MJ Eckhouse Obituary (1991 - 2020)

MJ Eckhouse, age 29, passed away October 21, 2020. Preceded in death by his grandparents. He is survived by his husband, Lis Regula; parents, Mark Lasersohn and Ellen Eckhouse; step daughter, Vivian Stjerne; brother, Xyl Lasersohn; aunts, Maria Eckhouse, Robin Lasersohn, and Sharon Haworth; uncles, Morris Eckhouse, Terry Rumsey, and Peter Lasersohn; and many cousins, friends, and a large recovery family. MJ was a beloved and passionate member of the community who continually found ways to fight for his progressive values. In his too short days, he made a far larger impact than many people do in a generous lifetime. He was vital in passing inclusive non-discrimination protections in Kent, where he found love and activism during his time at Kent State University. He graduated with a Bachelor's in Political Science in May of 2018, and quickly put those skills to work, first as campaign manager for the 2018 Democratic candidate for Portage County Auditor, then as Outreach Coordinator for CANAPI in Akron, and most lately as Communications Coordinator for the Ohio Environmental Council. After a Lake Erie beach wedding in July of 2019, his husband and he moved from Kent to Columbus as a compromise in their respective career paths. Nearly equaling his passion for progressive was his passion for music. During high school, he performed with the Glassmen Drum Corps where he played trumpet and coronet, and in many high school bands as well. His college career began at Ohio Wesleyan University as a music education major but was set aside temporarily while life happened. Throughout his life, he found pleasure in playing a variety of instruments including guitar, and most recently, drums. He also wrote prose and songs, including many for his husband Lis. To know MJ was to know the spirit of tikkun olam. He leaves behind a plethora of folks from a wide range of nationalities, races, religions, socioeconomic and educational backgrounds, genders, and orientations whose life he touched. Countless folks are where they are today thanks to MJ's help, whether that was a compassionate ear, a recommendation or reference, technical assistance, or education. He was able to connect with people from all backgrounds and without fail touched their hearts and left their lives better for knowing him. He was a beacon of hope in broken times, as well as a relentless fighter for a better world. All of this was on top of a brilliant and creative mind. His loss leaves a chasm that cannot be filled, but you can honor his memory by voting to support the values you share with him this November 3rd. A private graveside service will be held on Wednesday, October 28 at New Tifereth Israel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in MJ's memory may be made to the Kaleidoscope Youth Center www.kycohio.org and ACLU Ohio www.acluohio.org Online guestbook at www.epsteinmemorial.com