In Memory

Carl Sohn

Carl Sohn

Carl Sohn



 
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05/20/18 03:42 PM #1    

Ralph Shapira

Carl and I were close friends for 45 years. We bonded freshman year over mutual adoration of the beautiful, ethereal Louise Alfini. [What became of Louise after Oberlin?]

 

After college we lived together in Berkeley in a mostly Obie house with Phil Levy and Steve DeTray. We loved the California wilderness, visiting unspoiled Northern California beaches, and particularly spending time at a remote, gorgeous Mendocino mountain commune, “Cloud Mountain,” founded by Obies Diney Weinerman, George Galt, Bob Sheridan and Jenny Thierman, always enhanced by the sweet weed we learned to love at Oberlin. Carl, a superb craftsman, built his own one room cabin there which still stands. 

 

Carl eventually left Berkeley for medical school while I stayed for law school.  We rebonded when we each moved to LA for our careers, married and raised families. Our wives became very close, and our families — his two wonderful daughters Julia and Laura and my brood of three — became like one family. Holidays were always together. 

 

When I bought my own remote mountain retreat high in the Malibu mountains, overlooking the ocean, Carl and his family visited often. He was my wilderness buddy, my weed buddy and my closest friend in Los Angeles for decades.  One of the photos I posted on this site shows Carl and I together in Malibu. 

 

Carl had a long and distinguished career as a physician pathologist until stricken down by cancer.  He was wise, funny, warm and wonderful. Whatever he said in that beautiful, slow, deep baritone voice sounded more profound — and usually was — than any of the rest of us. He had a wide circle of devoted friends. 

 

I miss Carl all the time.


05/21/18 11:07 AM #2    

Ted Morgan

A lovely remembrance, Ralph.  I remember Carl and his deep voice from conversations over the Oberlin years, but clearly a loss for you!  Nice that you had him so importantly in your life.


05/21/18 05:16 PM #3    

Paul Safyan

This is very beautiful, Ralph.

It seems certain that Carl knew your love for him.


05/24/18 09:45 AM #4    

Stephanie Koenig

I was so touched to read Ralph's memories of Carl.  I didn't know Carl, but remember well his sweet romance with Louise Alfini!  Ralph, I am so sorry for your loss -- it sounds like you and Carl had a rich and deep friendship, spanning so many years and including family as well.


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