Joshua Michael Klegerman

December 2nd, 2019

I first met Josh, when he, Matthew and Magdalena came to Florence to study. We hit it off immideately, and vere close friends since that night we met at the pub, where everyone gathered on friday nights. We had much fun together, and we often shared space in the studio. He quickly became one of us, and he, like me, got along well with everyone, no matter the level or studioaffiliation. He embodied everything a good student of painting should, that is to be open to what lessons life and nature offers. He had time for everyone, and always went out of his way to make sure everyone around him were doing ok. Josh was a rare and kind soul! I, along with scores of others around the globe, will miss him dearly. The community/family Josh became a a part of almost 2 decades ago, is still around. I love you brother! Rest well..

Per.

~Per Olav Olsen
~Friend and classmate, Stavanger, Norway.

December 2nd, 2019

Forever in my heart and thoughts Josh. I can’t put in words how much pain I feel. I’m thankful for been so understanding. So generous and sweet. I’ll treasure all your paintings that I took with me. Forever present.

~Emilia Cantor
~Ex wife, San José, Costa Rica

December 1st, 2019

Josh was an incredible genuine, kind and deep person. The conversations with him would transition from light, funny and humorous into metaphysical and profound. I had the privilege and pleasure to call him my friend during our shared years of study in Florence, Italy. I met him before the first day of school and he made me immediately feel welcome. We shared studios during our final year of study and I enjoyed seeing the process of him painting his self portrait. I will always associate the copper color of his beard with the deep moss green that he loved to wear. I will forever treasure my memories of him and carry them in my heart.

~Cornelia Hernes
~Friend/classmate, Norwegian

December 1st, 2019

Memories of an engaging and present man:
I remember Josh in Florence, working twice as much as others, un-assuming and calm in character, often putting other people’s needs before his. He was a resilient student who didn’t have it as easy as some.
He had a large presence in the studio, always receptive and curious. In conversation, he was always engaging, able to carry himself throughout the widest range of subjects. You really felt he was present, even if he did have a touch of melancholy to him. A sensitive person, wearing his heart on his sleeve, and if you had the good fortune to make him laugh, it’s contagious nature was a joy to witness. He always had funny nicknames for people, some of which were so cryptic, that it took a while to understand them!

It is sad we have to reflect on Josh at such a young age. Perhaps it can remind us all to reflect on how much our loved ones and friends mean to us, and to let them know before it’s too late.

~toby wright
~friend, teacher from Florence., monte-carlo

December 1st, 2019

There are so many people here that knows Josh in every way so much better than me. And knowing him a little still leaves behind a huge gratitude. Josh was someone who would touch everyone’s life with such a warm, fun presence and was able to create a space where anyone would feel welcome. There was so much space and kindness around Josh and it continues to be so. He is beautiful. My most sincere condolences to his loved ones.

~Hege Elisabeth Haugen
~Friends and students at the FAA together, Norway

November 30th, 2019

Josh was generous, spontaneous, insightful, thoughtful, and so much more. When we were first dating I broached the idea of moving to Portland from Chicago together by way of a 10,000 mile road trip in my car with my cat and aiming to camp most of the time. It was an amazing trip. We saw so much beauty every day, had our own struggles with fighting about setting up the tent each night, and it really tested/strengthened our relationship.

One of our favorite stops was highly unexpected and we just happened upon it by luck – the town and National Park of Hot Springs, Arkansas. If you haven’t been, I’d highly recommend. Josh was always making up silly little songs about every day things and turning little mundane tasks into little diddies. We were just being silly and teasing each other walking down the street there on our way to soak in some hot spring baths and somehow that led to this ridiculous little song that was sort of our own inside joke theme song from then on.

His zest for finding little ways to enjoy life more we’re always such a treat. It could be something like that song or the joy of a good hike or from finding a new spot for foraging mushrooms. I’ll miss all his fabulous cooking and snuggles and hearing him call out his nickname for me (beebew). So much more, but I’ll never be able to phrase it in that poetic way that he always had with language.

I miss you beebee and I love you.

~Laura Jean Stypka
~Partner, Portland, OR

November 29th, 2019

Oh Josh, I will forever cherish our talks and how we were able to speak with such conviction, honestly & love. We held each others beliefs to the highest regards and would have magical conversations. Your imprint on this world has been deep, Loving and will continue for long after
This heart breaking moment in time. You will be missed but never
Forgotten.

~Jenifer (Sanders) Gutke
~Friend, Joliet, IL