“On Rosh Hashana it is inscribed, and on Yom Kippur it is sealed. How many shall pass away and how many shall be born. Who shall live and who shall die. Who shall reach the end of his days and who shall not.”

Unetanah Tokef, High Holy Day prayer

On September 23, 2025, the first day of Rosh Hashana, Tishrei 1, 5786, Bill and Katie sat together reciting this awe-inspiring prayer. Less than 24 hours later, on the second day of the Jewish New Year, Bill Kleiman passed away, suddenly and completely unexpectedly.

After celebrating his 60th birthday in June, Bill was in great health. Thanks to a new workout regimen and healthier diet, Bill recently told Katie he was feeling “stronger than ever”. His family teased him about the tightening of his shirts around his biceps. With clear eyes focused towards the future, Bill had exciting things ahead to look forward to. His art advisory business was growing steadily as word of his insight and expertise spread in the community. An upcoming exhibit planned for his Napkin Drawings was to be held in the new year. No one, not even his doctor, could have predicted the events of the night of September 24th. Around 3am, Bill got up use to the restroom. On his way there, he collapsed, waking Katie with a crash to the floor. She immediately called the paramedics who transported Bill to the Emergency Room at St. John’s hospital, just across the street from their apartment. Tragically there was nothing they could do to revive him. By 5am, Katie was already returning home to their Santa Monica apartment alone. Still pending an official cause of death, the doctor's best guess was a massive pulmonary embolism. And just like that, her husband, her best friend, her “lucky charm” Bill was gone.

You may have known Bill as a fellow parent at the Mirman School where his daughter Izzy attended grade school. Friends of Izzy knew Bill as the Swim dad, the Dance dad or the room parent year after year. Bill loved giving back to his alma mater, where he was able to watch Izzy thrive. A Superstar Dad, Bill reveled in mundane tasks like cutting apple slices, making coffee or shooting pictures for the yearbook. He was a constant fixture at the school, cheering his daughter on from the sidelines, beaming with pride while watching Izzy excel at her scholastic and extracurricular activities. Nothing gave Bill more nachas.

Or you may have known Bill as an artist and art advisor. Not only a highly skilled craftsman himself, Bill had a unique eye for sourcing new and upcoming talent. Beloved in the local Los Angeles gallery scene, Bill helped many an art collector curate their collection. As an artist himself, he could understand and appreciate how other artists created their work. As Katie explains, “Bill had a perfect eye. If he told you to purchase a particular piece, you'd be wise to listen”. Bill had a unique ability to make art more accessible to people. While reviewing works he admired, he spoke with so much passion and contextual insight, it was infectious. My favorite works of Bill’s were his recent collection of Napkin Drawings. Intricate, detailed, almost microscopic depictions of the chaos of current times, Bill used to work on these pen drawings while listening to Katie record her weekly podcast. He recently posted Napkin drawing number 119 on September 12, 2025, 12 days before he passed away. (If you haven't yet seen this impressive body of work, the full collection is posted on Bill's Instagram page @ Bill Kleiman Napkin Drawings )

Or you may have known Bill as a dedicated Jew and political activist, a clear voice of compassion and morality, wearing the weight of the world on his shoulders. An avid news junkie, researcher, philosopher, student of history, and lover of democracy in America and Israel, Bill was palpably troubled in recent times. Feeling a personal calling to be actively engaged in creating a better future, Bill could often be found marching at demonstrations, phone banking for politicians he supported, or debating respectfully on social media (a rare talent). Bill was passionate, Bill was curious, and Bill never wanted to stop learning or helping.

We are all left shocked and hurting by his sudden passing. While no family can ever adequately prepare for the loss of a loved one, such an unexpected and untimely death leaves Bill’s immediate family reeling. After losing his second brother, Richard, also unexpectedly, only a few weeks ago, no one would have predicted that Bill’s mother Shirley, 104 years of age, would have survived all 3 of her sons.

There are many broken pieces to put back together. During a time of such immense sorrow and loss, those of us who loved Bill feel called to help, just as we know he would have done for us. The expense of burial costs can be overwhelming, especially following an unexpected death such as this. Please, if you are able, consider donating to the Go Fund Me I have established to help Katie cover all death-related expenses. My cousin Bill will always hold a special place in my heart. It is impossible for me to think back on the decades of Jewish holidays we spent together without seeing his bright smile or hearing his gentle voice. Together we will get through this, together we will hold each other up, together we will make sure that the most important people in his life are supported and cared for.

Thank you in advanced for your help. All contributions will go directly to Katie Cooper-Kleiman and their daughter, Izzy. Bill's memory will forever be a blessing to all who were lucky enough to know and love him.