David Rajnar Vajra-Loeb

David Rajnar Vajra-Loeb, longtime Amherst resident, was born in New York City on September 16, 1947 to Marvin and Bernice (Cherry) Loeb. His first years were spent in New York City until age 6 when his family moved to San Diego, CA. Some of his earliest and happiest memories of childhood were of time spent with loving grandparents in New York City and of pushing his baby brother Jef in a carriage along the Coney Island boardwalk. Early in his life and throughout his 75 years, Rajnar showed a talent for music and writing, and was fascinated by how things work, how people work, and all the unanswered “whys” of the Universe. He would carry this curiosity and interest throughout his life and apply it to his songs, art, and writing. After graduating from Mission Bay High School, Rajnar attended Berkeley College in the mid 1960s and began some of his musical relationships during that time, forming the band Ship of the Sun as guitarist and vocalist. He spoke often of the enjoyment he found in his peaceful and reflective early adult years in California in a community of musicians. His band eventually undertook a journey across the country to explore the music scene on the East Coast, leading Rajnar to Massachusetts where he established some of his most important lifelong friendships and collaborative relationships. His interests and talents were nearly limitless over the course of his life owing to his curiosity and eagerness to try almost anything that sparked his interest, though music and writing always had top billing as his greatest passions and most expressive mediums. He was an enthusiastic musician, music teacher, jeweler, artist, and science fiction writer. His short stories and novellas have appeared in numerous formats and his two novels, Dr. Alien and Opening Wonders, were recently published after years of extensive work. Rajnar passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 16. His extraordinary nature and beautiful life continue to be cherished by his beloved wife of 30 years D.L. Ainsworth, his brother Jef Loeb (Deb Loeb) of Connecticut, and his four stepchildren Heather-Lee Marsh (Kevin Marsh) of Easthampton MA, Jenicca Gallagher (Sean Gallagher) of Belchertown MA, Jeremy Mainville (Heather Shields) of Holly Springs NC, and Lauren Mainville (Ralph Cutter) of Orange MA. A source of great delight were four grandchildren who called him “Baba”; Alexis Mainville-Shaefer, Joey Mabry, Lyla Mainville, and Rhys Mainville. He is also held dear in the hearts of countless extended family members, community friends and neighbors, music students, fellow artists, and science fiction readers and writers. Rajnar appreciated finding positive and inspirational qualities in others, and one of his favorite places to meditate and reflect was the Leverett Peace Pagoda where he spent many happy hours with his wife. Rather than flowers or donations, Rajnar’s family hopes that his loved ones and friends might instead be inspired to perform random acts of kindness whenever we find ourselves remembering his gentle spirit and well lived life. DROZDAL FUNERAL HOME of Northampton has been entrusted with his arrangements. For more information or to leave the family a personal condolence, please visit Drozdalfuneralhome.com

David Rajnar Vajra-Loeb

September 16, 1947 - May 16, 2023