Marvin Rand, Family Man

Compiling this memorial for my stepfather, Marvin Rand, was a labor of love. Marvin transformed since I first met him – mellowing with age, altering his lifestyle under my mother's influence, and embracing the role as family man in a positive way.

Each year our family came together to celebrate Passover, largely in Marvin's condominium, and Thanksgiving at Asilomar, a beachside conference center in Pacific Grove, California.

Even though Marvin Rand's priceless archives of early Los Angeles are out of reach, his legacy is not.

MARY ANN DANIN HAS NO ACCESS TO MARVIN'S EMAIL OR TELEPHONE. FEEL FREE TO SEND MISSIVES DIRECTLY TO MARY ANN DANIN.

Despite the challenges, my mother is doing well, embracing the next chapter in her life. Thank you for celebrating Marvin's life with me.

…I know many supportive couples, but I don't know one in which the wife or husband has so generously, thoughtfully and gracefully cleared the path ahead for their spouse as you did. It is an overwhelming memory for me of Marvin, how well you understood him and so carefully supported him. Often it was an amazing secret-thing to watch… Tibby Rothman, Venice Paper

Family Crest by Z. Sharon Glantz, 2007

Marvin and Safta were the true
cornerstones of our family traditions.
Our family is a blended one already,
and Marvin was a stepfather to me,
a step grandparent to my kids and I
guess a step-step grandparent to
Robin's kids. But to all our kids, he was
the quintessential grandpa.

In one of our last conversations with
Marvin, he made sure to take inventory
of all the children and assured us
that they would all be fine and
that he loved them.

David Glantz, step son

There was only one Marvin and
absolutely no way to reduce him to a
page or even an entire book! My life is
so much richer that he was part of it. I
took bragging rights on his talent and
his books. I was thrilled when he let
me go through a bunch of prints and
filled a box with them so I could
frame and hang them on the wall of our
house that he helped remodel. I am
so glad I got to spend final days
and hours with him. He made me feel
special and let me know that my
children were an integral part of
his life…

Robin Wilson, step daughter-in-law

by Robin Wilson

Memories of your wedding are still
strong as I remember smiling at
you, Marvin and Arthur under the
hupa while I sat with my big belly
as Avi and Yoav kicked away inside.
Over twenty years ago. Today they
are strapping young men with Israeli
army experience under their belts.

Marvin's keen photographic eye,
unique critique and help in
documenting my early work has
become integral in the way I look
at my own artwork. I will always
carry a small piece of him with me.
He was a giant in his field, had a
tenacious spirit that kept him going
much longer than any doctor would
have predicted. We share your
sadness at this great loss and yet we
also celebrate with you the two plus
decades of closeness and partnership
that you two shared.

Laurie Gross
(wife of Arthur Schaffer, Rabbi)

photos at Asilomar by Marvin Rand

Family Supper by Z. Sharon Glantz 2008

Global Citizen• Los Angeles City Dweller• Resident of the Marina and Venice• Associate of Architects and Builders•
Societal Pundant & Friend•Artist Affiliate• Book Creator• Spiritual Constituant• Family Man• Links

Send additional contributions and feedback to Z. Sharon Glantz