For those who may not know, the Coming Home Hospice is directly next to a school building that originally housed the SF Friends School when the school begin in 2002. For those who also may not know, Stephen was a key bridge between the SF Friends Meeting and the SF Friends School, making sure that the Quaker component was strong and true, not an easy role for an ambitious new private school.
In those early years, the hospice said their residents loved hearing the children playing outside. There is a different school there and it has suspended its in person classes for sheltering in place, but it is a beautiful if haunting image to keep in mind.
Stephen was a continuing presence at the SF Friends School, attending monthly community meeting for worship, serving on the Quaker Life Committee, and sharing his philosophies around NOT riding in ANY private automobile even if it was already going where he wanted to go. At the time, I thought it was bordering on the peculiar, now I see Stephen as so far ahead of his time with our now understanding of climate catastrophe.
Stephen also shared his dedicated work with the Alternatives to Violence Project in Ca. prisons. I'll write more about that later.
Much Love to Stephen and all his family and all of us. Charlie Spiegel, CharlesSpiegelLaw@gmail.com
This is definitely in the category of Things I Cannot Change (as much as I would like to fantasize that I can.) Somehow, Steven, I think I had expected you to outlive us all. Goodbye my friend. I guess Iwould have gotten to know you anyway once you actually settled in SF, but thank you for standing up that day after meeting and announcing you were looking for a place to live.
Stephen, I hope you know how very much I love you. You are one of those people who very presence inspires joy and hope and admiration. I'm glad you'll have this time to be reminded how very loved you are, and loved by so very many people. Hugs.
Stephen, this is Nick, Phyllis' son. I only met you twice, but the first time (when we all visited SF was I was nine) had a lasting, outsize impact on my life. You took us to Coit Tower, several other places around SF, and Big Sur/Carmel, and I declared with all the gravitas of a nine-year-old that I would live in SF some day. It took twenty years to come true, but it did, and my life is immeasurably better for doing so. it was great to see you again last year with my mom. Please know that that chance visit affected my life trajectory in immensely positive ways. Thank you.
Hi Stephen. I am holding you and your whole family in the Light. Your birthday party sounds like it was a blast and it is a joy to read how well accompanied you are. Love and bliessings. Dorene Cornwell
I continue to put you in Jesus's arms, sweet, good buddy. We never got to spend much time together, but really connected when we did meet. So precious!
Stephen,
We love you! I am so grateful for you and all you've done for so many people within the Quaker community. I feel blessed to to be part of it. Thank you. In the Light, Patricia Portillo
Dear Stephen,
Sending love from the Seattle area. I have such a sense of love covering you, the love that you have given to so many returning back to you and continuing to spread out. Thank you for the ways in which you have manifested this love and this Truth.
Jana
Stephen,
Your presence was sorely missed yesterday at Quarter. You are being held tenderly in the Light by all. Your contribution to Friends, to our wider fellowship is something palpable to all of us within our community, and we've been privileged to share this Friendly journey with you for the past 4 decades. Godspeed dear Friend.
In those early years, the hospice said their residents loved hearing the children playing outside. There is a different school there and it has suspended its in person classes for sheltering in place, but it is a beautiful if haunting image to keep in mind.
Stephen was a continuing presence at the SF Friends School, attending monthly community meeting for worship, serving on the Quaker Life Committee, and sharing his philosophies around NOT riding in ANY private automobile even if it was already going where he wanted to go. At the time, I thought it was bordering on the peculiar, now I see Stephen as so far ahead of his time with our now understanding of climate catastrophe.
Stephen also shared his dedicated work with the Alternatives to Violence Project in Ca. prisons. I'll write more about that later.
Much Love to Stephen and all his family and all of us. Charlie Spiegel, CharlesSpiegelLaw@gmail.com