I am gone. It would take few words to describe my life, and I prefer to spend the space thanking those who made this journey a joy. My intent was to act kindly from a loving heart. I hope I succeeded more often than not. Please forgive the times I failed.

Looking back, the best joys were simple times: rain song and moon rise, singing circles, amusing gatherings around tables, breathtaking moments at the theatre, the sensuality of swimming in warm salt water, and reveling in the treasured ardor of four-legged companions. Best days included their play.

We are pearls
Born little grains of sand
Iridescent
Unaware of how much
Light’s reflecting

Born in Virginia on October 27th, 1956, I was blessed to have shared most of my life with my mother, Betty, and at least one adult decade with sister Leafy. I saw my eldest sister, Willa, less often, like my brother Bill, but I enjoyed gatherings with them and my nephew Nick, his children Slade and Raven, and wife Stephanie. I love them, as well as my niece Laureen (all Briggs).

I was graduated from San Jose State Univ., where I met my mentor, Dr. Bob Jenkins. Farewell, and thanks, old pal. I worked in the Mayer Theatre at Santa Clara Univ., and went to grad school at San Francisco Univ. Through these I met many lifelong friends, especially the truest friend of my heart for 37 of her 57 years, Beth Bisgrove Wayne, a profound blessing in my life.

Upon her retirement in 1988, Betty and I relocated to Ferndale, CA, where we were lucky to find a welcoming community and a beautiful haven. Good fortune extended to the deep, lasting and valued friendship of Clint Rebik. There’s no one I’d rather travel with; thank you for being my complimentary male. Along with Tom Roscoe, Peggy Metzger, Chris, Nancy and Red Jioras, you treated me like family.

From 1992 to 2017 I enjoyed colleagues through the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce. Years of work for my writing/design business led to many more as a volunteer. It also brought me to Carl and Karen Pingitore. Both were always incredibly supportive, especially of Victorian Village Mysteries, the business Beth and I created, which turned out to be one of the highlights of my life. If you get the opportunity to work and play with your best friends, grab it! Carl was too soon gone, but Karen continued to be my stalwart. Thanks, Ping.

Of the many pearls who have helped me through: Annie, Barbara, Ben, Bonnie, Caroline, Connie, Jan, Joan, Jyl, Karen, Kat, Kelly, Linda, Marlene, Melody, Mike, Nancy, Randy, Ray, Steve, Stuart, Sydnie, Tamara, Terry, and the rest, your presence always is a gift and sometimes a lifesaver. Thank you for your generosity.

We are pearls
Born little grains of sand
And more precious
Than we could ever
Understand.

— Verses from Pearls by Sarah Nutting (MaMuse)

A “Gathering of Friends” has been planned for her birthday on Sunday, Oct. 27th. Details will be available closer to that date.