THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, December 9, 1994 TAG: 9412090009
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A22 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 33 lines
In addition to Abe Goldblatt's great sports writing and his popularity among sports figures, he worked tirelessly for the good of Elkdom.
Abe was chosen in 1979 as Elk of the Year by his brothers at Elks Lodge 82. That is one of the highest honors bestowed upon a brother Elk.
Abe served as a devoted trustee for many years. He made arrangements with lots of the big bands to play at the lodge on special occasions and on New Year's Eve. He arranged to have dinner theaters with shows from Broadway. He also arranged boxing matches on a regular basis with profits from all functions going to various charities.
Abe loved his country and guided his life by the cardinal principles of our order: charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity.
To quote from Elkdom, ``(T)he faults of our brother we write upon the sand, his virtues upon the tablets of love and memory. He has passed into the light which is beyond the valley of the shadow of death. The places which have known his presence, shall know him no more, but his virtues are in our hearts.''
We all loved Abe.
JAMES CERZA
Past exalted ruler
Elks Lodge 82
Portsmouth, Nov. 29, 1994 by CNB