March 24, 1974- June 25, 2005 --- I have created this page for all who would like to share their memories of Marlon. He made an impact on all of our lives. Marlon, you will be deeply missed.
Please also see: http://amylb.blogspot.com/2005/06/marlon.html
Marlon, I love you so much and I can't believe you're gone. It was just all so sudden. There is a void that cannot be filled in my life now. You were and always will be my big brother. You were always so funny & patient. Ivy's already asking where Uncle Marlon is. She can't grasp that she just will never be able to see you again. I hope that wherever you are you can see how many lives you have made a difference in. I am so proud to have had you as my brother. I love you.
Only those are fit to live who have no fear to die. None are fit to die who have shrunk from the Joy of Life. And certainly Marlon suffered from neither of these.
Both Life and Death are parts of the same Great Adventure. Never yet has worthy adventure been carried well through by the man who places his own security first. Pride is the portion only of those who know bitter sorrow or the foreboding of bitter sorrow.
All of us who provide service to our fellows are the Torch Bearers. We run with the torches until we fall, content if we can then pass the torch to our fellow runners. Those torches burn brightest which are borne by those at the forefront; the individualists, the adventurers, the man who makes his own way as he sees his own road. These men are high of soul, both as they live, and as they face their fate, and no less high are the women; the sisters or lovers with torn hearts and shining eyes; girls whose favored men have been suddenly struck down in their golden morning. And no less also are the mothers to whom the tragic word has come that they must henceforth walk on the other side of that terrible Shadow Line fully known only by a parent who has outlived their child.
Marlon was a man who honored me by being my friend. I mourn his passing and I wish him well. May his time on the wheel be short.
I knew Marlon from the Radio Volta studios and the Reverend Bookburn show. He was sexy and smart, and totally on my "to do list."
I am stunned by his death and sad to know I'll never see him again, never get to play with him via AIM again, never hear his warm voice or see his nice smile.
I'm one of the people who the "Rev" thanks at the end of his weekly show, nickname acronym ELGS. Marlon, you were a great dude, I'm glad I got to know you.
Marlon and I walked in intersecting paths.. I knew him both from the LAVA organizing/list as well as from Freecycle, and elsewhere; primarily online. I almost moved into the house in Yorkship/Fairview New Jersey he lived in after he moved to Philly, but that didn't work out, so we both wound up going to rescue our stuff from the place.. I only spent a little bit of time with him in person a few different times, but he touched me in innumerable ways. It's amazing when one's spirit is so vibrant as that it just touches you and sticks with you. It's even sadder when they have to leave far too soon.
Marlon was the producer of my show at Radio Volta for most of the 4 1/2 years that I've been on the air. His presence on the show was always a treasure and he created many of the gags and sound effects. Marlon would dig up or rig something for a themed show, often on little notice. Live guests loved doing the show with him. He even made things go well with live musical guests.
But Marlon was much more than a producer. He was a great friend and a great person who had a wonderful effect on all who crossed paths with him. His motorcycle adventures, embroidery, clinic defense stories, music discoveries and humor was always plentiful. His patience and good-nature made him a treasure.
I learned about it this afternoon (Sunday) but chose to go on the air anyway, despite the shock, and dedicated the show to him. On July 10, we'll do a special tribute show in his memory. This is such a sad loss. Warm thoughts and support to his family and all who are also grieving.
I knew Marlon through the Lancaster Avenue Autonomous Zone where he was the caretaker. He was such a unspeakably unique and special presence there, and everywhere. I tried to tell him that many times and sometimes I didn't know if he really heard or understood how much people loved him. I hope he knew.
In a funny twist, the first new email in my in box when I logged on was the last email Marlon sent to the LAVA list - perhaps one of the last he sent. I printed it below - in it, he offers to help clean up from the bikes not biotech effort, gives an update on his ongoing cleaning of LAVA, and announces that he has set up a sewing machine for public use on the second floor.
I think Marlon's sewing was my favorite thing about him - it was so striking. He was always mentioning projects that he was going to do. I remember the first time I saw him doing his craftwork - it was at the cheap art auction that we had at Spiral Q. He was sitting to the side of the festivities, with a half-done needlework on his lap. I think it was was brightly colored sun design - with yellows and reds. I expressed bemused awe, and he showed me others he hand done. Toward the end of the evening, Marlon offered a needlework design as an item for auction - to be created for the highest bidder. I recall a fairly elaborate bidding war for this item - between Su and Hannah. Hannah won!
Sewing Machine: I have placed a sewing machine and desk in the second floor. It is intented for people to use and works well, but it is from the 1940's or 50's, so I'd reccommend a lesson first. The Manual is in one of the drawers.
I can get rid of it if it's in the way, but it can be folded and used as a table when not in use.
Like so many others, I really loved Marlon and am crushed that he's not going to be around anymore.
Over the last couple years I spent a lot of time with Marlon, in rehearsals and performances for the Broken Hipsters, working closely together at LAVA and outside of those projects, especially at my house where he would always show up for our various parties and events. He was always so kind, so generous, with such a quirky sense of humor, always offering everything he owned to help others.
I'm sure everyone who knew Marlon can remember a time he helped you fix something, haul something, put something together. He was always available for his friends. We're all going to miss him so much.
I wanted to share what Mark said on my blog before I created this memorial site:
Mark said... Marlon was one of my best friends, and the shock of his leaving still hasn't gone away. It was so sudden. We had spent the morning together, moving a few things around and having a fun time yakking together. He left my house at 11am that morning, in a good mood and looking as healthy as ever. I am buying an old Sportster, and we had plans to go see it so I could show it to him the next day. Now I am here with his family trying to make funeral arrangements and figure out what to do with his belongings. It's just crazy, and I will miss him very very much.
Marlon was always so steadily happy, and willing to help, and just so easy going, and odd and wonderful to be around. I think he was grateful every day, and made us all better with his gentle smile and silly jokes. I know that I will miss seeing his motorcycle, with its plywood saddlebags, when I used to go to LAVA. When he was there, you knew that someone would say hello, and be glad to see you. Many of us are jaded and expect the worst from people most of the time. But I don't think Marlon did. And I don't think I ever expected him to say anything negative or cynical. I will miss him. I hope that we can find a way to celebrate his life and the way he lived it.
I have only known Marlon for about 1 year but feel priviledged to have shared some laughs & music notes with him. My music collection & life are richer for the experience.
He was a constant presence at LAVA, always had a ready smile and an encouraging word.
I first met Marlon on July 4, 2001. It was a Radio Volta work day, my first contact with anyone from Volta. Various projects were scheduled and I was introduced to many strange and wonderful people that day out in front of Knotsquat. As the activities got under way Marlon came up the street on his bicycle. We said hello and he showed me a portable record player and a little ceramic bell with a picture of Jesus on it. He was excited because the record player played 78's and very amused with the bell's image of Jesus. They were both for Volta. He brought them into the back and went to work sorting records. I never saw the record player again but the bell remained in the studio the next three years, sitting on top of the monitor. It was one of those things you would see and just smile knowing where it came from and why it was there. When the studio moved last spring to LAVA the bell disappeared. I'm hoping it will turn up again.
I went with the transmitter crew to Wendy & Alexi's house that day. We hoisted the antenna and switched on the transmitter. After some final tinkering everything was up and running. I called the studio to request some music, something easy to identify. Marlon answered and said he had something festive to play. We piled into an Escort station wagon to drive around and track the signal range. The frequency was all static until Marlon's voice came over the air. He did a station id, said something about playing some festive music and proceeded to play a record of calliope music. Radio Volta was on the air! The excitement that day over hearing Marlon's voice and calliope music on the radio was so genuine, so exuberant; it truly was one of those moments where things are good and the possibility of greater things seems inevitable.
Marlon's voice was genuine, kind and positive. I am glad he is tied so closely to that memorable day. I am sure he is closely tied to wonderful moments for us all.
Marlon was full of great life energy. He was bursting with helpfulness and joy. Every time I saw him he seemed so positive. I will miss seeing him around greatly. Love, Maleka
celebrating his life... celebrating our lives for experiencing such a celebrated life... carrying the positive energy onward... living by example... the greatest of actions... with genuine play... bunny suit and beyond... embroidery and beyond... it's great hear others talk of this energy... i hope we all can carry this positive energy onward for others to share...
Marlon touched the lives of so many different people—including a relatively straight-living middle-aged guy like me. Marlon was always willing to help any and everyone. There seemed to be no project that he wouldn’t take a crack at and no person he wouldn’t welcome into his life. He was a natural mechanic/engineer/seamster with a positive can-do approach to life. Marlon always gave you the impression that right here at this moment talking to you was exactly where he wanted to be. And I loved watching him eat. He truly enjoyed his food.
When someone with Marlon’s great character passes, I pledge to myself that I will take on some small piece of his large presence…to try to keep that energy in the world....strive to be more giving, more kind, more present… Oh Marlon, you left such a big void to fill.
Marlon was a really wonderful person—kind, sweet, generous, funny. He was very patient and a very good teacher and listener. I always felt he would be in my life for a very long time. This is why his passing is really sad to me. I never imagined he wouldn’t be around. I think of him often, because his many talents and areas of knowledge always impacted my life. For example, I thought I’d be collaborating with him soon on some fashion projects for me and my sister, for whom he designed and built a totally unique fuschia/purple bicycle. Until I moved out of my place, I was godmother to his cats Herman & Simone. I always had this dream of someday having a big ol’ house that Marlon would move into and live for free. He’d fix stuff and we’d both make it pretty. I am truly sorry that he’s gone, but his death has motivated me even more to live life passionately and try harder to be kind and patient with people. I feel really sad for Ivy. I have a niece for the first time...she’s 3 years old, and her name is Simone. My sister’s companion is named Herman. I’ve heard that when names repeat in your life, it’s a sign that the people who are there, are meant to be in your life and they’re very important. The fact that Marlon’s cats’ names are the same as those of two people who are very important in my life, but who weren’t in my life when Marlon and I met, tells me that he was a very important presence in my life. I will do my very best to not ever forget Marlon Joshua Solar.
ok, i'm writing! very difficult! still in shock, but its not for marlon because he doesnt have the opportunity to read it! so it's what i can say about marlon. did i say it when was here? probably not enough. i first met marlon at a volta mtg when we were in knotsquat. the rest is history. him in his bunny suit at my house, squaredancing w/him on penn's campus, then becoming caretaker of LAVA, seeing him almost daily when volta moved in and sharing moments of info, like when he said "i have a girlfriend" or "i just sold my bike for a truck", and lastly, "hey i left an old copy of 1977 of rolling stones magazine for you because i thought you would appreciate it". in closing, i feel privileged to have crossed paths w/marlin in my lifetime! a person to emulate!
I knew Marlon from the Tuesday Night Square Dance in West Philly. He was a great dancer: he took care of the people he was dancing with, and he never took anything too seriously. If I showed up at the dance feeling out of sorts I knew I could talk to him and hear things that were interesting, enlightening, and funny! I still don't believe this has happened. I've no idea what his religious beliefs were, but I'm sure God or Whatever he'd call Him is taking good care of him now. Thanks God for loaning us Marlon, and bless you, Marlon.
Phila-area folk dancers are just finding out by email about Marlon's death. Funeral is tonight.
Subject: Marlon died -- the guy from the Firehouse bike shop and fellow dancer
Subject: Sad News: Marlon Solar's Funeral Service Date: Wed, 29 Jun 2005 02:19:16 -0400
Joe, I thought you might be able to forward this on to the Thursday nite dancers who may have known Marlon. He was a tall young man with a shaved head, who often came to the Glenside dance on his motorcycle from West Philly. I had a few sit and talks with him and he seemed like a nice guy. Thanks, Charlie
Subject: Some sad news to Tuesday Night Sq. Dance Community
Hello all, Just had word from Orchidia this Sunday morning that our fellow square and contra dancer Marlon passed away late yesterday afternoon from a massive heart attack while working. We'll miss his energy, his good nature and conversation and his presence at our dance. Orchidia said if anyone would like more information to give her a call at 215-222-5831. Feel free to pass this message to other dancers.
This is information from Orchidia regarding Marlon's Funeral Service.
--- Begin Attached Message--- A Funeral Service for Marlon Solar will be held Wednesday, June 29th from 6pm-8pm at The Stephenson-Brown Funeral Home at 33 West Maple Avenue, Merchantville, NJ 08109, Telephone # 856-662-0813. A gathering at the home of Amy Brado & Anthony Sambucci at 2744 Haddonfield Rd., Pennsauken, NJ 08110, Telephone # 856-662-7526 will follow at 8pm to ???
Marlon's obituary should appear in tomorrow & Wednesday's Courier Post.
Please forward this message to all whose lives have been touched by Marlon.
i'm writing from florida, monica just called and gave me the news. being so far away makes it feel even less real- i think both the first and last time i saw him he was in that bunny suit. marlon was truly unique and delightful. truly, truly. and i can't think of anyone else like him. i really hope he had an inkling of how much he touched people's lives. i once did a drawing of marlon in his bunny suit on his motorcycle - the caption read "...so fucking beautiful!" love, gina
When the radio station was at Not Squat, Marlon was always there. He was always bright and cheerful and respectful. He worked incredibly hard and got incredibly excited about whatever was doing. I think it was sometimes hard for cynical jerks like me to appreciate his sincerity and earnestness. Now I wish I had expressed that to him. -Sp*m
Marlon, what I remember most about you is: a vivacious young man, full of energy and life. I remember a multitalented person who ranged in abilities from being a brilliant seamstress/tailor to a talented auto mechanic. I remember a man whom when confronted with something he did not either know what to do or how to do it, improvised. I remember a man with a huge heart who loved people of all ages and all walks of life, a man who did not discriminate, a man who gave everyone a chance. I remember a funny, confident person who came yearly to my door in a pink bunny costume on a motorcycle just to say, "Hello." I remember a man who believed he was right on track and believed deeply in himself and others' abilities--I watched you and knew I could do it too, and therefore, faced down my own biggest fears. I remember a man who bought me a special extra small motorcycle helmet that would fit my head because you were nervous the others helmets you had did not fit me well enough and, therefore, did not provide me with enough protection. I remember this same man bundling me up in the dead of winter, as a Mother would do for their child, in layers of clothing so I would be warm enough (although, I could not move) and carrying me unto his motorcycle so we could go dancing. This was before he purchased a truck and alternate motorcycle so he had more choices for transportation and more means for generating income. Marlon you were always concerned that I be more comfortable and warm for our various outings for pet food, clothing for you and me and numerous other trips too long to enumerate. Marlon, I remember your love for the Tuesday Night Square dances, the Thursday Night Glenside and Sunday afternoon Arden, DE Contras, Lava House, Radio-Volta, Neighborhood Bike Works, Firehouse Bicycles, the A-Space, Mariposa Food Co-op, the list goes on and for your large myriad and network of friends and numerous other political and social organizations. You were a wonderful man full of hopes and dreams. Marlon, you was looking forward to becoming an electrician's apprentice. I am confident you are part of God's angel's electrical crew right now as I speak and know you are both at peace yet still journeying on this new path in the same manner you did in life. Marlon, you left an indelible mark and I will never forget the way you handled life with such integrity, kindness, and imagination. You are what we call in Jewish--a real 'Mentsch.' God bless you on your travels, and I love you forever.
Charlie Karl says: Thanks so much for the heartwarming site, pics and comments at a time of heartbreaking but wonderful appreciation of this young man. I met Marlon through the dances-Glenside contra and second Tuesday above the Bike Works. I enjoyed Marlon's presence and the couple of times that we hung out and talked. I appreciated the energy and sensitivity he seemed to have. It reminded me of all the good people who I had met though my also departed sweet young hip/anarchist nephew, Bob and of his intense quest for honesty and creativity and curiousity in the world. I looked forward to getting to know Marlon and feel that loss, but am awed by hearing what he brought to the people around him and the world. Regards, Charlie
23 comments:
Please also see: http://amylb.blogspot.com/2005/06/marlon.html
Marlon, I love you so much and I can't believe you're gone. It was just all so sudden. There is a void that cannot be filled in my life now. You were and always will be my big brother. You were always so funny & patient. Ivy's already asking where Uncle Marlon is. She can't grasp that she just will never be able to see you again. I hope that wherever you are you can see how many lives you have made a difference in. I am so proud to have had you as my brother. I love you.
Only those are fit to live who have no fear to die. None are fit to die who have shrunk from the Joy of Life. And certainly Marlon suffered from neither of these.
Both Life and Death are parts of the same Great Adventure. Never yet has worthy adventure been carried well through by the man who places his own security first. Pride is the portion only of those who know bitter sorrow or the foreboding of bitter sorrow.
All of us who provide service to our fellows are the Torch Bearers. We run with the torches until we fall, content if we can then pass the torch to our fellow runners. Those torches burn brightest which are borne by those at the forefront; the individualists, the adventurers, the man who makes his own way as he sees his own road. These men are high of soul, both as they live, and as they face their fate, and no less high are the women; the sisters or lovers with torn hearts and shining eyes; girls whose favored men have been suddenly struck down in their golden morning. And no less also are the mothers to whom the tragic word has come that they must henceforth walk on the other side of that terrible Shadow Line fully known only by a parent who has outlived their child.
Marlon was a man who honored me by being my friend. I mourn his passing and I wish him well. May his time on the wheel be short.
Stephen Scott
I knew Marlon from the Radio Volta studios and the Reverend Bookburn show. He was sexy and smart, and totally on my "to do list."
I am stunned by his death and sad to know I'll never see him again, never get to play with him via AIM again, never hear his warm voice or see his nice smile.
I'm one of the people who the "Rev" thanks at the end of his weekly show, nickname acronym ELGS. Marlon, you were a great dude, I'm glad I got to know you.
Marlon and I walked in intersecting paths.. I knew him both from the LAVA organizing/list as well as from Freecycle, and elsewhere; primarily online. I almost moved into the house in Yorkship/Fairview New Jersey he lived in after he moved to Philly, but that didn't work out, so we both wound up going to rescue our stuff from the place.. I only spent a little bit of time with him in person a few different times, but he touched me in innumerable ways. It's amazing when one's spirit is so vibrant as that it just touches you and sticks with you. It's even sadder when they have to leave far too soon.
Marlon was the producer of my show at Radio Volta for most of the 4 1/2 years that I've been on the air. His presence on the show was always a treasure and he created many of the gags and sound effects. Marlon would dig up or rig something for a themed show, often on little notice. Live guests loved doing the show with him. He even made things go well with live musical guests.
But Marlon was much more than a producer. He was a great friend and a great person who had a wonderful effect on all who crossed paths with him. His motorcycle adventures, embroidery, clinic defense stories, music discoveries and humor was always plentiful. His patience and good-nature made him a treasure.
I learned about it this afternoon (Sunday) but chose to go on the air anyway, despite the shock, and dedicated the show to him. On July 10, we'll do a special tribute show in his memory. This is such a sad loss. Warm thoughts and support to his family and all who are also grieving.
Goodbye friend and brother,
Rev. Bookburn
I knew Marlon through the Lancaster Avenue Autonomous Zone where he was the caretaker. He was such a unspeakably unique and special presence there, and everywhere. I tried to tell him that many times and sometimes I didn't know if he really heard or understood how much people loved him. I hope he knew.
In a funny twist, the first new email in my in box when I logged on was the last email Marlon sent to the LAVA list - perhaps one of the last he sent. I printed it below - in it, he offers to help clean up from the bikes not biotech effort, gives an update on his ongoing cleaning of LAVA, and announces that he has set up a sewing machine for public use on the second floor.
I think Marlon's sewing was my favorite thing about him - it was so striking. He was always mentioning projects that he was going to do. I remember the first time I saw him doing his craftwork - it was at the cheap art auction that we had at Spiral Q. He was sitting to the side of the festivities, with a half-done needlework on his lap. I think it was was brightly colored sun design - with yellows and reds. I expressed bemused awe, and he showed me others he hand done. Toward the end of the evening, Marlon offered a needlework design as an item for auction - to be created for the highest bidder. I recall a fairly elaborate bidding war for this item - between Su and Hannah. Hannah won!
Here is Marlon's email:
Date: Sat, 25 Jun 2005 06:08:18 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Marlon Solar" < marloniusthunque @ yahoo.com >
To: lava@phillyimc.org
Subject: [Lava List] Bikes, trash, sewing machine
Bikes: Is Maus & Co. coming for the leftover bike stuff? I could feasably haul it all to Neighborhood
Bike Works in the near future if need be.
***************************************************
Trash: Trash goes out tomorrow night. And guess what? It recycling week! Woo Hoo!
I've been putting closed bags of garbage in the back corner of the courtyard. I feel this is reasonable for normal operations, not for construction.
**************************************************
Sewing Machine: I have placed a sewing machine and desk in the second floor. It is intented for people to use and works well, but it is from the 1940's or 50's, so I'd reccommend a lesson first. The Manual is in one of the drawers.
I can get rid of it if it's in the way, but it can be folded and used as a table when not in use.
Like so many others, I really loved Marlon and am crushed that he's not going to be around anymore.
Over the last couple years I spent a lot of time with Marlon, in rehearsals and performances for the Broken Hipsters, working closely together at LAVA and outside of those projects, especially at my house where he would always show up for our various parties and events. He was always so kind, so generous, with such a quirky sense of humor, always offering everything he owned to help others.
I'm sure everyone who knew Marlon can remember a time he helped you fix something, haul something, put something together. He was always available for his friends. We're all going to miss him so much.
I wanted to share what Mark said on my blog before I created this memorial site:
Mark said...
Marlon was one of my best friends, and the shock of his leaving still hasn't gone away. It was so sudden. We had spent the morning together, moving a few things around and having a fun time yakking together. He left my house at 11am that morning, in a good mood and looking as healthy as ever. I am buying an old Sportster, and we had plans to go see it so I could show it to him the next day. Now I am here with his family trying to make funeral arrangements and figure out what to do with his belongings. It's just crazy, and I will miss him very very much.
June 26, 2005 1:30 PM
Marlon was always so steadily happy, and willing to help, and just so easy going, and odd and wonderful to be around. I think he was grateful every day, and made us all better with his gentle smile and silly jokes. I know that I will miss seeing his motorcycle, with its plywood saddlebags, when I used to go to LAVA. When he was there, you knew that someone would say hello, and be glad to see you. Many of us are jaded and expect the worst from people most of the time. But I don't think Marlon did. And I don't think I ever expected him to say anything negative or cynical. I will miss him. I hope that we can find a way to celebrate his life and the way he lived it.
This is very sad news.
I have only known Marlon for about 1 year but feel priviledged to have shared some laughs & music notes with him. My music collection & life are richer for the experience.
He was a constant presence at LAVA, always had a ready smile and an encouraging word.
Rest in peace, Marlon
I first met Marlon on July 4, 2001. It was a Radio Volta work day, my first contact with anyone from Volta. Various projects were scheduled and I was introduced to many strange and wonderful people that day out in front of Knotsquat. As the activities got under way Marlon came up the street on his bicycle. We said hello and he showed me a portable record player and a little ceramic bell with a picture of Jesus on it. He was excited because the record player played 78's and very amused with the bell's image of Jesus. They were both for Volta. He brought them into the back and went to work sorting records. I never saw the record player again but the bell remained in the studio the next three years, sitting on top of the monitor. It was one of those things you would see and just smile knowing where it came from and why it was there. When the studio moved last spring to LAVA the bell disappeared. I'm hoping it will turn up again.
I went with the transmitter crew to Wendy & Alexi's house that day. We hoisted the antenna and switched on the transmitter. After some final tinkering everything was up and running. I called the studio to request some music, something easy to identify. Marlon answered and said he had something festive to play. We piled into an Escort station wagon to drive around and track the signal range. The frequency was all static until Marlon's voice came over the air. He did a station id, said something about playing some festive music and proceeded to play a record of calliope music. Radio Volta was on the air! The excitement that day over hearing Marlon's voice and calliope music on the radio was so genuine, so exuberant; it truly was one of those moments where things are good and the possibility of greater things seems inevitable.
Marlon's voice was genuine, kind and positive. I am glad he is tied so closely to that memorable day. I am sure he is closely tied to wonderful moments for us all.
Marlon was full of great life energy. He was bursting with helpfulness and joy. Every time I saw him he seemed so positive. I will miss seeing him around greatly.
Love, Maleka
celebrating his life...
celebrating our lives for experiencing such a celebrated life...
carrying the positive energy onward...
living by example...
the greatest of actions...
with genuine play...
bunny suit and beyond...
embroidery and beyond...
it's great hear others talk of this energy...
i hope we all can carry this positive energy onward for others to share...
Marlon touched the lives of so many different people—including a relatively straight-living middle-aged guy like me. Marlon was always willing to help any and everyone. There seemed to be no project that he wouldn’t take a crack at and no person he wouldn’t welcome into his life. He was a natural mechanic/engineer/seamster with a positive can-do approach to life. Marlon always gave you the impression that right here at this moment talking to you was exactly where he wanted to be. And I loved watching him eat. He truly enjoyed his food.
When someone with Marlon’s great character passes, I pledge to myself that I will take on some small piece of his large presence…to try to keep that energy in the world....strive to be more giving, more kind, more present… Oh Marlon, you left such a big void to fill.
Marlon was a really wonderful person—kind, sweet, generous, funny. He was very patient and a very good teacher and listener. I always felt he would be in my life for a very long time. This is why his passing is really sad to me. I never imagined he wouldn’t be around. I think of him often, because his many talents and areas of knowledge always impacted my life. For example, I thought I’d be collaborating with him soon on some fashion projects for me and my sister, for whom he designed and built a totally unique fuschia/purple bicycle.
Until I moved out of my place, I was godmother to his cats Herman & Simone. I always had this dream of someday having a big ol’ house that Marlon would move into and live for free. He’d fix stuff and we’d both make it pretty. I am truly sorry that he’s gone, but his death has motivated me even more to live life passionately and try harder to be kind and patient with people. I feel really sad for Ivy. I have a niece for the first time...she’s 3 years old, and her name is Simone. My sister’s companion is named Herman. I’ve heard that when names repeat in your life, it’s a sign that the people who are there, are meant to be in your life and they’re very important. The fact that Marlon’s cats’ names are the same as those of two people who are very important in my life, but who weren’t in my life when Marlon and I met, tells me that he was a very important presence in my life. I will do my very best to not ever forget Marlon Joshua Solar.
ok, i'm writing! very difficult! still in shock, but its not for marlon because he doesnt have the opportunity to read it! so it's what i can say about marlon. did i say it when was here? probably not enough.
i first met marlon at a volta mtg when we were in knotsquat.
the rest is history.
him in his bunny suit at my house, squaredancing w/him on penn's campus, then becoming caretaker of LAVA, seeing him almost daily when volta moved in and sharing moments of info, like when he said "i have a girlfriend" or "i just sold my bike for a truck", and lastly, "hey i left an old copy of 1977 of rolling stones magazine for you because i thought you would appreciate it".
in closing, i feel privileged to have crossed paths w/marlin in my lifetime! a person to emulate!
I knew Marlon from the Tuesday Night Square Dance in West Philly. He was a great dancer: he took care of the people he was dancing with, and he never took anything too seriously. If I showed up at the dance feeling out of sorts I knew I could talk to him and hear things that were interesting, enlightening, and funny! I still don't believe this has happened. I've no idea what his religious beliefs were, but I'm sure God or Whatever he'd call Him is taking good care of him now. Thanks God for loaning us Marlon, and bless you, Marlon.
Phila-area folk dancers are just finding out by email about Marlon's death. Funeral is tonight.
Subject: Marlon died -- the guy from the Firehouse bike shop and fellow dancer
Subject: Sad News: Marlon Solar's Funeral Service
Date: Wed, 29 Jun 2005 02:19:16 -0400
Joe, I thought you might be able to forward this on to the Thursday nite dancers who may have known Marlon. He was a tall young man with a shaved head, who often came to the Glenside dance on his motorcycle from West Philly. I had a few sit and talks with him and he seemed like a nice guy. Thanks, Charlie
Subject: Some sad news to Tuesday Night Sq. Dance Community
Hello all,
Just had word from Orchidia this Sunday morning that our fellow square and contra dancer Marlon passed away late yesterday afternoon from a massive heart attack while working. We'll miss his energy, his good nature and conversation and his presence at our dance. Orchidia said if anyone would like more information to give her a call at 215-222-5831. Feel free to pass this message to other dancers.
This is information from Orchidia regarding Marlon's Funeral Service.
--- Begin Attached Message---
A Funeral Service for Marlon Solar will be held Wednesday, June 29th from 6pm-8pm at The Stephenson-Brown Funeral Home at 33 West Maple Avenue, Merchantville, NJ 08109, Telephone # 856-662-0813.
A gathering at the home of Amy Brado & Anthony Sambucci at 2744 Haddonfield Rd., Pennsauken, NJ 08110, Telephone # 856-662-7526 will follow at 8pm to ???
Marlon's obituary should appear in tomorrow & Wednesday's Courier Post.
Please forward this message to all whose lives have been touched by Marlon.
-Orchidia
i'm writing from florida, monica just called and gave me the news. being so far away makes it feel even less real- i think both the first and last time i saw him he was in that bunny suit. marlon was truly unique and delightful. truly, truly. and i can't think of anyone else like him. i really hope he had an inkling of how much he touched people's lives. i once did a drawing of marlon in his bunny suit on his motorcycle - the caption read "...so fucking beautiful!"
love, gina
When the radio station was at Not Squat, Marlon was always there. He was always bright and cheerful and respectful. He worked incredibly hard and got incredibly excited about whatever was doing. I think it was sometimes hard for cynical jerks like me to appreciate his sincerity and earnestness. Now I wish I had expressed that to him.
-Sp*m
Marlon, what I remember most about you is: a vivacious young man, full of energy and life. I remember a multitalented person who ranged in abilities from being a brilliant seamstress/tailor to a talented auto mechanic. I remember a man whom when confronted with something he did not either know what to do or how to do it, improvised. I remember a man with a huge heart who loved people of all ages and all walks of life, a man who did not discriminate, a man who gave everyone a chance. I remember a funny, confident person who came yearly to my door in a pink bunny costume on a motorcycle just to say, "Hello." I remember a man who believed he was right on track and believed deeply in himself and others' abilities--I watched you and knew I could do it too, and therefore, faced down my own biggest fears. I remember a man who bought me a special extra small motorcycle helmet that would fit my head because you were nervous the others helmets you had did not fit me well enough and, therefore, did not provide me with enough protection. I remember this same man bundling me up in the dead of winter, as a Mother would do for their child, in layers of clothing so I would be warm enough (although, I could not move) and carrying me unto his motorcycle so we could go dancing. This was before he purchased a truck and alternate motorcycle so he had more choices for transportation and more means for generating income. Marlon you were always concerned that I be more comfortable and warm for our various outings for pet food, clothing for you and me and numerous other trips too long to enumerate. Marlon, I remember your love for the Tuesday Night Square dances, the Thursday Night Glenside and Sunday afternoon Arden, DE Contras, Lava House, Radio-Volta, Neighborhood Bike Works, Firehouse Bicycles, the A-Space, Mariposa Food Co-op, the list goes on and for your large myriad and network of friends and numerous other political and social organizations. You were a wonderful man full of hopes and dreams. Marlon, you was looking forward to becoming an electrician's apprentice. I am confident you are part of God's angel's electrical crew right now as I speak and know you are both at peace yet still journeying on this new path in the same manner you did in life. Marlon, you left an indelible mark and I will never forget the way you handled life with such integrity, kindness, and imagination. You are what we call in Jewish--a real 'Mentsch.' God bless you on your travels, and I love you forever.
Charlie Karl says: Thanks so much for the heartwarming site, pics and comments at a time of heartbreaking but wonderful appreciation of this young man. I met Marlon through the dances-Glenside contra and second Tuesday above the Bike Works. I enjoyed Marlon's presence and the couple of times that we hung out and talked. I appreciated the energy and sensitivity he seemed to have. It reminded me of all the good people who I had met though my also departed sweet young hip/anarchist nephew, Bob and of his intense quest for honesty and creativity and curiousity in the world. I looked forward to getting to know Marlon and feel that loss, but am awed by hearing what he brought to the people around him and the world. Regards, Charlie
i love, i love you, i love you love mom
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