Neil Howard LIGHT

LIGHT Neil Howard It is with the heaviest heart and greatest sorrow that we inform you of the loss of Neil Howard Light on February 8, 2011. His battle with renal cancer, though short, was profoundly inspirational. He passed away in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family. This beautiful resolution would have been impossible without the support and care of Hospice of Northwest Ohio, to whom we are forever grateful. Born in Cleveland, OH, on September 23, 1953, our beloved Neil departed far too soon. He is survived by his wife, Ruthy; children, Daniel, Talia and Sam; parents, Marvin and Shirley; brother, Phillip (Kathy); sister, Julie (James); and a number of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends. Ever charismatic, he was a markedly popular student at Cleveland Heights High School. He went on to receive his undergraduate degree from The University of Cincinnati, where he balanced strong academic performance with a penchant for partying and a taste for Skyline chili. A strong Jewish identity and adventurous spirit led him, for a year, to The University of Jerusalem, where he was fortunate enough to meet his incomparable wife, Ruthy. After the Six Day War, Neil ventured into the Sinai with his guitar and wit to entertain wounded Israeli soldiers, an undertaking which remained a very fond and proud memory. Returning to Ohio with Ruthy, he enrolled at The University of Toledo College of Law, where he earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence. Neil was a fixture of the Toledo law community for 30 years. He was a devoted and reputable attorney, balancing a successful career as an independent general practitioner with an unwavering loyalty to the Public Defender's office. He served as a mentor to many, and was respected and admired by still many more. It seemed you couldn't walk downtown with him without a friendly greeting every other step. Faith was a fundamental element of Neil's persona, increasingly so throughout his later life. He was also a fixture of the Toledo Jewish community. His warmth, compassion, charisma and intelligence imbued his identity as a Jew. He demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the Jewish community, both at home and abroad. Though he will not retire in Israel, as intended, his remains will be laid to rest there. Neil was playful and creative. He was fiercely passionate about music, from an early age, first sitting down to the piano at the age of 13, and subsequently picking up a guitar at 15. The music never stopped. Residents of Kirkwall Road will fondly remember his carefree spirit, gently floating in notes through open summer doors. He always had something of the rockstar about him, and his involvement with local rock act, The Kirbys, was a great source of joy and pride. Here too, his fans were legion, and many less fortunate benefited from the band's ongoing charity. In everything he did, his drive to improve the lives of others was manifest. He was a sports nut, fiercely loyal to every Cleveland institution. Whether it was the inaugural season at Jacobs Field or Cleveland Browns stadium, Neil was always particularly keen to take in the action. In Toledo, too, he spent many a night rooting for the Hens down at 5/3 Field, or soaking in the excitement of a Walleye match. Neil's warmth and charisma were indelible, and translated into every aspect of his life. His greatest accomplishment, his legacy, is his family. He held his children in greatest esteem, and counted them genuine friends. His wife, Ruthy, was his greatest ally. He was infinitely grateful for the love, support and friendship he shared with her and his children. Few families have ever operated so beautifully or honestly. He was truly our best friend. The task of properly commemorating him in print is impossible. Though his physical vessel has departed, its contents have long since overflown, leaving in us an eternal well of love, gratitude and inspiration. During his last days he said "I don't want to leave just a pile of paper." Assuredly, he has left us a great deal more. R.I.P. Neil. The family will be accepting visitors at their home on February 9th, 10th and 12th starting from 6pm, and on the 13th from 3pm. There will be a memorial service held on February 27th at Temple Shomer Emunim, starting at 12:30, luncheon following. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, The American Cancer Association, Temple Shomer Emunim, or any charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements by Robert H. Wick/Wisniewski Funeral Home, (419-535-5840).