After returning from the Cleveland Film Festival...I received some very upsetting news, my friend Kirk Hassig, passed away. I met Kirk when I signed on to score "Project Blackline", over the next couple of years I had a chance to hang out with him, in addition to "Project Blackline", I went to Africa with Kirk and Chris Johnston assisting in the production of a commercial. We had a blast...it was a one of a kind opportunity, and the energy and enthusiasm that kirk brought could only be described as infectious and endearing.
About a year ago, one of the projects I had written music for had been nominated for an Academy Award, Kirk was kind enough to arrange for a place for me to stay, this kind of generosity was just one of the many ways that Kirk ended up-in only a good way- getting under my skin. His laugh, irreverence and verve were infectious, I'll never forget it and I'll always miss it. At the end of the day he always told me how lucky I was, and how the most important things in life were the people that are closest to you.
This past November, I was in Santa Monica, on the day I was leaving, I wandered past Kirk's place and gave him a call, it just so happened that he was walking through the lobby of his building, looked down at his phone and answered. I said Kirk, "I'm right in front of you". He looked up, and with a smile, hello and a laugh we wandered on down to the Miramar hotel to have breakfast. Upbeat as always, Kirk talked to me about some of his projects, asked me about how life was, bantered with the wait staff and then asked me to help him steal all the newspapers in the hotel lobby. With his own brand of surly disregard, he wandered through the lobby collecting nearly all of the newspapers. I walked back with him towards his place, we talked and with a hug and a laugh we bid each other adieu. I look back on that moment with poignancy and gratitude..we ended that visit laughing........
I'll miss you buddy, and as so many of us do I wish I had more time to hang out with you.
