Philosopher, Physician, Minister, Humanist, Friend
We were fortunate to have known Alan Mermann, a dear and glorious physician who, during his earthly tenure, wore many hats: cared for pediatric patients, investigated art, music, philosophy and attended to the spirit. He was a pioneer in death and dying studies at Yale; a patient and gentle man who cared for many both physically as a pediatrician and spirituality as the pastoral leader for Yale Medical School.
As chaplain, he created a safe space for medical students to come and decompress from their crazy schedules. We visited this sanctuary once and remember a quiet place with comfortable chairs, coffee, tea, cookies, the New York Times and a pervasive feeling of welcome. We also recall a lecture Mermann gave around 1990 on van Gogh’s life called “Starry, Starry Night.” It had music, great images and inspired introspection. How many presentations are still vividly remembered after a quarter of a century?
Alan Mermann’s obituary in The Hartford Courant is a pithy introduction to his remarkable life.
Celebrate him by listening to Don McLean's "Starry, Starry Night" which Mermann played for us at that long-ago lecture.