From Leonard Cohen’s funeral today…
mainHis son, Adam, writes:
My sister and I just buried my father in Montreal. With only immediate family and a few lifelong friends present, he was lowered into the ground in an unadorned pine box, next to his mother and father. Exactly as he’d asked. As I write this I’m thinking of my father’s unique blend of self-deprecation and dignity, his approachable elegance, his charisma without audacity, his old-world gentlemanliness and the hand-forged tower of his work.
There’s so much I wish I could thank him for, just one last time. I’d thank him for the comfort he always provided, for the wisdom he dispensed, for the marathon conversations, for his dazzling wit and humor. I’d thank him for giving me, and teaching me to love Montreal and Greece. And I’d thank him for music; first for his music which seduced me as a boy, then for his encouragement of my own music, and finally for the privilege of being able to make music with him. Thank you for your kind messages, for the outpouring of sympathy and for your love of my father.
Peace and Love.
Thank you, in your time of grief, to remember others who loved your father dearly. ❤️
Boruch Dayan Emess
The funeral was last week. It was widely reported on Canadian radio and television at the time.
Leonard Cohen, beautiful man of God. Blessed be the name, the name be blessed.
My Great Grandfather, Abraham, migrated from Antwerp to Montreal, in 1912. At the time he was 42 years old, and profoundly/proudly “Orthodox”. Your Great Grandfather, Nathan, and his “community” fostered SAFE passage for my Ancestors, upon arrival to Canada. In 1912, Montreal served as “the land of milk and honey” and enabled my Dad’s Family to become furriers and dressmakers: to prosper in a safe haven. Like so many of that generation, the Synagogue was home/hearth. My heart; my Family’s heart so full of pride (kvelled) in the Humanity; the Art Leonard Cohen shared with the World. His spiritual capacity; poetry; vision… serving to transport all who heard his Song: a “Cohen”, indeed. Truly noble; truly proud Lineage. I am so thankful I heard you (Adam) interviewed- on N.P.R.- re: your joy in collaborating with your Dad on his “You Want It Darker” work. Sincerest condolences to your entire extended Family. L’Dor V’Dor …
Every day I enjoy the music of Leonhard and Adam Cohen. I adore both and hope after Corona-Pandemie, Adam will come to Germany for a Concert Tour.