Stuart Brent Obituary

Dear Brent Family, with a special note to Lisa and Amy because I knew you the best. It's taken me a few months to gather my thoughts about life at the Brents. My brother Terry died within a few weeks of your father, and so I was grieving his sudden loss as well. A few years ago, I discovered Amy's book club and sent books to the young ones in our family, knowing that Amy shared that same passion for books as her father. I have so many memories of being a neighbor and friend of the Brents. Lisa was a classmate and I spent many afternoons playing with the kids in delightful chaos in their home. Running around with Mr. Toast, going to violin making lessons, baking pies, hiding out in the grunge of the attic, and playing fantastical games with doll houses. Sometimes we'd run down to the beach which was a new mysterious world of it's own. Every now and then Stuart would be in the corner room by the house entry, sitting in a chair reading, and he'd suddenly call me over in a stern and loving tone- come over and visit " ya "Pain in the neck!" and smile. I spent a magical summer with them at Bark Point- singing dear liza dear liza off key the entire way up north. I remember a brutal storm off Lake Superior, and as rambunctious kids will do now and then, we stood way out on the pier, playing chicken with the waves. It was sheer adventure and reckless fun. I remember beautiful berries, jams, pie making days and Hope was in full form as we helped bake together. I also remember my one turn on the cub cadet- I did not know how to downshift, so instead of running over Adam, I crashed into a big tree. And then another minor incident, a poorly thrown horse shoe hit Lisa in the back of the head. But, we all survived that energetic summer of family, and I did feel so welcomed. I fell in love with the dogs there, and have been in love with dogs ever since. Other special memories for me- many Saturday mornings were spent with field trips to Chicago with my father. He was a Hungarian immigrant and a big fan of Stuart Brent and his store. I treasure those Saturdays when he took me downtown to the store. I'd spend hours with Lisa and Amy down in the Children's section while my father explored the books and Opera music and talked with the local writers and celebrities that were fixtures at the store. After all these years, I miss the bright strong loving voice of Hope, a home filled with creativity and civil disobedience, dogs and real food- a house that managed with no rules, and a wonderful man that sat back and seemed to just take it all in. I haven't shared time with any of you in years, but your whole family is somewhere in my DNA and I share your loss of a giant. I missed a chance to visit Stuart by a few weeks. Keith and I went to Bayfield in early October, and your father was on our mind. I had to look at the map and just stare at that little spot on the lake, Bark Point. Much love, and thanks for some true magic during my childhood. Judy Illes and the rest of us Illes' who knew John, David and Susan

I returned from overseas to find the devastating news of Stuart's passing. His life personified love for good books and therefore for the perpetuation and transmission of learning from generation to generation--"l'dor v dor" in the resonant Hebrew phrase. I believe his family name translates into Yiddish as "burning." There is indelibly a burning passion for intellectual excellence, truth and justice in all generations of Stuart's family. Stuart's legacy lives on in his progeny. I treasure the memory of a late afternoon in the unforgettable store on Michigan Avenue when Stuart and Judge Marovitz seemingly presided as Saul Bellow--all of them of blessed eternal memory-- autographed books. The store seemed populated by characters from the the Bellow novel. Sadly, Joel J. Sprayregen

Stuart Brent was a dear friend and beloved mentor. He was a shining beacon of intelligence, warmth, humor, and inspiration. He enriched, expanded and enlivened the lives of so many—particularly those who had the good fortune to be blessed with the gifts of his advice, knowledge and wisdom. A wonderful story teller himself, he was also a tireless champion of great writing and an inspiration to several generations of authors, students, teachers and readers. Our world is diminished by his passing but may his family be comforted by his legacy and lifelong example—his tireless mission to promote the creation and reading of great literature.

“Every reader finds himself. The writer's work is merely a kind of optical instrument that makes it possible for the reader to discern what, without this book, he would perhaps never have seen in himself.”
Marcel Proust


“And this, our life, exempt from public haunt, finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything.” As You Like It,
William Shakespeare

Phillip Koch & Sally Marschall

My Husband Howard Bowers was the Master Carpenter that built the kitchen cabinets in Herbster He admired your Dad and I believe your Dad admired Howard's expertise. I know Howard enjoyed talking to him. Howard died on October 21 2009. I saw your dad twice this year and was looking forward to seeing him again. I have his books at my shop, Northern lights Gifts. I will miss his delightful smile. Sally Bowers

To the Brent Family and my friend Joe Brent,

My deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences with regard to the passing of your father, Stuart. Although I did not have the privilege of knowing him personally, from what I have heard and read he was a truly unique individual who touched the lives of many through both his profession and good deeds. When Joe and I shared office space many years ago, Joe would tell me that my family was truly blessed, and I recall Joe's words of encouragement on many occasions. From all that I have learned about Stuart, and know about the Brent family it is certain that the Brent family will always be truly blessed to have a father like Stuart. I know you will cherish and honor his memory. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I met Mr. Brent at his Home on Bark Bay - the inspirational site of many of his Writings, the final Resting Place of his beloved Mr. Toast, and the Place where in which he told me he wished to die.
He was gracious, dignified and generous. It was his wish to assist me in my efforts to publish a Childen's Book I am writing about a local basket ball star - Joleen Anderson from Herbster area,,, he was supportive of both his local community - and promoted literary works both about and for Children. He presented me with one of his last paintings. He signed both the painting and a couple of his Books that he made a Gift to me of... his signature was shaky - but mighty. I will always regret not having taken a picture of him at our last visit - as he sat behind an old typewriter - notes scattered everwhere on the table in front of him - from His Memoirs - that he was working on.
My Sympathy to his Family. The void of such a loss can only be filled with Memories of the man himself. [email protected]

Dearest Brent Family and Great Friend Adam,

I cannot help but feel tremendous joy to have known you all and be close to you, Adam. Some of my fondest childhood memories took place with you at your homes in Highland Park and Bark Point. Your father was a man of great fortitude and depth, with a personality to match. He will be missed, but his illustrious life will be celebrated by all who knew him.

Dearest Brent Family,
My heartfelt condolences in the loss of your Dad. What a magnificent man he was from an 11 year old's perspective then, and now as a 57 year old. Your family embraced me, nurtured me and loved me when Susan invited me over. I loved Friday nights and the saddar meal. Hope would bless the table, wine, people and praise God for all the blessings in life. I was not raised in the Hebrew faith, but Christian and to this day, long for those enchanting words sung at the dining room table. I named my son after Adam because he was just the cutest baby! The memories I have of loading hay in the field as a storm approach up in Hebster is vividly etched in my senses. I had a recent nostalgic experience and went on-line about 4 months ago to find the Mr. Toast book and did. I have a first edition, signed by your Dad and it means so much to me. I thank God for his life and that my path crossed his world and I will share his memory through the book when I read it to my three grandchildren when they are older.

I am very saddened to hear of Mr. Brent's passing. I met him many years ago in his Michigan Avenue store. He came forward to assist me and struck up a delightful conversation about books, most particularly about writing and the world of literature. Albeit a very brief acquaintance, it has been one that I've remembered and cherished throughout my life. He was a very kind and gentle man. My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. God speed Mr. Brent.

Terri Ramsey Vargulich

I loved your Dad !....We spent many moments at the store together as he tried to convince my daughter ( and I ) that I was a Poet rather than a businessman ! Whatta a mensch and good friend he was for many years.....We will miss Stuart, but never forget him ! Our sincerest condolences to your entire family.....Marvin Romanek.

We will miss Stuart. Summers in Herbster will not be the same without him.

It's been a few years since my wife and I stopped at Stuart's bookstore where I was greeted as an old friend even though it had been decades since we had last seen each other. I was Stuart's stage manager for his run of "Books and Brent" at Channel 7 - WBKB - 50 odd years ago. It was a fun show to work -often more fun than work - and Stuart always treated me as a friend rather than as a station employee. I treasure the memory of those days. Stuart was indeed a Chicago treasure and it was a privilege to have known him

Our father cherished memories of Stuart introducing him (during his frequent visits to The Seven Stairs) to Franz Alexander, Baker Ostrin, and others; regaling him with stories of his experiences with Robert Maynard Hutchins at the University of Chicago; confiding in him at the times of Jenny dying and Hope entering his life; and the reunion they shared on that last cold winter’s day on Michigan Avenue . . . two men who’d long valued the word and letters, revisiting such memories for hours.   He was indeed a Mensch!

Sam Virshbo's family

I am honored to have known Stuart Brent and his family. I fondly remember when Mr. Brent once called me a "good goyim." A huge compliment . . . he was an unbelievable influence on all sorts, having lived a long and literary life! My deepest sympathies to his family -- in particular, David, Rob(in),and Matthew, whom I hold dear in memories of my own youth.

Dear Brent Family:

I heard of Stuart's death yesterday, and hope you will accept my condolences. He was a dear friend, and a delightful neighbor on Bark Point. Our afternoons on the deck overlooking Bark Bay, sipping gin and tonics and talking, talking, talking... will always be among my fondest memories. I will miss him terribly.

Mr. Brent and his bookstore graced our Michigan Avenue, as he made a noble attempt at taming the wild west. To a good extent, he succeeded and for that, Chicago is grateful!! My sincerest condolences to the Brent Family. May Mr. Brent, rest in peace.

Dear Brent Family:

I treasured your dad, and his late wife, Hope, as well. In an increasingly tawdry world, the shop on Michigan Avenue seemed a true oasis of intelligence, wisdom and humanity. Every December I'd do most of my holiday shopping there, and was especially grateful for the knowing advice on which book would be "just right" for various friends and relatives. I can only imagine that Studs Terkel, along with many others, was part of the welcoming committee at the pearly gates.

FITZ

Stuart Brent

I heard just now you died, at ninety-eight.
That signing Nemerov did in your store
So long ago, my God, it's getting late,
I'm old as you were then. We can't ignore

The writing on the wall (you said you'd post
My poem up in the shop, and so you did)--
Yet, thirty-seven more years to read the most
Compelling books, reread them, make a bid

For stylish shirt most rumpled, tasteful tie
Most gnarled, to close the store at last and be
A touchstone--well, where can this old man apply?
You were the book of a great, sad city.

Although the club of Seven Stairs now grieves,
That table Ben Hecht gave you sprouts new leaves.
--Dan Campion (Iowa City, IA)

I will always be grateful for the life- changing opportunity Mr. Brent gave to me by allowing me to work at his store when I was a young woman. I still have dreams that I am in the basement, wrapping beautiful children's books for the holidays, ringing up gilded cards and listening to Tchaikovsky. What a magical place he created on Michigan Avenue and in our hearts! Sincere condolences and love to the Brent family. I hope you will find some solace in many sweet memories of your father, a one-of-a-kind man whose love of literature inspired so many.

Stuart Brent came into our lives up north and added class and quality. I just returned from a gathering of neighbors and each had a story to tell about Stuart. We laughed, and we shed a tear at the passing of our friend. It is rare when a person so gifted and so talented can have an impact on one's life in such a short period of time.
We were blessed by his prescence.

As a 7 year old, newly arrived from war-torn Germany, and speaking almost no English, I found myself smiling at a warm, funny, embracing man. He opened up a world of words and ideas for me, just as my parents, Joshua and Rosalynde Speigel, knew he would, when they brought me to the Seven Stairs in 1947, and later to your beautiful Highland Park home. Years later I brought my own children to meet your dad and get his advice on reading for them. He enchanted them with his warmth and humor, just as he had me. Our family has always felt a warm connection to you as we watched your family grow, change, adapt, and thrive. My deepest condolences go to you all at this time. We join you in mourning his loss.

Sincerely,
Ginger Speigel Lane, Highland Park

Dear Brent Family,
One of the fondest memories of my childhood was the night we came to your home in Highland Park to pick out a puppy from Mr. Toast's litter of pups. My brothers and I talked yesterday and we all recounted that night to each other with such warmth. Though it is 47 years later, your family is still forever linked to ours because of that night. We mourn the loss of your father with you and will keep your family in our thoughts.
Sincerely, Cissy (Scully) Greenspan

In February 1943 I was a Junior at Parker High School in the Englewood neighborhood. We were informed that our English teacher was ill and that we would have a substitute for the entire semester.
The next day a rumpled young man came in, scribbled something on the blackboard and said, "That's my name, Stuart Brent. I'll be your teacher for the rest of the semester." That began one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. I kept in touch with Mr. Brent but never on a regular basis. But he did change my life in the best possible way. My heartfelt sympathy to his family and many friends for his loss. We've all lost.

William H. Plotkin, Ph.D.