Writer, performer, and all-around generous guy David Rakoff died on August 9th. I never met him but I feel like I know him through his numerous performances on my favorite radio program, This American Life. Last week’s TAL episode is dedicated to David and his work so if you’ve never heard him you need to download the free podcast ASAP. Seriously, do it.
While David shared many things with the world through his books and essays, those of us who were never friends with him recently learned that he was also one of the world’s best gift givers. Through a Tumblr dedicated to him, his friends and family have uploaded images of the spectacular and creative gifts he made for loved ones to celebrate holidays and milestones.
His many obituaries list other facts about him (The New York Times one can be read here) but for me, viewing the collection of the gifts that David made communicates something even more touching and profound about who this man was. Even though I never knew him personally, I will miss David Rakoff.
Watch him on The Daily Show here.
Watch David’s performance on This American Life: