“They that love beyond the world cannot be separated by it.
Death cannot kill what never dies.
Nor can spirits ever be divided, that love and live in the same divine principle, the root and record of their friendship.
If absence be not death, neither is theirs.
Death is but crossing the world, as friends do the seas; they live in one another still.
For they must needs be present, that love and live in that which is omnipresent.
In this divine glass they see face to face; and their converse is free, as well as pure.
This is the comfort of friends, that though they may be said to die, yet their friendship and society are, in the best sense, ever present, because immortal.” --William Penn
So many years you kept AVP financially going... thank you. I haven't been medically able to participate for many years nor did I have a personal connection with you. I represent so many people in AVP who have met you briefly or even not at all... just known your name and work... and will never forget your service..... "Differently Dotty" North Bay AVP
Stephen, I treasure you and the bits of the path we have walked together.
What a pleasure it has been to sing together over the years! I remember our quartet of “The Lone Wild Bird” as a floating meditation with Kathryn Neale Manalo and Jim Anderson for one of the Yearly Meeting Memorials. And the hard work of stealing time for rehearsals of a mashup of Holly Near’s “I Am Willing” and Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” with Mark Beckham-Shirey and Gail and Faith Eastwood, when you nailed the notes for the dissonant chords to ring out. And the exquisite sweetness of taking you and Jim to practice Carin Anderson’s “Instrument” in my favorite spot for singing from college days, the echo-y octagonal chapel inside the walled garden at Scripps College. We couldn’t take the chapel with us to Family Night, but Don Bean recorded us singing and holding hands: https://youtu.be/vMXlow6QBWA
Thank you also for being the kind of friend who would share honestly and deeply about our faith journeys. I remember cracking up together after worship at a Quarterly Meeting in San Francisco, when I had spoken the brief message, “I am God’s.” You knew and felt exactly what that meant, while some Friends had missed the apostrophe-S. And a conversation at Ben Lomond early on in your calling not to drive or accept rides in cars, when you said you would continue to follow that as long as it brought you joy.
Many blessings on all the things that have brought you joy in this life, May joy accompany you as long as you remain with us, and in the letting go. Much love to you, and to all who love you.
Dear Stephen: In my memory, the sidewalk at the corner of Larkin and Golden Gate and the Federal Building will forever belong to the Quaker Peace Vigil, at least on Thursdays from noon to 1:00!
Thank you for making that opportunity available to any comers, bringing the signs and banner from the Meeting House. Your loyalty and devotion to peace and social justice are inspirational. As one of those comers, I send my love and strength.
The Department of Peace Lucille Dean
Please let Stephen know how much Jill and I love him and appreciate his beautiful commitment to Bible study and to living his faith with integrity and loving kindness. Over the years I've enjoyed Stephen's hospitality and stayed with him numerous times when I served as editor of Friends Bulletin and he served on the Board. He has been a visitor at our home and we always delighted in his company. Stephen, you have an inspiration to us and we are holding you in the Light of God's unrelenting love during this time of transition.
Elena Ramirez has asked me to send this along to Stephen. Thank you to all of you. Peace & love, Michele
Hi dear friend Stephen:
Not a day goes by without thinking about you and continue to uphold you and your family in my prayers.
To read your journal make sad because the serious of your health's condition, but I find that my emotion is appropriated sentiment because I know you has been a great leader for me, for us your fellow companion in our witness for peace on Thursdays days, your faithful and strong leadership to the community is exemplary.
May God hold you close to his heart and encircle you with his love in this difficult time in your life through the care of your medical team.
Hey Stephen. I just wanted you to know that Scott and I are thinking of you. I am hoping that just imagining you thinking about you and I playing Scrabble might bring a smile to your face. All of Kinley Manor are loving you from Portland—me, Scott, the Brown Bomber and Diva!
Dear Stephen, you are such a light! You have been an inspiration to me. Thank you for the bible study, for your testimony on riding in private vehicles, for your example in making amends, for your humility, your wonderful singing voice, your humor; Even for retiring early and surviving HIV. I hope your tenacity in clinging to life will serve you well, and you may stay with us longer. I will miss you if you go. You are a pillar of our community.
I trust that heavenly arms and loved ones wait to receive you when you move on.
I hope to see you again. Love, Jan
Dearest Stephen, How can tell you how much I have treasured our friendship and how meaningful your
life's testimony has been to me. It consists of dedication to a cause you believe in, patience, persistence,
faith, hope and love. All of these qualities I admire and appreciate in you so much and you have inspired so
many, especially me, in pursuing a calling with God's help. Thanks for your availability of love,
I hold you in the Light as you begin to transition to a new place. We'll be following your lead, as usual!!!
Love,
Sue
Dear David and Carol, thank you so much for keeping us informed about Stephen!
Dear Stephen, I am sorry that I’m unable to visit you to give you a hug and reassure you that you’re so dearly loved by so many friends and family members. I have cherished your strong, but gentle presence at Meeting; but I feel certain that your spirit will continue to join us forever. We hold you in the Light, and we clearly feel your sweet presence as you open your arms and receive that Light as you have always done in Meeting for Worship. Please know that you are surrounded by our love and that you will remain in our hearts forever. Sending you love and great peace, Harmony
Death cannot kill what never dies.
Nor can spirits ever be divided, that love and live in the same divine principle, the root and record of their friendship.
If absence be not death, neither is theirs.
Death is but crossing the world, as friends do the seas; they live in one another still.
For they must needs be present, that love and live in that which is omnipresent.
In this divine glass they see face to face; and their converse is free, as well as pure.
This is the comfort of friends, that though they may be said to die, yet their friendship and society are, in the best sense, ever present, because immortal.” --William Penn