It was standing room only at the memorial for Dan Bayer last Thursday at Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center. Rabbi Kollin officiated at the short Afternoon service, much of it in Hebrew with songs led by Cantor Ruth Harris. After the service, family, friends and several Rotarians spoke about Dan.
Two nephews spoke about Dan’s history, his origin in Turkey, starting a business at age 15, the first of many businesses and becoming a self-educated, self-made successful man. Dan was active in the military in Turkey and in the young state of Israel in the 50’s. They emphasized his kindness and generosity – a favorite uncle. Dan moved from Turkey to Israel, where he farmed, and then to the United States where he met his wife Rachel in Seattle and eventually settled in Arcadia.  He had two children Mark and Rhonda.
He owned a Shell station, then a Baskin Robbins franchise and diversified into property. Dan’s friendliness, his appreciation of people attracted and kept customers contributing to his business success.
Rotarians Pat Barnes, Bob Harbicht, Mary Salcedo, Imy Dulake, Jim Helms and President Eric Barter spoke about Dan. Each had their own perspective of how they experienced his kindness, generosity, very broad knowledge, business acumen and his love of the ladies. Bob presented a certificate of appreciation from the City of Arcadia. Bob reminded us Dan’s son Mark was murdered a few years ago and the next day Dan was at the gym (and later in the week at Rotary). Dan explained to Bob he was “ where he needed to be -with his family”.
In Middle East affairs, Dan was always current. Rotarians may recall he was able to bring international speakers to Rotary. At the memorial, previous Rotary member, Esma Ali, (a Moslem) gave a moving tribute to Dan (a Sephardic Jew) emphasizing his tolerance and understanding as an example to us all.
The speakers reflected Dan’s varied interests: his commitment to exercise, to Rotary, to Masons, to Judaism and to growing things. His favorite plant was exotic fruit trees and he mastered the art of grafting different varieties onto the same tree.
The event honored the unique person Dan was. Each speaker also reminded us of the many different and varied aspects of every individual- that we each connect to others in our own way. Sadly, the complete person is only seen more clearly when events such as this memorial allow the sharing of memories.
Those in attendance and those that have known Dan agree he was very very special and will be sadly missed.