P.S. I’m Dead
by Thomas Rubick
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This is to let you know I died of brain cancer on July 19. Really. I was diagnosed in June, 2008, and have been having an interesting relationship (not one of those heroic battles) with it since. But finally the cancer won, and I died. And because cancers are incredibly stupid, so did it. (Note to scientists: Work on a smarter cancer with a broader understanding of the implications of its actions.)
Because I wrote this before I died, I don’t know the details, but I’m sure my death was inspiring, noble and loving. Or not. I really don’t know. Nor does it matter once you’re dead, I suspect.
I’m sorry to have left those who loved me so well my whole life: my wife Jeanne Maasch of Eugene; my sister Paulette Johnson of Ventura, California; my mother Patricia Craighead of Oxnard, California; and my truly wonderful children (Jade Rubick, Cody Rubick and Emilie Lamson) and delightful grandchildren (Tony, Sasha, Vivi and Tina), all of whom live in Portland. I love them beyond words and wish them the best. I also have a half-brother, Monte Rubick, in Lake Forest, California.
I was also blessed with beautiful and loving friends. More, I realized through this process, than I truly realized. In fact, there was much that I learned, and I feel blessed. I have had a wonderful life. I wish you the same.
In case it’s mandatory to include the facts: I was born to Patricia and Tony Rubick on March 16, 1948, in Long Beach, California. I received a BA from California State University in Long Beach and an MA from Kent State University. My first wife and the mother of my sons is Donna Sires in Portland. I married Jeanne Maasch in 1989. I lived in Eugene from 1977 to my death and was co-founder of Rubick & Funk Graphic Design. I taught as an adjunct at the UO for five years in the art department at LCC for 21. That’s about it.
A memorial service for Thomas Michael Rubick will be held at 3 pm Aug. 7, at the former Opus6ix Gallery, 22 W. 7th Ave., in Eugene.
A Note From the Publisher
Dear Readers,
The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.
That’s because of you!
Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.
Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.
We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.
And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.
None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.
As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.
Thank you for standing with us!
Publisher
Eugene Weekly
P.S. If you’d like to talk about supporting EW, I’d love to hear from you!
jody@eugeneweekly.com
(541) 484-0519