Avner S

February 24th - June 16th, 2020

Family

About

Name Avner S
Date of Birth February 24th
Date of Death June 16th, 2020
Home Town New York, NY, US 
Cemetery

Memorial

Cemetery Mt Tamalpais Cemetery
Address San Rafael CA
United States
Milestone

Milestones

1998 Southwestern School of Law, Juris Doctor
2002 Married Holly
2003 - 2020 Attorney, Sofer Law

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Brian published a tribute .

Avi with his brother Ben and their Mom. We had a tradition going that I would hand down my Beatle T-Shirts to him after I outgrew them. That was the event that inspired this photo.

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Holly S published a comment .

Thank you for this photo Brian!

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Erella Brown published a tribute .

Avner David Sofer (1).docx

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Holly S published a comment .

Erella, will you email me your .doc? It doesn't seem to be able to be shown here. - Holly

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Tom Obletz published a tribute .

I am shocked and saddened at the news of Avner’s passing. He was a good man and I miss his speedy tennis ability and His unique laugh. Rest In Peace my friend.

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Jerry Fraser published a comment .

Among my many memories of Avner...he would arrive late for Men’s Day and when he spotted me he would yell Jerrieee followed by Challenge!! and then nearing the end of play Rullies, our after tennis hang out. Avner was a sweet and caring guy always inquiring about my wife’s health. He often spoke of the challenges in coping with Hollys health and the deep affection for his daughter Stella and family. As I told Avner “your not the best tennis player but you are a 5.0 at verbiage on the court. It must be because you are paid by the word in your profession!”.. he thought that was funny even after hearing it many times. I wil miss Avner. My deepest sympathy to Holly and his family

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George Jackson published a comment .

Hard to believe, what a loss. RIP friend..

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Gary Lukey published a comment .

Avner was a great dad, he would bring Stella to the kids club when we played tennis then would always take. Stella to swimming or her ballet or other events. He was so proud of her.
Avner was an awesome guy always willing to put together tennis groups in the morning. Always came with a smile on his face.
He developed a nickname as the Avenator for his tenacious, unique style that would befuddle almost anyone. Fast as lightning, unpredictable as a storm.
Loved by all.
Avner, Holly and Stella came to visit me at Musso and Frank Grill in Hollywood and I was able to sit for lunch with them at the Charlie Chaplin table. It was a special day

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Joel Sklar published a comment .

Avner was the only tennis player I knew who was both a great guy, and a verb. To be "Avner'd" is to lose a point where you hit a great shot that shouldn't come back, that he'd get to somehow, hit the ball somehow to exactly the only spot on the court you didn't have covered, with enough spin that even if you reached it you couldn't handle it. Generally followed by that great laugh. Also a noun, an "Avner," as in "that was an Avner."
We will miss him.
Joel Sklar

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Holly S published a comment .

Joel, LOL!!! Thank you for that unique memory.

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Bob Ross published a tribute .

I should have been a better friend

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Holly S published a comment .

Bob, if Avner heard you say that his response would have been: "Oh, Please!!" and then he would have slapped you on the back and said, "I love you too, Man."

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Brian Colbert published a tribute .

Holly, I just found out about the loss of Avner. I'm keeping the whole family in my thoughts.

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Elise Semonian published a tribute .

I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Sofer passing. Your family is in my thoughts.

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David Swaim published a tribute .

Dear Holly, Kira and I just found out yesterday that Avner‘s passing we are heartbroken. VIP my friend!

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Justin Kobe published a tribute .

Dear Holly,
Haydee and I were informed today that Avner passed away in June. We are so sorry for your loss. Avner was a bright light, a joy to be around, and such a loving father to Stella. I will miss him very much.
Sincerely,
Haydee and Justin Kobe

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Tony Pourian published a tribute .

It’s truly sad and truly shocking. I’m so sorry. We lost a dear friend, a good friend, and - as he would say - a “cuz.”
RIP

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Justin Kobe published a comment .

Dear Holly,
Haydee and I were informed today that Avner passed away in June. We are so sorry for your loss. Avner was a bright light, a joy to be around, and such a loving father to Stella. I will miss him very much.
Sincerely,
Haydee and Justin Kobe

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Mandy Aguero published a tribute .

I met Avner years ago when he started taking my Cardio Tennis classes. He was a regular on the court and had a passion for tennis and a smile on his face always, well except when he missed a volley! He will be missed and my heart goes out to his wife and baby girl!

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Scott Key published a tribute .

Despite having met through tennis only a year ago, Avner and I became fast friends. On the court he was never at a loss for words or hesitant to break into song and dance routines. While he believed this improved his chance of winning, in reality the only real benefit was demonstrating the lovable nature to which his family and friends were drawn.

There aren't many personalities, or hearts, as big as Avner's. I'm glad to have been his friend, and will deeply miss our time together. To his family I offer my condolences, and share in your loss.

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Rich Gumbiner published a comment .

Avner will be greatly missed. He was a terrific tennis team member and playing partner. More often than not he'd have the opponents left jaws dropping: "how the hell did he GET that ball?". But more importantly, he always had an upbeat positive attitude , no matter how grim the situation might be. Positive, laughing, friendly to all in any situation- that's how I'll remember him.

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Holly Tate published a tribute .

Dearest Holly - I am so incredibly sorry for your loss.  While I wasn't lucky enough to know Avner very well, whenever I did get to spend time with him, his warmth, kindness, love of fun and devotion to you and Stella were unmistakable.  He will be incredibly missed by so many people and it is clear from all the tributes here how many lives he touched.  Holly, thinking of you and Stella every day and sending our love and support.

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Wendy Keefer published a tribute .

My dearest Holly and Stella, I so wish I had known Avner. The love and warmth that eminates from your description of him paints a picture of man with the capacity to touch everyone he knew. But most of all, he sounds like a man who loved you, the lights in his life. Hold that love close and he will always be with you. Xx

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Erella Brown Sofer published a comment .

Avner David Sofer (1).docx

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Josh Greene published a tribute .

Avner, I miss your open-hearted laugh wit, kindness, wise council and jovial character. I marveled at your guitar skills, was envious of your dance skills, took pity on your poker skills and admired the love and dedication you gave to Stella and Holly. I will miss our dinners, birthdays, Seders, celebrations, barn dances, trivia nights, poker nights, brunches and camping. You made me laugh, were a good person, and a great friend and you will be missed. Eve and I send our love and condolences to Holly, Stella, Sharrone and the whole Sofer/Selvig family.

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Julia Zave published a tribute .

Dear Holly​​,
my heart breaks to hear of your love’s sudden passing. I’ve met Avner only a few times; and each time his warmth, openness and love for you and Stella filled our space. He looked at you with deep love and in that joyful presence you bloomed. I wish you and Stella a lifetime of beautiful memories that will keep his love alive. Sending you all virtual hugs, strength, light and love.
♥️

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Angel Rivera published a tribute .

I'm at a loss for words, something Avner never suffered from. He was a dear friend and confidant. Whenever we played as partners our strategy was what we called ( little man tennis) sometimes it even worked. I will miss the constant chatter.

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Tim Griggs published a tribute .

Avner and I (along with Todd Whiteley and a few others here-and-there) had adventures all over the place from Southern California, where we met at law school, to South Carolina, where Avi married Holly, to San Francisco, California, where Holly and Avi settled down. Although I’m sad about his passing, I can’t help but smile when I think of Avner. We had such great times during weekend trips to Las Vegas, hanging out at Lake Havasu, or our weekly tennis matchers in Los Angeles. Avner was one of the handful people where the cliche truly fits: to know him was to love him!

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Todd Whiteley published a comment .

Avner was a “life force”- there was an authenticity and intimacy in a friendship with Avner. There was also a bit of irritation; in one breath he’d anoint me as “mensch” and then in the next moment ridicule my “man breasts.”
It was from Avner that I learned that “trash talking” is as vital a skill as a strong backhand or blistering serve to any well-rounded tennis game.
I think Tim and Martha and I might have been his gateway partners into a higher caliber of tennis addiction. Avner, I’m sorry we lost touch, but I look forward to affectionately talking trash with you again in whatever afterlife can put us both on centre court.

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Vito published a tribute .

I will miss our chess and poker games. I wish we could have played more. It was always good to see you at drop off and discuss when we would next play and what other shenanigans we would get up to. I will never forget your laugh and warm personality.

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David published a tribute .

Was an amazing guy and friend. I will miss him terribly. Always quick with his laugh ... that laugh, part Joker, part all his own ... loved his tennis gang, And his poker gang, adored his wife and daughter ... our last conversation was about how best to home school ... this makes no sense. Way too young and full of life. Phottobfrom hos last birthday dinner ... a night of laughs ... I drove him home after six too many. Keep smiling Avner, I know you will

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Ben Keefer published a comment .

I am very sorry to hear of Avner's passing. Avner was one of those cousins that I didn't get to see much or know in depth, BUT what I do remember of Avner is reflected by so many people's comments in this thread. I will remember him as a very nice, sincere, and happy guy that had a great infectious smile, and one who loved his family very much. God bless.

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Helena Mcmahon published a tribute .

Sweet, funny and always up for an adventure. Dancing on the table in Tel Aviv where Holly and Avner were traveling with our group.

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Jonathan Soffer published a tribute .

What a shock, I just saw him last week and continued our chuckle about sharing the same last name. Always knew when he was on the court by the constant sound of his laugh. That's the lasting impression I'll have of him, always laughing. And sprinting all over the court.....my sincerest condolences to his family.

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Bob Meyers published a comment .

Love that guy. The happiest most energetic tennis player ever.

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Shane published a tribute .

Deepest condolences to Holly and Stella - we are truly saddened
Avner was a good friend and wonderful father – he will be sadly missed
RIP my friend

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Marko published a tribute .

I'm deeply saddened by the loss of our tennis team captain, tireless roadrunner, and great friend Avner. He was immensely cheerful, kind, funny, and his generosity knew no bounds. The thought everything that happened, all day long, was hysterical and must be celebrated with a high pitched laugh. I never heard a mean word from Avner. I struggle to think how Holly and Stella will cope, but they must know they are surrounded by Avner's friends and we want to help.

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