Yesterday my friend Stephen passed away from complications related to Brain Cancer. His death hit me harder than I had expected. When I had heard about Stephen passing away, my memories of my father came flooding in. My father had passed away in a similar fashion from a different type of brain cancer.
I wasn’t particularly close to Stephen, but I remember him fondly. He was one of the few people who took the time to get to know me when others wouldn't. He took the time to engage in conversation with me even though I wasn’t the most pleasant person to be around. He took the time to listen to me when I really needed someone to listen to me. I remember sitting in peace circles with him and learning a great deal from his insights. I realized that it was people like him that truly helped me to heal, to become the person I am today. Goodbye Stephen!
Hi David,
So sorry to hear of Stephen's passing. We were friends in high school. One memory is of hanging out with him and other friends at your family's house over-looking Hood Canal sharing warm and interesting conversations. I am sorry I came to this site too late to say hello to him, and I wish all of you peace in this sad moment.
Melanie Graves Rios
Thank you David for keeping us informed these past days. Stephen was (and still is) such a light in the world. He was my first AVP facilitator --and such an inspiration. He has left the world a better place as he moves on to his next journey.
David, I am from Stephen's Lakeside class. We had a Zoom call last Saturday and talked about Stephen. Anno Heideman and I lit a candle in honor of him. One memory I have is that he got 800 on both the English and Math parts of the SAT! I'm sorry I haven't seen Stephen in a number of years, but we've stayed connected with the invites to our class get-togethers.
I will let our class know.
Best to you during this tough time.
Lysa
We' re grateful that you were there with Stephen, David. I will connect with Kathy or your Dad today and bring some warm clam chowder if they'd like that, keeping our distance, and visiting from the front door area.
I will be informing the HCEC Board---we all care. We are grateful that Stephen went so peacefully and that he was spared further suffering.
Karen & Phil Best
Thank you for letting us know, David. His Tuesday night group shared some lovely memories of Stephen last night. I’m glad he passed peacefully. There is a Stephen shaped hole in our world now.
As Stephen departed us in the Light, I feel he left so much Light with us, in sharing his journey, his joy at reuniting with his son, the power of forgiveness, the importance of attending to our spiritual callings while we can. Thank you for your openness in sharing with Stephen's community of Friends and beyond. Peace be with Stephen, you and your family.
David - Thank you for sharing this difficult news. Your post was simple and clear and honest, just like your dear brother. Indeed, the world has changed and we will all need to find our way to go forward in a world without Stephen. Please know that you and your entire family are in my prayers, as I know this is such a sad time for all of you. May you find some comfort in knowing that you are all being prayed and cared for. Peace, Kim
I wasn’t particularly close to Stephen, but I remember him fondly. He was one of the few people who took the time to get to know me when others wouldn't. He took the time to engage in conversation with me even though I wasn’t the most pleasant person to be around. He took the time to listen to me when I really needed someone to listen to me. I remember sitting in peace circles with him and learning a great deal from his insights. I realized that it was people like him that truly helped me to heal, to become the person I am today. Goodbye Stephen!