Edward L Lamkay

On March 8, 1937, the world welcomed Edward Lawrence Lamkay, a remarkable individual whose journey through life was marked by love, resilience, and a profound passion for art, design, and architecture. Growing up in the Long Island beachside community of Far Rockaway, New York, Edward, affectionately known as Eddy, and in his toddler days, “Cookie”, grew up with his close-knit and loving Jewish family; his parents, Lola and Harry, along with his two siblings, Renée and Victor. Victor currently resides in Palm Springs, California. Beloved sister, Renée, sadly passed away in 2015, Eddy\'s path to love and commitment led him to his beloved partner, Arthur Novell, whom he had the privilege of calling his husband. Their extraordinary bond, forged during their high school years, endured the test of time, culminating in a joyous union when same-sex marriage was legalized in New York on June 24, 2011. Together, they built a life predominantly in New York City, and more recently the serene town of Kent, Connecticut. After graduating from Far Rockaway High School, Eddy went on to achieve a Bachelor of Arts Degree in architecture from the prestigious Pratt Institute in New York. Additionally, he dedicated numerous years to serving in the US Army Reserve. As a youth, he had a passion for design and a vision for creating buildings and spaces that embraced modern living. Eddy practiced architecture as his chosen profession, very often collaborating with his Dad, Harry, in designing residential and commercial buildings. Harry, as stated on his business card was a “Builder of Fine Homes for Modern Living”, and Eddy along with Harry lived up to that business card description, working together on many projects on Long Island including the Medical Center Building at John F. Kennedy Airport. Eddy\'s creative talents transcended the realm of architecture. His artistic abilities extended to various areas, where he excelled as an interior and furniture designer, a masterful landscape artist, and a gifted photographer. Eddy\'s creative pursuits allowed him to explore and express his artistic vision in a variety of ways, often helping family and friends with their personal home projects. In later years, and for nearly two decades, he worked closely with his husband, Arthur, as the comptroller and confidant for the renowned Markham/Novell Communications firm in New York City, whose clients included, beloved Jim Henson and the Muppets, and the prestigious American Film Institute (AFI). Along with his brother Victor, Eddy shared a passion for cars, and particularly classic cars. He has owned and enjoyed immensely the 1985 red Subaru Wagon, which today could easily sit as a new car in the show room, and still remains in the garage at his Kent home. This mutual passion for cars formed a special bond for brothers. There were many other ways they bonded. Throughout Victor\'s husband Hector\'s battle with cancer, and in Héctor’s final moments, Eddy provided unwavering support and remarkable empathy. Eddy’s Hebrew name, Bezalel, is from the book of Exodus (31:2, 31:6). Bezalel was chosen by God to create much of the original tabernacle, the sacred space of worship and divine connection. In addition, from the Dictionary of Proper Hebrew names, it reads “The Shadow, Protection of El/God”. You readers can decide, is it just a coincidence or that the “El” is also for Edward Lamkay? In honoring Eddy\'s Hebrew name, Bezalel, and thinking about the mysterious alignment between his name and the divine presence of \"El,\" is it possible to embrace the consoling notion that there are forces at work far beyond our comprehension? While we mourn the loss of Eddy\'s physical presence, let’s be reminded of the profound impact he made on the lives he touched, in particular with his immediate family, with husband Arthur, and extending to the many friends and family on the east coast, on the west coast and even across the pond to London England. May our dear Eddy’s memory inspire us to pursue our passions wholeheartedly, to embrace love and commitment without reservation, and to find beauty in the spaces we create.