Herbert Nathaniel Eiseman

Herbert (Herb) Nathaniel Eiseman

It seems surreal to write of the passing of someone so full of life. In fact, Herb Eiseman lived a full life, always dedicated to his family and many friends who are mourning his loss.

He was born in Philadelphia on September 21, 1924 and passed on just short of his 95th birthday. Up until a short time before his passing, he was inviting people to his 100th birthday party, but that was not meant to be.

After a stint in the U.S. army, he graduated from UCLA with a Theatre Arts degree. His professional life as a music publisher and record producer started as a proverbial "mail boy" at the talent agency, Music Corporation of America, where he worked his way from the mail room to the board room, first as an agent and then ultimately as the president of the recording and music publishing division at 20th Century Fox studios, preceded by stints at Desilu, Motown and Broadcast Music Incorporated. He was a member of the American Film Institute, a founding member of the Motion Picture Arts and Science Museum, a voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and continuing in that capacity until recently.

After moving to the northwest from Los Angeles, he served on the board of the Seattle Youth Symphony, was president of the board of Bainbridge Arts and Crafts, a contributing member of Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, served on the board of the Island Music Guild and a volunteer at the Bainbridge Senior Center.

While his professional and volunteer life was filled with adventure and accomplishments, his greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his cherished wife of many years, Leatrice, as well as his much-loved daughters, Lori Wright and Beatrice Stone and his son, Benjamin and their respective partners, Tony, Bruce and Chris. His five grandchildren, Captain Ian Wright, Nick Wright, Shane, Brianna and Olivia Stone, plus nieces and nephews will all remember him with great fondness. Dad/Grandpa/Uncle Herb and brother-in-love to Ken and Annette Losin, he was always up for a laugh with a fun story to tell about his colorful career in the world of music, film and theatre.

A celebration of his life will be held on his birthday, September 21. As Herb would say: "Stay tuned for further developments".

Arrangements are entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island.