I have always held Nives in high regard, a mensch in the Yiddish sense, of which the world has too few, and I thought about you two, an exceptional couple, ethical and moral, who were ever in the corner of the disenfranchised and the oppressed. I remember well your enthusiastic activities on behalf of the World Federalists. I see that you have also been members of UU. My companion of twenty-eight years attends a Unitarian church here, so I know a bit about their programs. Together, your lifelong contributions for the benefit of mankind are to be admired and commended. I hope you find some solace in your achievements.

Esther, I have long wanted to thank you for arranging my mother’s burial when I was at sea. At the time, when you visited Portland, Marj and I were having our difficulties and we didn’t get to see one another. I did see Nives; I remember in our talk he was very solicitous, completely nonjudgmental, and was hopeful that we would patch things up. It was the last time I saw him.

As teenagers I spent a lot of time with your family and was always were welcomed in your home. Your father was a man who I regularly approached when I needed advice, I had no problem asking for his thoughts and he was always willing to give me as much time and energy to work through my issues. I have many fond memories of our time together at your house.

Jessica and I send our condolences to you, Esther and Clif.

Always your friend,

Jay

Kim and I would like to send our sincere sympathy on the death of your father.

As a high school friend, I look back on our past with a smile and a tear. We were so lucky to grow up with such stellar parents in our life. I always felt so comfortable in your home with your parents. I only hope we are half the people that they were and are in our own lifetime.

Please extend our condolences to your mom and Clif.

Your buddy always,

Bob

P.S. I see shades of your father in the photo of you posted (couldn’t resist).

As I mentioned at the celebration of my father’s life, I heard four repeated themes: the warmth of their home (which also goes to my mother), his ability as a raconteur, his ability to listen and have an intellectual discussion without rancor, and his integrity. Quite an example he set.

Again, my heartfelt appreciation to those who contributed (or those who will). May your journeys be as special.

Many years ago we were expecting a visit of a japanese friend and didn’t have room to house her. A neighbor suggested to contact the Quinns, known for their hospitality. As it turned out, Esther was travelling and we decided against putting up our friend Mako with Nives while she was out of town… anyway, that was how we got acquainted.

Several years later, we reconnected: I had heard that Esther had had a second hip replacement, and because I also had an artificial hip, I was curious how she was doing.

When Nives could no longer putter around with his tools and learned I create art out of found objects, he gave a a lot of metal parts he had collected.

Esther and Nives housed an artist during the Macedonian art exchange program organized by Angels Gate Cultural Center. Mikica, the artist, raved about the VIP treatment she received: loving notes on the fridge when she came home late, chocolates on the pillow case… I also housed an artist, but I am afraid I couldn’t compete! I still have a picture of all the artists and the host families at a beach party at Portuguese Bend, Nives and Esther among them.

I had the privilege of being with Nives and Esther on the day before his death. I was relieved that Nives was able to leave swiftly – I know he was ready.

We’ll always remember him with fondness.

Annemarie and Edward Rawlinson

When Sir Winston Churchill said: “You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give” he surely must have had Nives in mind. Nives gave and gave and what a life he had! He knew he had been blessed to have had such a wonderful wife in Esther and two sons he could be so proud of in Clark and Clif. I know he would not want us to mourn his passing, but rather to celebrate his life. As sad as it is for all of us that he has left behind his time had come and he was ready.

My wife Nancy, sons Chris and Brian and I loved “Uncle” Nives and will miss him.

Jim Otto and family.