Arthur Brian Kalson
KALSON: Arthur Brian Kalson. Longtime San Francisco resident and rock, jazz and blues aficionado Arthur Kalson died peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving wife, Cathy, and daughter Ruby, in the early morning of Nov. 17, after a long illness. He was 76. Arthur was born and raised in Pittsburgh and attended Brandeis University and Boston University. From a young age, Arthur was an avid student, advocate and journalist of jazz and blues. After college, he contributed articles for the pop culture newspaper Boston After Dark, where he had the honor of interviewing some of the greatest jazz and blues musicians of the day, including Nina Simone and BB King. Arthur moved to Madison, Wisconsin, in the early 70s where he met the love of his life, Catherine Marie Bremer. The couple moved to San Francisco in 1976. A devoted husband and father, Arthur shared his warmth and loving kindness with all who knew him, including his brother, David Kalson (Tracy Kalson) of Rye, New York, and his sister, Cheryl Kalson (Karl Alsnauer), of Oakmont, Pennsylvania. Arthur channeled his compassionate energies toward health care throughout his work life by providing direct services to the elderly and infirm. His hilarious sense of humor and love of music greatly influenced his daughter Ruby as well as his nieces and nephews, Evan Alsnauer, Molly Alsnauer, Aryn Kalson-Sperandio and Shana Kalson-Kopel. Arthur was a dedicated advocate and supporter of several jazz and blues-related organizations, most notably the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic, which provides comprehensive medical care and social services to local musicians and other performing artists. A memorial gathering in San Francisco to celebrate Arthur’s life will be held at a future date. Donations in Arthur’s memory may be sent to the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic. PJC
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