Memorials

Irv Bieser, champion for Dayton’s arts, non-profits dies at 78
Dayton Daily News - Sarah Franks, Staff Writer, February 8, 2020

 A friend to many and a beloved name throughout the Dayton community has passed away.
Irvin Bieser Jr., known as Irv to most people, died on Thursday, February 6 at age 78.
Bieser practiced law in Dayton for more than 50 years beginning his career with his father’s law firm in 1966 after graduating from Harvard Law School. He was a senior partner at Bieser Greer & Landis LLP and was influential in numerous corners of the philanthropic community, where his impact will be felt for many years to come.
David Williamson, his law partner and good friend still practicing at the firm, said Bieser believed in paying forward.
“He was so community minded that he understood the importance of planting seeds that would sprout years later,” Williamson said. “In that vane, I mean that’s metaphorically speaking, that the seeds are getting other people to be community minded. And that’s what builds a community.
Bieser’s community involvement included serving as a member of the Peace Corps., a long time trustee and president of Five Rivers MetroParks, chair of The Nature Conservancy of Ohio, former chair of the City of Dayton Public Arts Commission, and trustee of the Dayton Art Institute and the Dayton Philharmonic.
“That’s how I think he perceived his role, as one of those people that keeps the wheels turning and the fires burning in our community,” Williamson said.
Bieser also dedicated time to conservation work.
“Irv Bieser’s passing leaves a big hole in the heart of all who care about the Little Miami and conservation throughout the Miami Valley Region and the State of Ohio,” read a Facebook post by the Little Miami Conservancy. “Many miles of vital riverfront forests were protected by Irv through LMC nature preserve acquisitions. We will miss his leadership and his warm smile.”
During Bieser’s world travels, many with his wife Tracy, Williamson said Irv made certain to include acts of service in whatever local community he was a tourist in. He was also a prolific collector of local art.
Some pieces collected during his travels are displayed in the Dayton Art Institute and Dayton Peace Museum.
“We are deeply saddened to share that longtime friend and patron of the DAI, Irv Bieser, has passed away,” read a Facebook post by DAI. “The Bieser family has been involved with the museum for nearly 70 years. … (Irv) will be greatly missed for his intellect, quick wit and kind nature. Our thoughts are with his family.”
Funeral arrangements were unavailable late Saturday.
 

JOHNSON, Bradley Bennett At age 78 when he passed away during open heart surgery on June 18, 2019, he was ready to go. He called all his friends and relatives before he went to Cleveland, leaving his love to them. Bradley was born in Dayton, graduated from Oakwood High School, lived for a while in Yellow Springs, always helping and inspiring others, and ended up near Athens, Ohio. Divorced early, he left two children and several grandchildren. He also left his older brother, Dr. Vaughan Johnson and wife, Pat, and sister, Christine Dull and husband, Ralph. He was beloved by his family and friends, and even the men wept when he heard of his death. As for him, he was unafraid and was at peace at leaving this world. Though he had no degrees after high school, he taught himself to blow colored glass into beautiful vases and bowls, which he would give away. He was in the Navy and sang baritone in the Navy Choir. He also played the guitar, giving audiences uplifting music, some of which he wrote himself. He was a superb cook and often cooked for his friends. He read many books and then gave to others. He was a sort of Guru, because every Sunday afternoon people would gather around him and study and discuss a book, chosen by him and recommended to his friends and relatives who didn't live near him. The book they were studying when he died was entitled A Course of Love. He was an enlightened person in understanding, awareness, self-education, wisdom, culture, and insight. His enlightenment is another way to say "the state of attaining spiritual knowledge or insight." As John, a nephew, said, "Today Earth lost a truly transcendent soul. My Uncle Brad was never very good at negotiating this material world, though his mother said he was a genius. Every year he sent me a Christmas card, inscribing in his shaky handwriting some beautiful poems and sayings. He had a quick wit and sly grin, he was an artist, a musician, and raconteur, frequently rattling off quotes from historic figures, philosophers, and spiritual gurus. Rest in Peace, sweet uncle, you were much-loved and will be remembered fondly. To quote Don McLean, "This world was never meant to be for one as beautiful as you."
Published in Dayton Daily News on July 21, 2019
 

McCANDLESS, David.  David McCandless of Glencoe, IL died on April 14, 2011 at the age of 69. He grew up in Dayton, OH and married Sue Post in 1963. David and Sue had numerous mutual interests including traveling, opera, art, and books. David attended the University of Cincinnati for his B.A. degree, followed by George Washington University Medical School for his M.S., M.Phil., and Ph.D. degrees. Afterwards, he was a professor at the University of Vermont, the University of Texas, and the Chicago Medical School (where he was the Chairman of the Cell Biology and Anatomy Department from 1988 to 2004). David was passionate about teaching and loved working with students, conducting research, and writing papers and books. When not at the medical school, David enjoyed restoring old Porsches, traveling to Europe and Africa, and spending time with his grandchildren whom he loved dearly. David's quick wit and willingness to share his knowledge will be missed. David is survived by his wife Sue, his brother Bruce, his sister Carol, his sons Jeffrey and Steven, his daughters-in-law April and Elizabeth, and five grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on April 23 at 11:00 a.m. at the Glencoe Union Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent as a Tribute Gift to the Epilepsy Foundation at http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/howtohelp/ or through the postal mail to the Epilepsy Foundation Donor Services, 8301 Professional Place, Landover, MD 20785-7223 (phone 800-213-5821 or 301-918-3753).   Published in a Chicago Tribune Media Group Publication from Apr. 21 to Apr. 27, 2011
 

BRECHT, Howard George "Bud" Jan. 2, 1941 - April 13, 2011
Howard George "Bud" Brecht was born to Karl and Mildred Brecht on Jan. 2, 1941, in Dayton, Ohio. He married Marcia Roush and had two daughters.
Bud went west on April 13, 2011, at the age of 70 and is survived by daughters, Karen (Mark) Rose of Arlington, Ohio and Cindy (Chuck) Wolfe of Raleigh, N.C. Bud had four grandchildren whom he loved dearly: Andrea and Marisa Rose and John and Chris Wolfe. He is also survived by cousins Marcia L. Mills of Kettering, Ohio, and D.L. Mills of Naples, Fla.
He earned his private pilot's license at age 18, attended Ohio University, and worked as a corporate pilot for various companies, eventually retiring from Flight Safety Intl. as an instructor/manager. After retirement he moved to Venice, where he was chief pilot at EMCEE Electronics. Bud was very active in the Quiet Birdmen organization and served as governor of the Venice Hangar. He was employed at Pelican Pointe Golf and Country Club and enjoyed target shooting and reloading, golfing, repairing computers, lunching at various diners, and spending time with his grandchildren.
A gathering of friends is planned from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, 2011, at Pelican Pointe Golf and Country Club, 499 Derbyshire Drive in Venice.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Bud's honor to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692 Dallas, TX 75284. To send condolences, visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com.

Published in Herald Tribune from Apr. 18 to Apr. 19, 2011