Basil Clyman, M.D.
July 13, 2014

"I first met Dr. Clyman as a first year medical student when he and his lovely wife Kathy hosted a group of us in their home for dinner once a month. Years later I was privileged to have him as a colleague at the VA. I cannot remember ever seeing him without a smile on his face. His dedication to his patients and the art of medicine was something that inspired us all. He will be very much missed."

"My husband Harvey Meyerhoff was a patient of Dr. Clyman's at the V.A. in W.L.A. for many years. They were always trading stories and "jokes". Harvey respected his opinion and medical advise. There will be a big void at the VA without Dr. Clyman. Harvey passed away on July 11, 2014. I am very grateful that Harvey had him as his physician. "

"Basil was our neighbor for close to thirty years. His smile, wit, and kindness are the gifts he left us. He was always available with a helping hand from lending a coffee pot to advising on health issues. We traded jokes and political commentary.We looked forward to his Tuesday night band sessions as the lively jazz danced over the hedge to our house. We were always included in Clyman family and friends' celebrations, feeling very welcome as soon as we stepped into the house. Bas was an outstanding human being. We mourn his loss and will be forever grateful to have had him in our lives. "

"Basil was one of our best teachers. He provided lectures on sports medicine that were highly valued. He was always full of energy and loved teaching. He was delightful man. His person and his lectures will be missed by UCLA Rheumatology fellows and faculty."

"Basil first crossed my path, 51 years ago, at the tennis court where he patiently waited through our family's slow-paced game of doubles; then he politely accepted our invitation to join us, as my Mother returned to the house. That's the first time i encountered his tactful way of focusing on redeeming qualities in those with less skill or knowledge than his. We were immediately engaged by his energetic conversation and charmed by his wit and genuine goodwill. As our friendship bloomed we came to admire his quest as a young doctor dedicated to expanding his knowledge of medicine as it continually evolved. After he astutely chose a rare and wonderful bride, Kathy endearingly welcomed his friends into her heart, where we've felt nurtured ever since. Their mutual consideration, loyal devotion to family, and positive approach to life have made their home a haven, and the world a better place. . Even during our last visit a few weeks ago, he was interested as ever in world events, while also expressing his deep concern about our veterans' developing health problems and needs. Seriousness of purpose and wisdom of a sage were leavened by his boyish spirit: laughing at silly jokes and sharing his horde of Belgian chocolate. Lately, he's been delighted at pithy phrases from their little grandson whose emerging talents on a pint-sized drum kit follow in Basil's footsteps. We were privileged to witness superb jazz sessions - with beaming Basil performing with longtime pals and fellow master musicians. This is a wrenching time of loss, yet I sense that all these moments and thousands in other aspects of his life, will reverberate forever.. . . "

"I will miss Basil. Mentor, friend, teacher he is without equal. He convinced me to become a healthcare provider and I will be forever grateful. He's enlivened all of our lives with his intellect, wit, wisdom and music. "

"UCLA Rheumatology mourns the passing of Dr. Clyman. He was an outstanding teacher and practitioner of physical rehabilitative medicine. Our profession is not the same without him. "