The Life and Times of Joshuwa Bialik

Joshuwa happy up north with his buddies.

Obituary for dear Joshuwa

February 13, 1940 to April 10, 2019

       Our gentle 7 foot giant now roams the galaxies traveling at the speed of light. Richard J. Bialik (Joshuwa) was born during a snowstorm in the back of a 1930 Essex truck near Calistoga, New York on February 13, 1940. He died on April 10, 2019 at Bethesda Hospital after a long illness. A snowstorm followed his passing. His wife Anita held his hand to the very last moment. He is now free of his many pains and the medical challenges he faced so bravely. His long life includes so many adventures and wonders. Josh was driving by age 13. He always loved cars his 1991 Buick was hailed at every Summer Art Car parade for years. He carefully explained that the painted exterior was inspired by the artist Lyonel Feininger and not Jackson Pollock!

         Josh worked a myriad of jobs from detailing hot rod cars in L.A. to a stint as a journalist for the Chicago Tribune. He worked for Flying Tigers in the 1970’s and also time spent as a recycler at the Berkeley City Landfill. He could fix anything was very mechanical and practical. Joshuwa read 1000’s of books and always had books on reserve at Nokomis Library. Providers who came to his room for ordinary procedures or labs often got caught up in his vortex of stories.

He met the love of his life Anita at the Morningsid e Café in 1980. They were married on May 30^th, 1982 in a small chapel near Colfax, Wisconsin and not far from the communal farm where they spent many happy times. Together they shared a meaningful creative home life, travels and made it through Josh’s many medical travails hand in hand, side by side. Anita drew her way through as a way of bearing witness to his challenges and also as a practical record of his medical journey. He was the star of her show at HCMC “Drawing through Crisis with Courage and Humor!” (August-October 2017) They laughed a lot, even when things were really tough.

      Josh loved volunteering at the Minnehaha Food Shelf every Tuesday. He made it there even when he was in pain or struggling. Josh had a very deep sense of community and had the gift of creating community wherever he was. He deeply loved his buddies:Al, Dick, Jeff, Mo. and the many guys who came to Mens Night. Josh had a big kind heart that held so many people. His large arm span included a love of many friends and extended family. Deepest thanks beyond words to his buddies Al, Jeff, Dick and Mo who were always there for us when we needed help in the tough times. You held us up and helped us make it through travails and difficulties. You brought us light and the strength of your good friendship.

      Joshuwa was a very kind, wise and intuitive person. He always guided Anita with this practical wisdom. She turned to him all the time and drew from his deep well of wisdom all the time.

     Deepest thanks go to all his providers over the years at Abbott Hospital, Fairview Riverside Hospital, Fairview Hiawatha Clinic , Bethesda Hospital and in particular the outstanding and compassionate providers at HCMC. Special thanks to the ER staff who treated him so many times and to the ambulance drivers who he would yell at to take Minnehaha instead of Hiawatha because it was faster! Blessings on all of you for your great care of our big tall giant Josh.

      Joshuwa is predeceased by his hardworking and wonderful parents Joseph and Phyllis Bialik originally of Dunkirk, New York. He is survived by his sister Diane Gertchen of L.A. as well as many friends, family nieces and nephews and his wife Anita.

      An Art Show and Reception in honor of Josh will be held on June 2^nd from 1 to 5 pm at Squirrel Haus Arts 3450 Snelling Avenue south. Minneapolis. REMARKS AND MUSIC at 3 pm. Come prepared to tell outrageous and humorous stories about Josh!

      If you would like to do something in his honor please give a donation to The Minnehaha Food Shelf 3701 East 50^th Street, Minneapolis 55417

Joshuwas Memory remains only for a Blessing.