, Lenski...
We shared so much since we met in 1978. I just learned that you will no longer be sending me beautiful, heartfelt letters and insights or walking with me through nature and art museums. What a cruel gift to receive this holiday season! Our relationship was intense islands of intimacy, scattered across the ocean of the years of friendship. Currents of alienation and then serene seas. And again we would wash up on each other's shores. You brought out the poet in us all and the passion. Your support of my art was much needed in the tough times and appreciated when success blossomed. You are in me still and always till our separated shores once again are one. All my love for you my faun!
Vanski
Albert Schmaedick
October 18, 2013
Leanard was a dear brother and mentor to me. During his years on Maui we shared many joyful ans soul fulfilling days together. I just now discovered his passing. I will miss him and remember hhim with much gratitude.
Albert
J.J. Iuorno-Paladino
June 11, 2013
Leaping Leonard joined our Maui circle in the late XX century and became an integral part of my mornings @ keawakapu beach...we were neighbors, confidants, singers, poets and laugh-a-lot buddies...with a smile in my heart...Adieu, querido amigo !
Cara Davis-Jacobson
June 10, 2013
I met Leonard in 1974 at MPC where he helped me unchain my science-bound mind and deepen my journey in the Humanities. Later he helped me rekindle my spirit through the Society of Friends, and all through the decades he was there to shine his glorious Light. Dear Friend and friend, how I will miss you here. You gave me Harper Brown's poetry and now I send a snippet to you across the Universe: "But this soul of mine knows another time--/ whispers its hours, minutes, seconds,/ the unseen soul-clock ticks its special way / and Death rewinds to keep it going." Be surrounded in the Light, dear one, until we meet again, Leonardissimo!
Prakash Mackay
June 10, 2013
I met Leonard through my friends Kabba and Raje here on Maui we connected over a love of the work of John O'Donohue particularly his book Anam Cara which means soul friends, and I felt that indeed Leonard was one of my soul brothers. He joined our Men's Group for a time and shared his gentle presence and wisdom with us. I last visited him in his home in Carmel and shared a wonderful time with him. He gave me a stone that his teacher had given him which sits on my altar. I will light a candle and hold the stone and remember my dear friend and wish him a safe journey through the Bardos
Don Gilmore
June 10, 2013
We were good friends on Maui for many years. I recently moved back to California, and today I sent an email for his 80th birthday, with plans to visit him. I had not heard the news. Looks like I missed seeing him one last time. My condolences to the family.
Becky Allen
April 26, 2013
What a joy Len was to me. I met him as his nurse and quickly knew this was my friend. His gentle way, kind spirit and wonderful laugh will stay in my heart forever. Oh what might have been, but oh what was !!! My heart is full and grateful.
April 24, 2013
Len is my big brother. He was there when I needed his wisdom and understanding and made a huge difference in my life. I will always be greatful. brother Bernie.
Sherry Pastor
April 22, 2013
I met Len in 1970 because of University For Man. What a wonderful friend and teacher he was, and my life was changed and enlarged because of him. Now I am sad, but thankful for all the memories.
Duane Beichley
April 20, 2013
In 1968 I was an undergraduate student at Kansas State University. Leonard Epstein was one of my professors teaching a class about the English Bible. He was an outstanding teacher and I learned more about the bible than any other religious teachings I have ever encountered. His class was more about a history of the Jewish people than religious dogma. He was also a warm, engaging person who left an imprint upon my life. I was surprised to find that we lived so close yet I never knew he was in the Montery area. I am sorry I didn't have the chance to reconnect.
Lorelei Eggli
April 18, 2013
Into the cosmos you return, my beloved 'new, improved father', and wonderful soul. Your insights will remain in my heart always. How blessed I am to know you.
Roxanne Galster
April 18, 2013
I'll miss Leonard's hello wave & smile as I walked by his windows & door to visit neighbor. Once he came to his front door as I was approaching and invited me in and gave me a tour of his wonderful home. I felt honored being that I was a complete stranger but his leap of faith & trust of heart allowed me a very short experience of care & delight that will last a lifetime when I continue to walk where we met on my way to visit my friend..
Lew Johnson
April 16, 2013
Leonard started UFM, and what a change that made in all our lives! His gentle spirit met mine through his eyes of love. A watercolor gift hangs in my home.
Janet Askew
April 15, 2013
I met Leonard through his cancer journey. I always looked forward to his conversations that were calming and insightful. His love of all that was part of this earth was such a joy to share . What a wonderful person he was, I will always remember him, forever youthful and joyful. Janet RN , Dr rubins office
Marvin Denmark
April 15, 2013
He was a nice light at a time in my life when things were rather dark.
Pam Noto
April 15, 2013
Leonard was a very special soul... it was an honor and a privilege to have known him. I will miss our bi-annual conversations and his insight and wisdom. My thoughts and prayers are with all his loving family at this time.
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