Tributes from Robyn and Helen

I met my dear friend David Bloom through my family over thirty years ago and I have so many wonderful memories , stories, laughs & travels that we shared together. His wicked sense of humour and wry life observations were part of his DNA.

David was a very loyal & caring friend and enjoyed life to the fullest. He had 3 great passions in his life. Food  (cooking & eating ) classical music, & French language & cuisine. He was the most animated when  being involved with , & talking about them. He was a great host along with Ross & loved to entertain & cook up a feast for his friends with a good bottle of red wine & a magnificent cake that he would whip up with great  gusto & delight!  He also used to make the most mouth- watering  chocolate truffles that would  be there to tempt you when he lived in Richmond.

A more recent love was his vegetable & herb garden in Olinda, and David would eagerly give a detailed progress  report on each plant & its cooking potential.  He had no  flair for gardening or keeping plants alive until his  loving partner Ross came on the scene!! Then there was no stopping him, day in, day out.

This beautiful concert & program today is a tribute to our very dear & special friend David, whom  many of us came to know, love  & treasure over many years, &  today we  honour his many eclectic interests ,  particularly his great love of music & working as a  dedicated piano tuner across Melbourne. We will always remember our dear friend David & have a smile on our faces when we reminisce about our  unique time spent with him.

  He is always in our hearts & greatly missed.

Robyn Arya

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Dear David... what a wonderful friend! Our friendship goes back a long way with many cherished memories. I’ll share some of them including when I briefly rented a room in his house in Richmond about 25 years ago.

David’s house in Richmond...There were so many pianos in David’s house that I lost count, but there was nothing like listening to beautiful classical music being played on ‘The Grand,’ as you drifted off to sleep at night. David’s newly painted and restored harpsichord was his pride and joy at that time. There was also the old gramophone which he loved and used to wind up to play his 78 records on. The 3rd bedroom of the house was the chocolate room. This room had trays and trays of the most delicious truffle chocolates. It was hard to resist sneaking into the room and giving my visitors a sample.

David’s love of food and cooking... I rarely cooked when I lived with him, but sat down to gourmet dishes. To tell you the truth, I was too nervous to cook for him. Years later when I had Ross and David over for dinner once, David thought he was eating Japanese and I told him it was Thai curry! It must have been soon after I’d come back from Japan! David introduced me to many foods I’d never tried before, blue vein cheese being one of my favourites. I’ll never forget... one day... after I had cleaned the toilet... he told me that it was so clean, he could eat o ff it! Now that’s saying something from the ‘Master Chef’ himself! I loved his quirky sense of humour. No one has ever said that about my toilet cleaning and I can’t imagine anyone else ever will!!!

A few other funny memories that spring to mind of those days in 10 Queen St....asking him to not answer the door to my visitors wearing his underpants at the height of Summer! ...coming home after a month away on holidays to find that David had accidently sprayed my pot plants with weed killer instead of watering them! His interest in gardening certainly changed when Ross came into his life.

There was also David’s love of languages. Every now and then he’d correct me,” No darling. It’s the past present perfect not the past participle” and looked at me in horror wondering how I ever taught English. He was so precise, that I wished he was a fly on the wall helping me explain some crazy grammatical feature of the English language in the classroom.

David...a warm, caring, generous friend, always interested in what was happening in my life. You listened attentively, even when I rambled on and on and on. I admired the way you honestly and bluntly said what you thought. When we caught up there was always a great big hug, followed by lots of laughter and conversations that flowed from one topic to the next for hours on end. Your home in Olinda was like a second home for me. Both you and Ross always made me feel so welcome that it was hard to leave.

The last time I was with David I was picking blueberries in the garden. He came over in his electric wheelchair and gestured something, waving his arms. I couldn’t understand, so he got out his communication board and spelt out “Only pick the dark ones!!!” I laughed. He smiled. Even with that horrendous, debilitating disease, David’s cheeky personality shone through.

David, you were so lucky you met Ross and were truly loved by him and many people and we miss you dearly.

Love Helenka xx

Tribute from Rachel, Robert & Cindy

DAVID

On a rigolé!

On s'est régalé! 

On s'est baigné dans La Musique

Le souvenir de merveilleux moments partagés ensemble...

Adieu 'mon lapin' bien aimé 

Je ne t'oublierai jamais!

Repose-toi maintenant... 

ta vieille amie  

Xx Rachel xX

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Hello Ross,

with love and fond memories from Robert and all who were touched by David's warmth, caring nature, spontaneity, irreverent wit and no - holds- barred views on how life should be.

Big hole left in his absence. I will really miss him.

I am really at a loss at the moment for words about David, but would prefer - by way of honoring David's memory - to send you the photos from our several get togethers, for you to post on your Blog, with love and fond memories from all who were touched by his warmth, caring nature, spontaneity, irreverent wit and no - holds- barred views on how life should be.

Big hole left in his absence. I will really miss him.

Robert

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Hello Ross,

I’m so sad to hear of David’s passing. I have many fond memories of him tuning our pianos at De La Salle College. He was a true expert in his field and was always so generous with his time. He worked with precision and was wonderful at his work.  I recommended him to so many others. We had many a conversation about music.

I have followed your blog since David sold the business and while I’m very distant compared to so many, I have quietly witnessed your journey. The loss of a partner is unbearable and the ravages of MND as you say are so unkind. May you walk gently through this time and may David be at rest, knowing he was loved.

Warm regards,

Cindy Frost

Tribute from Caroline, Elisabeth, Laurie and Bree

I cannot imagine what you must be going through on the loss of David, and wanted to convey my deepest sympathy.

David and I met back in the 60s, on the terrace of our mutual piano teacher, Mrs Stephenson, in Nth Balwyn. We renewed our acquaintance many years later, through Michael Spivakowsky, and often reminisced about our early piano lessons. 

Our lives have been enriched from knowing David.  He was a kind, intelligent, humorous man who played superbly. He has left this world far too soon, and has gone to one filled with Steinways and Bosendorfers.

Warmest regards,

Caroline 

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Dear Ross

I’m sorry to hear about David’s death. I didn’t know him well but he visited our house for over twenty years, once each year, to tune our piano.

David was always gracious and his musical ear, his ability to tune our tired old piano into something wonderful that rang true, never ceased to amaze me.

I was very sad the day he came and told me this would be his last visit. But I followed your blog and it was heartening to read that his journey has continued beside you and with all your support.

I will always remember him.

My best wishes to you and to your families and friends at this very sad time.

Elisabeth

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Dearest Ross,

Over the years since first learning of David's engaging in his battle with "The Monster",   I have sought intervention on his behalf every day in the course of my Rosary. Firstly for recovery, then as the inevitable progression took place, for the strength to bear the  suffering.  Now it is only to seek for him a welcome into heaven which he doubtless will receive.

How well I remember our first meeting at Moulton Park.  David enthusiastically seeking Peta's advice on  where to buy a suitable property in the Dandenongs, a venture on which he had already set his heart.  His passion for the "Hills" never waned and many a time he shouted "those bloody signs!"

We will always celebrate those wonderful evenings together, the meals shared, the music, the conversations, the recipes reconstructed and the pronouncements designed to solve the problems of the world all delivered in the most colourful language.

Just think of all those pianos singing in tune for being nurtured by David.

Ross, Peta joins me in sending you our fond love and we look forward to having you with us soonest. 

Laurie

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Dearest David,

Fuck ...fuckity, fuck, fuck, fuck!

We will miss your inappropriate swearing and your humour. Even in the worst of times and in the middle of a dinner party conversation your electronic friend would blurt out the odd profanity. Thank you for being such a generous host when we all visited and for listening to me crucify every element of musical theory on my guitar. May you find a magnificent Baroque piano to tune upstairs.

We’re sad our friendship was cut short.

You will always be remembered and may we see you again ‘Somewhere over the rainbow’. 

Love you, 

Bree, Serge and Tasi

Tribute from Vigda, Sabine & Andrew, Nerida, Lindsay

My son Patrick just rang me to let me know about the very sad news of David’s  death, or should I say “release” from a tragic life situation!. Believe me when I tell you that I share your profound sorrow at loosing someone you cared for and loved so much for a long time…

Let me tell you about the David that I met for the first time when he was around 13 years old. We all belonged to the same Club in Doncaster, when we became friendly with the whole Bloom family. Patrick had a lot of common with all the sons, therefore became a friend to all of them. But David being the same age as him, became his brother, best friend and a second son in our midst!. Their Birthdays being days apart, David’s celebrated his own at our place as well, always baking a Birthday cake for Pat…

. After the tragic death of David’s mother, that coincided with his wish to study French, my bond with David became strong as I sincerely wanted to help him with it.

 For a long, long while I dedicated all my Saturdays afternoon for two hours, and sometime even more!,to our French sessions of conversation, grammar and culture. It was a pleasure to me to share my love of French with such an enthousiastic young student. We started exchanging recepies, books, jokes, music, a bit of philosophy of life as he was growing-up. And so, your lovely David became my friend as well as Patrick’s.

 He was such a kind, sensitive and generous soul, that in order to thank me, he invited me to two or three French plays and a magnificent Concert ( ONLY the very best seats for Vigda,  his old teacher, confident and friend).

I offer you dear Ross my very sincere condoleances. I am sure that you gave him your very best till the end. He was lucky to have you in his life!.

I hope and pray that David, now is free from his chains, and  will rest finally in eternal PEACE.

                                 My thoughts are with you; 

                                                  Sincerely,

                                            VIGDA BERNAU

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We were very sorry to hear of David's passing and can only hope that it is a consolation that his suffering is now at an end and that his death was a peaceful one. He was very lucky to have you at his side during this time, and we extend our deepest sympathy for your loss. His death calls to mind a wonderful poem about losing a loved one: 

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me

I want no rites in a gloom-filled room

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little-but not too long

And not with your head bowed low

Remember the love that we once shared

Miss me-but let me go

For this is a journey that we all must take

And each must go alone.

It's all part of the Master's plan

A step on the road to home

When you are lonely and sick of heart

Go to the friends we know

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds

Miss me but let me go.

You remain in our thoughts.

Best wishes,

Sabine and Andrew

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Dear Ross,

I am so sorry to hear that you have lost your soul mate, best friend, your  love and your partner. 

David had the sharpest wit I have encountered. His repartee was so fast you struggled to keep up! How wonderful to have had a soul mate with whom you could really share your love of the arts and music. I will remember him as a brilliant musician and patron of the arts and, of course, the ultimate host for garden parties with sensational cakes."

Love Nerida

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Feb 16

Dear Ross

Thank you for keeping us up to date with David’s news via the blog site. Although of course it was not unexpected, the news that David had succumbed to his illness was saddening to Brent and myself, and our three daughters, all of whom had known David over a long time.

For many years David was my piano expert and we shared coffee and cakes with him in the kitchen regularly after the piano had been tuned and overhauled. These coffee sessions often extended for several hours as we had a great deal of common interests to share. Thus on a regular basis we were kept abreast of progress in the Olinda house and garden transformation, and in particular the health of your splendid veggie patch. Gardening was one of our favourite topics, along with food, of course.

I have a constant reminder of David’s friendship and company over the years. I bought my Thurmer piano from David not long after the move to Olinda. It had been lovingly restored by David himself, and literally every time I sit down to make music I think of the person who tended it so expertly. I have always been grateful to David for encouraging me to buy it for myself to replace the one which left our house with our daughter Margaret when she moved out to her own home.

Please accept our condolences, Ross. I am so very sad for the loss of your partner and friend. David could not have wished for a warmer circle of friends and relations, and for me, my humble efforts at music making will be a constant reminder of a long friendship.

Sincerely Lindsay

Tribute from Vicki Nathan

Tribute from Vicki Nathan (David’s cousin)

Hi everyone,

I’m sitting here in TA, after just finishing preparing my brisket for Friday night, and thinking

of you all…..and imagining how David would have been woofing in the aroma were he here

today….be it brisket in TA, or Meatballs and Rice pudding in Caulfied, (I’m guessing)

where would we all be without the “Marys” of this world who come to our rescue with comfort for the soul and stomach, and the “Davids”, who despite their size and physical weakness choose to fight as hard as they can, rather than give in.

When we were kids growing up, playing cowboys and Indians, David never really wanted to

play…he preferred staying upstairs in the kitchen at Balwyn, making tea and scones, watching and laughing at us all from the window through the rose bushes….who would have imagined he would end up fighting so hard just for one more day…one more night, if only to be in his kitchen…..or in his garden, just to be there….

He’s gone now, but it doesn’t seem that he is…I can’t quite grasp it, and he is swirling in my head….in fact he feels more alive than ever, looking down at us, criticizing whether we did caramelize, didn’t caramelize, remarking that the plate isn’t warm enough, or the shallots not quite in season….his fickleness so much a part of his personality, that sometimes, all we want to tell him is David, just shut up and let’s eat.

Yep, like so many other things he did, his heart and soul was in every granule of everything he did, and his personality permeated it, like gravy to meat.

We will all miss him, especially in Balwyn, and Richmond and Olinda…all those places where kitchen was his home, and home his kitchen, and like the genie in the bottle, there will always be a place for him at your family dinners when he pops up out of nowhere…because that’s what he gave you….in his mother’s absence, that wonderful warm feeling of sitting around the dinner table en famille that feels right, good, and home. And boy did he love Melbourne, and did he love home. So I’m grateful to whomever, that his last moments were at home, and that his memory will continue to live on in your homes forever…

Titled “Death of David Bloom” a graveside service celebrating your life, at the Springvale Botanical Cemetery Princes Hwy, Jewish Memorial Garden 1 Row CU Grave 13 on February 14th, Valentine’s Day, from a very fragile Ross, just about said it all. 

What more can one say…our tributes are pale compared to that… the fight you have endured, the life you relished and embraced, cut short by nothing but an unlucky number, and the exemplary commitment and devotion your loving partner Ross showed you in this horrendous struggle to fight the inevitable.

You fought like a Prince, and Princes Hwy you shall travel forever in our memories. You celebrated life with a passion for all that was aesthetic, musical, and tasteful, savoring details and appreciating refinement in everything around you. Even if you couldn’t afford something you relished in its beauty and perfection, be it a piano, a piece of furniture, a piece of equipment that worked well, a sonata played just the way it should be played. David, you were such a man of letters, in your own simple, eccentric style, and your love for those you cared about was so apparent that you could never hold it in; it gushed and oozed from you from every corner of your being…your love of friends, and good food, and French culture and language, and the Harpsichord, and French polish, your mother’s old Kenwood transformed into sculpture, and shallots, and chocolates, and chestnuts, and hard boiled eggs not too well cooked on the salad darling you used to say…and lunch in the garden and scones in the afternoon….you always liked things just so, as they should be….and even though I can’t be here with you today, I know that things will be just so, and as they should be, and how you wanted to say your last good-bye.

We will always remember you, love you, and never forget your boundless generosity of heart. After your first visit to Israel you were so upset by my inadequate kitchen equipment that after returning to Melbourne you sent me a huge box of the most exquisite French baking pans and accessories that money could buy…I still have them all…even the strawberry plucker…and the little china Dutch shoes that you brought the girls from Holland…everything you did David was always imbued with thought and meaningful intention down to the last detail… I just wish we would have had many more years and time to grow old together…but I have to count my blessings… I’m grateful for the childhood memories we shared, we had a beautiful childhood together, in Balwyn, Frankston, and Brighton, your two visits to Israel, and our two recent visits with you and Ross in Olinda, to feel and know the life that you had grown to love. But mostly to have been loved by you too….

David, you are at home now, your final resting place, in a Botanical garden close to the soil, close to your parents, ….sleeping peacefully, and no longer tied in that straight jacket of anger and pain. Nearby are the many friends and neighbors who were a part of journeys ago. May your soul rest in peace knowing that you lived the life you were given as best as you could, you loved and were loved by many, and you will always be in our hearts and our homes forever.

Ecclesiastes 3

For everything there is a season, a time for every experience under heaven:
A time to be born and a time to die,
A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted,
A time to tear down and a time to build up,
A time to weep and a time to laugh,
A time to grieve and a time to dance,
A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones,
A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
A time to seek and a time to lose,
A time to keep and a time to discard,
A time to tear and a time to sew,

A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
 A time to love, and a time to hate;
A time for war, and a time for peace.

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Tribute from the Wilsons, Burge family, Emma, Hannah Mark & Michelle

 DEAR DAVID CULLINARY GENIUS, RACONTEUR AND FRIEND

Some years ago Ross and David were fun friends we valued for their wit, wisdom and culinary expertise. One day they appeared at a gathering where I was discussing volunteer work with refugees. I was touched by their support but over tea and biscuits David told me of weakness in his hands. I suddenly felt sick.

A few weeks later we visited Ross and David: the worst had just been confirmed. How, I wondered, could any couple cope with this hideous diagnosis? How could David adapt to loss on so many levels and Ross remain strong?

David insisted they didn’t need food and they were amazingly self-sufficient. The only solution seemed to be flowers. A rhythm of posies began, usually on the way to the hairdresser to get more red put in my hair. David said the red was ridiculous!

As the years unfolded I was witness to an extraordinary journey. Horrendous and engulfing though MND is, David and Ross’s love for each other has shone through every challenging and demeaning process. David’s courage has been extraordinary and Ross’s caring stupendous.

My heart aches for Ross but I feel so much admiration for both David and Ross. They have taught me so much about love, living and what really matters in life.

So much love to you both Janet and Douglas.

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Our thoughts and memories of David Bloom. David came yearly to our home in Warrandyte to tune our Lipp piano, which had been a gift to our family from our close friend and former music teacher. So this piano was special to us and we were delighted when David was recommended by local music teacher and oldfriend, (the now late) Ann Arnold.I loved David’s expectation of quiet for his work, his undivided attention to the tuning process, but then his willingness for a chat after the job was finished. We talked of travel,gardens, pets, renovations, the bush and food – things in which we had a common interest. It was a mark of a strong man, who felt great responsibility to his clients, that David advised us of his diagnosis of MND and ensured we had an excellent piano tuner in Ben Briggs to take over the care of our piano.We have been privileged to be readers of David and Ross’s blog over the last years, and have enjoyed keeping this contact. Through the blog we have gained more understanding of what they were both facing and spirit in which the illness and its ramifications were being dealt with. What admiration we have felt for David and Ross. Considerable tears have been shed reading the blog, particularly David’s beautiful tribute to Ross written for the MND newsletter. Ross, although we have not met and have only spoken briefly on the phone, please know we are full of admiration for you and now feel such sorrow at the loss of your dear David. Our warm wishes and deep sympathy,

Doreen and Graham Burge

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David,

Thank you for your wit and humour. Thank you for your love of food and music (two of my favourites as well). Thanks for the hot tips during my time in Masterchef - the 'caramel and the crunch’ got me a long way! Thanks for the emails written in french, and the joy of life that they contained within them. You will be missed, so missed. I would do anything to go to a fancy restaurant with you and to enjoy your critique! You are free now - go get all the things to eat! 

Much love, Emma xoxo

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Dear David,

Your friendship from the time we first met in the 1990's has surprised and honoured me. Your kindness, together with your forthrightness left no doubt about your sincerity.

The spontaneous invitation to join you and Ross on holiday in Gariwerd as a 60h birthday gift, the day spent together in Norwich in 2013 when you came to the UK and my stay with you and Ross in Olinda in 2015 are among precious memories of a dear, kind and brilliant friend. Thank you David.

With much love,

Hannah 

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David had many qualities that endeared him to people, among them his cheeky irreverent sense of humour, his hospitality and ability in the kitchen, his openness and honesty. The quality that always stood out for me was David's energy - I always felt he was really living life. The illness robbed him of much of that in his last years, although some of that energy still shone through in his blogs. I want to remember David at his best, full of life.

Mark

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I have been thinking of you since I arrived in New York on a business trip in the early hours of Friday morning here. Your message was the first I saw when I turned my phone on after the flight.

Although we knew how much he suffered with this horrible disease, I was relieved to read that David passed away in his sleep. 

I'v been thinking about my friendship that spanned more than 30 years and wish to say the following as my written tribute:

David was my wonderful, dearest friend for more than 30 years. We met when he came to Sydney to study piano tuning at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. He came to the Rushcutter's Bay Bowling Centre and joined the Sydney Maccabi bowling group that met on Sunday evenings. We named our team "David's Dolly's". This is where our incredible friendship began.

David, there aren't enough words to describe how much I will miss you as I reflect on so many memories. Amazing trips, meals, marathon telephone conversations between Melbourne, Olinda and Vancouver...so many special times. There was no other friend with whom I had such a unique both. We knew one another better than we knew ourselves.

I will cherish our friendship forever.

Michelle

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Tribute from Liz, Rhonda, Sue & Bob, Richards family

Lovely David Bloom, my friend who has been with me as I have travelled through more than half of my life. Right now, I can’t say good-bye because I am not ready... living without you now is something I can’t imagine.

Rather, today, I want you to know that I can’t thank the universe and our lives enough for
bringing us together.

I love our friendship because you let me be. You didn’t ask me to be someone or something else. You celebrated my wins, encouraged me and loved me through all of my frailties.

My wish is that you know this feeling was totally mutual and please say you feel the same.

I wish I knew that the last time I saw you would be just that. I know this is a selfish wish because it comes with some idea that I would have done things differently and talked about things that matter now. I guess I just wish I knew that, that was the time to finally let down my guard, the hard exterior I put up when your illness began that I thought would protect us both, and tell you everything I feel about us and how I just would not be me, had not been such a beautiful part of my life.

But when I left, you came out to the car and we said good-bye for the third time there. Normally there was just one good bye, maybe two if I lingered, but three – I feel blessed.

My thoughts are still in present and so David Bloom please know that you are a beautiful, meaningful and ever-shining presence in my life. You helped make me the Pussy I am now, and I will celebrate everything in my life with you and seek your encouragement and guidance through all of my days.

Love always, Pussy x

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Thank you David for loving my brother

For sharing your life with him

Giving him many happy years

We will miss your quirky ways

Your generous heart

Your sense of humour

We will miss you,

If Memories are diamonds

Our lives are so much richer

For knowing you.

Forever in your hearts

Rest Peacefully, David

Love Rhonda & Dave

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Hey David,

We miss you already! Your bright and zestful ways, always real always present. Your laugh, your authenticity, your attention to detail. Passionate, talented & creative.

Full of life, skill & sparkling humour. A ready ear to listen.

A true & trusted friend. We loved sharing meals with you, particularly when you cooked or instructed Ross how to cook.

We admired your courage & determination. And you met your true love Ross, devoted to each other, your love shining brightly.

Ross who helped you through your last few years with such tenderness and bringing joy & love to your darkest days. 

So glad you both celebrated our wedding with us.

Love always Susan & Bob.

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David Bloom

On behalf of the Richards clan, one part of David's extended family, a  few memories:

Beth Richards found a kindred spirit in David - a love of the French language and culture, of fine food and music and with Ross, delight in their garden. Her granddaughter Kate continued the tradition with David, conversing in French when they met.

David and Ross enjoyed giving Alison and Linda, in the early days of their relationship, tips about socialising at gay friendly venues - we never did try out boot scooting which I think they suggested - our loss I'm sure! 

David and Ross's happy and long commitment to each other is an inspiration to us all - an example of a true marriage.

With love,

Alison and Linda, Kate, Zoe and Jessie

Christine and Michael

Robert and Neryl 

Jenny and Ian

Kath and Alan

and families