Dear Friends,
Wanted to let you know that Herbert Aptheker passed away this morning, surrounded by family and friends; he would have celebrated his 88th birthday this summer.
Herbert's health had been fragile for some time--especially for the last couple of years--and he'd been in and out of the hospital a number of times since last August, with a series of incidents (from falls, to a minor heart attack and, more recently, some minor strokes). Last week, as he seemed again to weaken dramatically, Herbert and the family decided to forego any further medical interventions, and to focus on making Herbert as comfortable as possible.
He was at many points remarkably lucid these last few days, periodically speaking of--and with pleasure listening to conversation about--some of the matters closest to his heart, including African-American history, politics, and culture; hopes and chances for peace; and Major League Baseball.
When plans are made for a memorial service in the Bay Area, I'll forward that information to you.
Always,
Rob
--
Alan Wald, Director, Program in American Culture, University of Michigan. Mailing address: 3700 Haven Hall, Ann Arbor, Mi. 48109-1045. Office address: Room 3703 Haven Hall. Office phone: 734-763-1460. Home phone: 734-995-1499. e-mail: awald at umich.edu Faxes can be received at AC office: 734-936-1967 *****
-- Yoshie
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