March 2024 - 75

Natalie Hertz | 1934-2023
By the family
Natalie Hertz, a Platinum Life Master from Sherman
CT, died Dec. 9. She was 89.
Natalie attended Cornell University where she enjoyed
the stimulation of academic life and her work on the Cornell
Daily Sun. Soon, she met another Cornellian who became
her bridge-playing and life-sharing partner: Daniel
Hertz. Dan was accepted to Albany Medical School and
Natalie soon followed, finishing her degree at NY State
Teachers College/SUNY Albany. They married in 1955.
Natalie taught English until the birth of their children.
Natalie and Dan raised their boys in Harrison NY, where
they lived for 60 years. When her children grew more
self-sufficient, an ever-curious Natalie returned to graduate
school in 1972, receiving her law degree from NYU
cum laude. She was a fierce advocate for women's rights
and equality.
Playing tournament bridge became a passion, and
Natalie's efforts were met with great success, winning
over 100 regional tournaments and achieving the `rank` of
Eugene Davidson | 1930-2023
By Stephen Shane
Gene Davidson was born in New York City, graduating
from Bronx High School of Science at the age of 10(!).
After moving to California, he attended UCLA where
he became involved in West Coast bridge society. After
graduating with a degree in chemistry, he enrolled in Columbia
University graduate studies, earning his Ph.D. in
biochemistry in 1954. During his time in graduate school,
he was involved with the Kaplan-Sheinwold group of players
in the New York area.
In the fall of 1954, Gene, wife Alice, and newborn son
Mark relocated to Ann Arbor MI to join the biochemistry
faculty. Upon arrival, he was introduced at the Michigan
Union weekly game to Hall of Famer Zeke Jabbour by
director Helen Shanbrom, who later became queen of the
club games in South Florida. (She opined that Gene was
the finest player she had ever encountered.) A fruitful
partnership with Jabbour was formed, and it brought in
bridge-playing students like Herb Lavine, Chuck Burger,
Steve Shane and Jacqui Mitchell, usually recruited by
Alice to join the late-night dinners and card games of all
kinds at the Davidsons' home.
In 1958, Gene joined the faculty at Duke, rising to be a
full professor in the biochemistry department. He later
Platinum LM. Natalie and Dan represented
the U.S. in Mixed Pairs and
Mixed Teams events seven times in
world championships. Natalie simply
loved to solve the challenges presented
by a difficult hand and, more than that,
bridge led her and Dan to important and
lasting friendships.
Summers spent in Connecticut on Candlewood Lake
and Squantz Pond were filled with water skiing, sailing,
canoeing, swimming, board games, discussions and
laughter. Natalie may have been her happiest adventuring
around the world to more than a dozen countries with
those she loved. There were multiple trips to Africa, first
with Dan and their sons to Togo, and then later with their
grandsons for safaris. She was fearless, deeply curious
and embracing of all peoples and all cultures.
In addition to Daniel, Natalie is survived by sons,
David, Douglas and Steven; seven grandsons; and three
great-grandsons.
became the founding chair of biochemistry
at the Pennsylvania State Medical
School, and in 1988, became chair of
biochemistry at Georgetown University
School of Medicine, serving until retiring
as professor emeritus in 2008.
Gene was a man for all seasons, having
passion for his family, curating and
drinking a fabulous collection of fine wines stored in his
beloved wine cellar, classical music and Sunday Times
crossword puzzles. But the thread through it all was his
love for bridge and the friends and partners he accumulated
along the trail of tournaments. He played in the team
trials in the '50s with B.J. Becker, along with countless
sectionals, regionals, nationals and local club games, as
well as in several world championship events. He was a
deep analyst of position, a superior card player and a sympathetic
and supportive partner. All who were privileged
to partner with him appreciated the relationship.
Gene married Dr. Eve Barak in 1990, who, together
with Gene's four children with his first wife Alice, their
spouses and children, survive him. Gene and Eve retired
to Boynton Beach FL in 2007.
March 2024 | Bridge Bulletin |
75
March 2024

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