Warren Hellman, Cal Class of '55, Alumnus of the Year 2003, died Sunday evening from complications related to leukemia. He was 77. Friends of the man will not be surprised to learn that he took to calling himself Luke Emia as his condition worsened. He seemed to approach everything in life with a mix of intensity and self-deprecating humor.
Hellman was many things to many people: father and husband, investment banker, philanthropist, horseman, skier, banjo-picker. It is in that last role--as a member of old-timey outfit, The Wrongler's--and as the patron of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, the annual music festival in Golden Gate Park which he founded in 2001, that he may ultimately be best remembered. Per his wishes, the festival will carry on without him, (he set up an endowment to ensure as much) but it won't be the same without him--him in his Nudie-style suit with the Stars of David emblazoned on the sleeves. "The Rhinestone Jewboy," he jokingly called himself.
CALIFORNIA wrote about Hellman and his festival for last Summer's Music Issue. The article, by Sylvie Simmons, was entitled "Hillbillionaire." In it, Hellman recalled the time he was approached by a promoter who wanted to acquire the event. Hellman said to the man, ‘Why would you want to buy it? It’s free." Just like all the best things in life.
Impressive blog! -Arron
Posted by: rc helicopter | December 21, 2011 at 01:43 AM