Ancestral Vibes
Please contribute short anecdotes or remembrances of our
beloved ancestral elders so that our newer family folks can sense
their spirit and carry on the vibe. This page is looking for
articles on Desert Flower, Tish, Greenfeather, Vern, Fat Fred,
Theresa, Bill Baxter, and the others.
You can send them to
webmaster@nerflings.org
It would also be nice to have pictures.
Corrections (if correct) are also welcome.
I've taken a couple of things from historic alt.gathering.rainbow
archives. Others arrived in email.
Table of Contents
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The last time I saw Sunbear was at the Pennsylvania
July 4, 1999
gathering. He mentioned that he had been having heart trouble, but
he seemed fine. We sat with him for a while in a field between
NERF kitchen and Main Circle, because he was tired of walking,
but thought nothing of it because it was a nice day and we too
liked sitting for a while better than walking.
After we got back home the news arrived by email that he had died
at the gathering. I am sure that if he had his choice he would
have lived a while longer, but I also think that his second choice
would have been to leave the Earth before he left the gathering.
I remember reading this story at that time. It was so good that I
went archiving and found it again. -- WebMaster
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These stories of Sunbear were posted on alt.gathering.rainbow
The Death of Sunbear
Sunbear Memorial Gathering
TC passed away in the night of Wednesday 2005-Dec-14 after
battling cancer for a while. There was a memorial at the
Vermont regional gathering of 2006-Aug-04/13.
T.C. and Leon
Joseph GreenFeather
GreenFeather and the Cigarette
From: <sister@redacted.com>
To: <world@redacted.org>
Subject: Rainbow Bear
Date: Mon, 25 Sep 2006 09:31:51 -0400
Greetings, Brothers and Sisters.
I just got back this morning (Monday) to find that Rainbow Bear
died Friday morning. V and Mama Bear saw him just the night
before, and he'd been doing quite well, health-wise.
Also, he left his body just
before V was due to come back up north, so that was really cool timing.
Apparently, he was okay with it and ready. I bless this brother,
who suffered a lot in the past many years and is now living in our hearts.
NY Rainbow Family Memorial Letter (with picture)
Same picture,
more pixels
(116K jpg)
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For those who remember Steve: He used to live in Boston and attended
nerf regionals. He was murdered on the way to thanksgiving
council in texas in 2006.
----- Forwarded Message ----
From: "Kara, Kara, Kara, Kara SkyWolf, SkyWolf, SkyWolf, SkyWolf"
To: Agr@agr.welcomehome.org<
Sent: Friday, November 17, 2006 11:18:27 AM
Subject: Steve Kublin, The Great I Am welcomes him home
Hello Family,
Steve Kublin....a man of love, a man of light
This is Kara Skywolf, from the White Buffalo Farm
in Paonia Colorado. I have some news about one of the Angels of the Rainbow.
Steve Kublin was an Angel sent from Heaven to
help change the vibration of the world.
He has returned to the higher, to the universal Mother, the Love of all Loves.
Peace be with Steve. I Had the opportunity to love him since Thanksgiving
council last year. He came here to the farm in May to help with the
gathering 2006. He was there at Thanksgiving council, Spring Council,
vision council, and clean up. He has been a rainbow for 20 years.
For the meek shall inherit the Earth....He walked the rainbow way
spreading peace and love.
He is wonderful. He was a real Rainbow.
Please send you prayers to his mother in Florida and he has a sister and brother too.
If you have an questions or comments please call The White Buffalo Farm.
Steve Left the farm on the 6Th of November going to Thanksgiving Council.
By way of Santa Fe New Mexico... He was thinking of going to Arkansas to help
the family there with the 2007 National Rainbow Gathering.
He was found 3 days later.
Here is the latest news paper article.
From Montrose Daily News on line
May it fall on your heart softly with love. This is not easy to read......
Love Light Wisdom
Star Children Stand and be Counted.
Proaction Now is the Time Love
More about Steve Kublinn
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Medicine Story and girl
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Date: Sat, 21 Jul 2018
Today, my father, Francis Medicine Story Talbot passed away peacefully at
our home, surrounded by friends and family. He was 89. Story lived a long,
adventurous, beautiful and loving life.
He came from a family of means, but found that material wealth held no
interest for him, and he started on a lifelong search for meaning. His path
took him many places, as an actor, director and producer on the stage to
the hippie movement, crashing the gates of Woodstock and being a part of
Rainbow Family, as a storyteller and elder.
He began writing and teaching his ideas on community and returning to our
original purpose through a connection with creation and each other, ideas
that resonated with the many people whose lives he touched. For decades, he
continued his inclusive work of creating circles, teaching, listening and
building communities, in his work in prisons in the US and workshops and
camps in Europe, until he fell ill only weeks ago.
He is survived by the love of his life and partner in promoting love and
peace, Ellika, his two children, Tashin Talbot and Tokeem Talbot, their
partners Frieda Tlbt and Tanja (Ta Ta) and his four grandchildren, his
brother Jim and his sisters Linda and Mary and his sisters and brothers of
the Rainbow Family and the Circle Way. In the coming days, plans for
remembering Story together will be announced.
Walk in beauty, Manitonquat
Creating a Different World:
An Interview with Medicine Story (clickable link)
Dear Nerflings, Rainbow Family
Ed called today with the sad news that our brother,
friend and spirit lifter, Harmonica Tom Bolton has passed.
There are not many details yet. Tom was a treasure who made up songs on the
spot to go along with his fine harmonica playing and
brought musical enthusiasm in the kitchen and on Rainbow circles all over.
I'll miss my brother, Tom.
He sure loved our rainbow family. Many times I remember him helping the Nerf
kids put on talent shows. Sunbear, Tom, ... and I traveled to and
from many gatherings together over the years.
I'm blissed by the memory of Tom at the Vermont annual Rainbow gathering this year.
I am grateful and thankful to Tom's dear friend, Ed, for getting Tom and his
oxygen tanks to the gathering and to all the fine and wonderful Nerflings
for loving Tom and helping him with his needs during what turned out to be
his last gathering. I know he enjoyed being with family very much.
I remember that Tom was a street performer in Cambridge.
He also worked as a community organizer for the homeless in the Boston area
and was a part of food not bombs.
Tom was, "A beautiful gentile spirit."
I'm sure Ed would not mind me sharing his Facebook post.
I talked to the office at his apartment. The family already
came and cleared everything out. They didn't have any services (yet),
I left my info for "the family" to contact me.
If they don't, then how about we have a memorial for him?
(I think "the family" is just his brother in Florida).
Keep the spirit of Harmonica Tom alive!
We shall celebrate the Spirit of Harmonica Tom.
A total sweetheart... got tight with Tom around 2 Vermont
regionals in 1997, too rare thereafter, never saw him out West.
Sorry i missed him at NERF last summer... thanx y'all for helping him
come hOMe, let my wishes fly with yours, honor his spirit of joy,
care, and insight.
Amen is my only response Loving you Tom! Rant
as i read this, a week after Toms' passing, the radio is playing
"Somewhere over the Rainbow." — I pause in remembrance.
Thanks for lighting the fire and keeping the torch of social justice,
truth, collectivism, free speech and so much alive!
Viva la resistance' See you over the rainbow my sibling.
Remembering "Harmonica" Tom Boland
Event Date: Saturday, October 22, 2016 - 2:00pm to 6:00pm
Venue: The Lily Pad
We were deeply saddened to learn last week of the passing of our friend
Tom Boland. Musician, poet and community leader. Tom was a champion of
creativity, expression and human connection and a vital part of the
Inman Square community. He was always a source of support and
inspiration and he will be missed terribly.
A celebration and remembrance of his life will take place
Saturday, October 22nd from 2pm-6pm.
We went to the Hamonica Tom remembrance.
It was in the common room of a high rise apartment
building and most of the people there were apartment
dwellers in the same building. Not much Rainbow
representation. Ed, who brought Tom to his last
gathering, was the only other person that we recognized.
Sam (Schuster) passed suddenly Monday morning (2017-05-25).
THAT REALLY SUCKS! HE WAS IN THE PRIME OF LIFE.
TEARS AND CONDOLENCES.
|
Sam and his son Dagan
I'm not sure where the picture came from, but I think Dagan is now out of high school.
|
August 1, 1956 — July 17, 2018
and
an obituary with more pictures.
Date: Wed, 18 Jul 2018
Dear friends and Family,
Bajer our beloved brother and longtime Rainbow Gathering scout passed into
the world beyond this morning. He loved his Rainbow Family and travelled as
many or more miles as anyone in our hipstory to find us the very best
Meadows in the Woods. He was a outstanding woodsman. In the rain, snow,
sleet, hail, blazing sun, he hiked (it seemed endlessly) uphill, through
forests, rivers, and trails for decades for decades helping us find our
way home. Now he's gone on ahead of us to find that Gathering in the skies.
Get us a good cloud to sit on, ok, Bajer?
There were several rainbow councils in the army tent
pitched behind the barn on Tish and Mockingbird's farm in New Hampshire.
Tish died (when?) and Mockingbird had to move out as
her children wanted to sell the farm.
Mockingbird (Stephen Barnett) had a stroke several years ago.
He showed up at a few Rainbow events after that,
but has been absent for quite a while.
I don't know anything about when he died, but
there was a memorial service 2019-05-04
(Saturday, May 4th!) in Brattleboro, VT.
As a man I once met said:
"love you once, love you twice, love you more than beans and rice."
Love given lives on. We can be certain of few things in this
life; one is that no love given is ever lost; it finds it's way back in unseen fissures to source.
Very late Thursday, 2020-Feb-06, word came on the NERF mailing
list that Bruce Greenfire had died. Then someone said they had
just talked to him, and he was doing fine, recovering in the hospital.
The truth seems to be that he had a heart attack, was treated and
released from the hospital, and then died.
Date: Fri, 7 Feb 2020
Family, I just got word that our brother, friend Bruce Shearer (Numa),
has died while camping in Florida.
Apparently Bruce underwent a major heart operation several days ago,
had left the hospital and was back at the Grateful Hammock campground where he
was camping.
He passed while picking up prescriptions at the drug store.
I don't know anything else.
Bruce was a utopian intentional community visionary, nudest and a kind man.
I'll miss him, RIP Bruce. Sleepy Nerfling that I am, I love you, Man!
This came by email:
Date: Sun, 7 Jun 2020 10:53:29 -0400
Subject: Estar
Our beloved elder sister Estar passed yesterday at age 97.
She had 2 strokes over the last.month,
the last one, two weeks ago had left her with poor mobility. Her son
was with her when she passed.
Presently there are no plans for a memorial. She was such a
beloved person in many communities so I am sure that some sort of
gathering will happen soon. When I learn about anything, I will let folks
know.
|
I first saw Estar at the 1991 July 4th gathering.
I did not yet know who she was. I was sitting in silence on the morning
of the fourth, when an old woman dressed in a thin and threadbare worn-out
old dress came up to the campfire in the center of the circle.
As I (and hundreds of others) watched, she pulled off her dress and
threw it in the fire. She had something tied around one ankle, which
she tried to take off. She had trouble untying it. Finally, she cut
it off with a knife and threw it in the fire. As she turned around
a saw she had a beard.
Estar's beard was not thick like a man's; she had no sideburns or hair
on her cheeks, but a wispy beard an inch or two long coming from her chin.
It made her look like the oldest woman I had ever seen. She left the
center of the circle and I lost track of where she went.
|
Later that morning there was a big man who broke the silence with
a long and loud rant about free speech, the first amendment, and
how nobody had the right to tell him he couldn't talk.
He was annoying and, other than insisting on his right to speak,
he seemed to have nothing to say. Several people motioned to him
to be quiet, but that just made him yell louder. Suddenly,
a naked old woman with a beard walked up to him and wrapped
herself around him and began to kiss his neck. The big man
seemed to deflate; he got shorter and his chest got smaller.
He stammered: "OK, OK, Lady. Let me go. I'll be quiet."
She let go of him and walked away. True to his word, he
made no further sound that I heard.
I have never seen anything like that outside a Rainbow gathering.
Over the following few years there were several Council Circles
at Estar's house in Woodstock. I have slept in a tent in her
back yard, and in a sleeping bag in her closet. She seemed to
have reached maximum age—so old she stopped ageing.
Immunity to time ran in her family. I once asked her why
she did not do something. She said her mother would not
allow it. When I expressed surprise, she explained
in an exasperated tone that her mother was not only
still alive, but still telling her what to do.
She died of a stroke, not of old age.
More sad news from the email list:
Date: Fri, 14 May 2021 23:49:14 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: RIP Brother Horse elder of the Katuah family
News from reliable Facebook social media posts.for those who don't do
social media.
Katuah elder, Brother Horse, has passed to the other side. He and
the Katuah family have always been great friends of NERF. Rest in
Rainbow peace, Horse. Condolences And love to the Katuah Family.
Vaxxed to the Max.— A Usually Reliable Source
I had to look up (google) Vaxxed to the Max. It refers to vaccination.
Date: Fri, 14 May 2021 21:27:45 -0400
Subject: RE: RIP Brother Horse elder of the Katuah family
Wow, I was just thinking about and visiting the rainbow web page on
brothers and sisters passing on, and hoping not to see anyone more
than who we've already heard about.
So sorry to hear about Horse...we bonded years ago (87ish?) when he
showed up in Key West and eventually set up a rogue camp on sugarloaf
key.. .omg, we ended up having a winter solstice gathering there with
about 50+ people that was truly epic...one of my most favorite rainbow
memories.
I loved him so much ...always a smile and deep felt empathy for all
things precious. Plus some righteous anger directed at the Man when
deserved. Gave hippies a good name. Aw shucks...Welcome home bro,
get the fire going for the rest of us when we show up...big hugs
comin
I don't think I know Horse, at least not by that name,
but I put this, with names removed, on the web page and
got this in return:
Date: Sat, 15 May 2021 23:21:24 +0000 (UTC)
I met him a few times and played music with him once or twice.
He was a musician.
By the way, are you and your Lady doing okay and have you had your shots?
loving you all. Custard and mustard— A Usually Reliable Source
PS please get the shot.
That's why I said I don't know him "by that name".
It may be that if somebody told me more I would say
"Oh, I remember him! He was that guy from Wandering Lotus
who played the balalaika and sang Bob Dylan songs in Swahili."
Date: Fri, 13 Aug 2021 23:44:58 +0000 (UTC)
From: A Usually Reliable Source
Subject: Mark Farneth has passed
Family, I just heard via the Rainbow Memorial group on facebook that
our friend and brother, Mark Farneth, a.k.a "Mark the Juggler" has
gone to, "the next realm." Mark was a talented juggler/street
performer who entertained many folks over the years.. He was a
"blessing of love to this world." Mark was part of the Northeast
Rainbow Family. He was a thoughtful, kind, articulate brother and he
will be missed.
From: Naughty Woman
Subject: Re: Mark Farneth has passed
Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2021 09:44:22 -0400
I’m sorry to hear this. S. & I travelled back from the Michigan
National with him. He'd look at the map & "make" us stop at every body
of water he could find so we could strip to our underwear and dip to
our noggin tops. That quest included the water above Niagara
Falls. Some upset tourists called the cops and we got put in a
time-out for being so naughty until they gave us A Stern Talkin'-To
and let us go on our way.
From: Another
Date: Sun, 15 Aug 2021 02:57:15 -0400
Highway 90, the jobs are gone
We tend our garden, we set the sun
This is the only place on Earth blue bonnets grow
And once a year they come and go
At this old house here by the road
And when we die we say we’ll catch some
blackbird’s wing
And we will fly away together
come some sweet blue bonnet spring. — Emmylou Harris
My friend sang this so beautifully, and caught the
other half of that sweetest blackbird’s wing, departing joyously
hopefully peacefully in tune and in time w/ Mark at her side. I will
climb to the top of the tower in Hubbard Park in Montpelier in
remembrance of such a kind and caring sweet gentle Vermont soul.
He was always home in Vermont
From: V2
Date: Tue, 12 Oct 2021 19:02:13 -0400
Subject: another brother
davey callahan has passed....a nice service last sunday..davey was the son
of bear and bess, who are both gone..thought you might like to know...
peace love and health
From: postmaster@nerflings.org
Subject: Mailing list
Date: Fri, 22 Oct 2021 01:14:03 -0400
There are a lot of people who call themselves Bear, from Sunbear
to Huggy-Bear. I think I might know who this is.
He called himself Snake Mountain Bear. He stood in the middle
of the circle (said his bad back prevented him from sitting with
everyone else) and said: This is the land of the Abenaki.
Am I thinking of the right Bear?
If that's the right bear, I think I remember his son,
but don't know how to describe him.
|
Oh, I don't need to describe him. JLW sent me a link to an
obituary with a picture. — Webmaster
From: JLW
Date: Fri, 22 Oct 2021 04:20:03 -0400
Subject: Re: Mailing list
To: postmaster@nerflings.org
knew davy since he was a teenager at gatherings. he was a kind brother who
was always available to help others. he ran lots of errands at gatherings
on his bicycle and was very helpful to me personally. his father was the
irascible Snake Mountain Bear. his mother was the always gentle Bess who
most probably was his mentor into a life of serving others.
https://www.timesargus.com/obituaries/david-callahan/article_3b341ec3-11bc-57e8-a149-1eb659b73983.html
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From: GK
Date: Mon, 8 Nov 2021 01:46:51 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: OUR BELOVED SISTER JOAN
To all NERF family,
I just heard from S. that our beloved sister Joan passed away
today. She was in good spirits. K-bro spent last weekend with her
planting garlic. Then Thursday, she felt short of breath and was
admitted to the hospital. Friday, she said that she felt
better. Yesterday, she was tired. And today her heart gave out. K.
got to say goodbye and she passed peacefully. She wanted to be
cremated. There are loose plans for a probable memorial for her in
late spring to scatter her ashes around the Hollow. I wish I could
emote something useful or profound, but of course all words pale and
simply blow away. She will always have a piece of my heart, a big
piece, and if you knew her, I suspect a piece of yours as well. I love
you Joan! Too much loss these days...Hugs to everyone.
Love & All Good Things,
This is so sad. She was a wonderful person.
So sad. May she rejoice in peace.
Thank you for keeping us posted. So Sad. :/ I'm glad I got a chance to
talk with her few months ago
I weep 4 having lost the opportunity to connect with this soul
Does anyone have a way of getting this to W&D? Joan told me they
are out west but I figured I'd get their address next time I call
I just spoke with D&W and shared the news of Joan and brother Norms passing.
[God / Goddess Speed]
If you don't know about Norm's passing, read the
next section.
— Webmaster
From: JLW
Date: Mon, 8 Nov 2021 15:24:40 -0500
Subject: joan from maine
i just contacted J2F and CW about joan's passing.
many on this list may not know who these people are. but they were all
essential in the founding of NERF back in the late 1980s and they all were
essential in creating the 1991 vermont annual and making
it one of the best gatherings ever
From: SCA
Subject: Re: joan from maine
Date: Mon, 8 Nov 2021 15:30:38 -0600
T.H.E. Original Legendary Happy Hollow Joan!... (sigh).
Met her only twice, methinks, momentarily back in the day —
saw her lucid aura, someone I wished I really knew.
What is this feeling of sorrow, missing a relative stranger,
just for the strange beauty she gave to relatives I know?
— Heart with you All
From: WTM
Subject: RE: joan from maine
Date: Mon, 8 Nov 2021 17:33:34 -0500
Almost everyone must have lovely memories of Joan...
what a beautiful and strong spirit! She helped me
once put arnica on a twisted ankle and her certainty
that it would help was surely part of how it was perfectly ok the next day.
Rest in peace in the happy Rainbow Gathering in the sky —
just think, no need to dig shitters either :)
Frim: H2O
Date: Tue, 9 Nov 2021 13:21:45 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: clearly, Joan
Sad with a sweetness remembering our months together at
Happy Hollow and our visits prior and subsequent when Home at the Gathers
we are all coming closer to our expiration dates
and few of us have learned the art of expanding our shelf life
but Joan has left behind tears and smiles, memories and heartsongs
that will last as long as we are able to share our stories
with the generations that are
following and continue
from the Road
I send my love to all who share Joan again,
before today and after all the tomorrows
Para la vida, como te parece
Te dire, amigos, hay aquellos que saben mucho,
pero entienden menos.
(as to life, what do you think of it)
(I'll tell you, friends, there are those who
know a lot but understand less.)
— paraphrasing a saying among the Penitentes of New Mexico
Norman Bie (Deviations from the Norm)
From: ED
Date: Tue, 9 Nov 2021 23:47:46 -0500
Subject: Norman B
I hate to be the bringer of more sad news but Norman B the rainbow poet has
also journeyed to the land beyond last Thursday, the 4th.
I just spoke with R., his loyal partner of 2 & 1/2 or 3 decades.
He has been in her care the last few
4 or 5 months as she struggled to find ways to feed him,
since cancer took its toll.
He was in her loving company Thursday while he breathed his
last. Let us send blessings to R. as she struggles with his loss & to
Norman on this journey wherever his soul may be....
Ho
I knew Norman. Some call him a poet. I never read any of his poetry,
but I saw him, dressed in a burlap bag,
perform something he called "Deviations from the Norm".
It had words and metre, but was it poetry? Maybe it was stand-up
comedy, maybe it was a dance, or a lunatic rant. I don't know,
but it's sad to know I will never see another one.
— Webmaster
Jeff Curtis was often called "Yeast Man" because he would walk around
the dinner circle yelling "Yeast!" and giving nutritional yeast to
anyone who wanted it.
Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2022
From: Love Supreme
Subject: Jeff Curtis RIP
Our dear friend Jeff Curtis has crossed over the rainbow bridge.He
will be missed.
Here is a link to a Youtube video:
Jeff Curtis, instrumental guitarist, at Amalfi Restaurant 10/29/19
---------- Forwarded message ---------
Date: Sun, Jan 23, 2022, 10:28 AM
Subject: DragonFly of Bliss passing
We lost our beloved DragonFly yesterday.
The memorial is next Friday in Marryville TN if anyone wishes to attend.
I'll be there.
Also Jeff Curtis (Yeast Man) passed last week. I know many knew him not
only for shouting Yeast! in main circle but for his amazing guitar
playing around the fire at night.
I wrote this to the ovens crew about DragonFly:
So many of our elders are leaving us. Last week Yeast Man. This week
Dragon Fly who had long been sick with cancer.
I'm not sure how many Ovens folks remember Gary and DragonFly and Bliss
kitchen. Certainly the long time Ovens Crew would. Gary and DragonFly
might be the single most influential people in getting late 1980s early
1990s Rainbow to start taking health, sanitation, and water more
seriously. It used to be a given that if you went to Rainbow you would
get sick and they sought out to change that. DragonFly was heavily
focused on figuring out methods and then teaching better ways to do safe
clean kitchens in the woods while Gary, along with Wayne Roby, invented
the Katadyn inline water filters and focused on better ways to deliver
and treat water for kitchens. For many years their Bliss kitchen was the
was the model training grounds for other kitchens in how to do
sanitation and water right. And for many years in the 1990s and early
2000s they were the water camp/source for the Ovens water putting there
kitchen right next door. I came to the Ovens from Bliss due to this
connection.
Alas care of their grandkids and end of life care of their parents took
them out of Rainbow for many years but I remember and miss them. The
memorial will be in eastern TN next Saturday. I'll be there. If any
other ovens crew is attending lets touch base.
Agr mailing list
Agr@welcomehome.org
http://www.welcomehome.org/mailman/listinfo/agr
—————
Forwarded message
—————
From: DBC
Date: Thu, 16 Jun 2022 20:14:34 -0400
Subject: Rabbi Rich
Our Rainbow brother Rabbi Richard Ashkanasi crossed over on May 31. Since
his phone stopped working I left several messages at the assisted living
place asking them to get him to call me, but no response. The last time I
saw him we went to a Channukah party with JVP in Philadelphia. After we
ate Rich got antsy about sitting around with people he didn't know but I
managed to stall him off leaving until the musical jam started. Then he
was happy to stay until everyone was clearing out at the end. I called him
about the next year's event, but he said he didn't feel well enough. His
place is within half a mile of my mom's place, but I didn't see her during
the pandemic either, until recently. She left me a phone message about the
obituary. It was in one day, Sunday, and I don't get the Sunday paper with
all the extra ads etc. So if I had answered the phone Tuesday, June 7, I
would have had to race to get to the graveside service that morning. When
Rich's dad died in 2008 I spent all day with him, but his sister in North
Carolina and I don't have each other's contact information.
"Wista Sista," Linda (Preston)
—————
Forwarded message
—————
From: A Usually Reliable Source
Date: Mon, 18 Jul 2022 17:11:57 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: Linda "Wista Sister" has passed
Family,
Sadly, we lost our beloved "Wista Sista," Linda (Preston)
yesterday after a long, persistent illness.
Linda was a poet, craftsperson and graphic artist.
She attended many Rainbow gatherings and events often with her close friend,
our other Wista Sista M.G.
Linda was a mother and grandmother. She was a friend to many.
Linda was an outspoken and conscientious person. She will be missed.
RIP Dear Linda.
Starllie
—————
Forwarded message
—————
From: DW
Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2024 22:01:52 -0500
Subject: Starllie has been killed
Dear Family,
Yesterday, the unimaginable happened and Starllie was struck and
killed in a hit and run accident in Saugerties.
Starllie was a delightful
and spirited presence. She had grown into a creative, intelligent and
loving young lady of 21 and had so much life ahead of her.
I wrote then: when I first met Starlie she looked like a basketball under
her mother's shirt. I few years later I nick-named her
"Stagger Lee" because she came toddling up to me while
I was laying in the grass, and fell over on top of me.
(That was just an aid to remembering her real name.
I'm not sure whether I ever even said it out loud.)
It seems strange to put this on a page called "Ancestral Vibes",
and at first I wasn't sure I should do it because I
had no way to contact her family and I didn't
know if they wanted the news made public, and wasn't sure
how to spell her name. Someone wrote:
I don't think a mention of Starllees death
would be out of line on the ancestral page.
She was an adult and a nerfling by birth.
The
News Report
in the Hudson Valley One resolved questions about how to spell her name
and whether it should be made public. It says, in part:
The Saugerties Police Department is investigating a hit-and-run car
accident that occurred on Wednesday, January 10, where 21-year-old
Starllie Swonyoung of Saugerties was fatally struck from behind
while walking along the shoulder of Route 9W.
She was transported by ambulance to the hospital
where she succumbed to her injuries.
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Forwarded message
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Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2024 03:55:19 +0000 (UTC)
From: GK
Subject: Re: Starllie has been killed
I and many had been hopeful for Starllie's future. Truly sad.
This roadway in question is
known to be quite dangerous by locals. Numerous friends have told me
of people they know who were struck by cars or trucks on it. Though
most survived, some did not. What's important however, is that a
bright light that many of us knew, has gone dim.
Gentle hugs to all,
Carl Zeisberg, "Iceberg"
Date: Sat, 17 May 2025 16:19:28 -0400
To: Mailing List
From: DBC
Subject: Iceberg
I didn't post this before. Carl Zeisberg, ``Iceberg,'' died last year.
I don't know what happened or If he got home to Maryland. I hadn't seen
him since the year before. He was usually gone all winter.
https://www.hickshomeforfunerals.com/obituary/carl-zeisberg
Carl's mom died the year before. I didn't know she had
died until I found it on line, and missed the funeral. So I guess I
didn't see Carl since we went to the spring meet-up called by New
England Mountain Family and/or NERF in spring 2023.
DBC
Date: Sat, 17 May 2025 23:27:25 +0000 (UTC)
From: 42R
To: list
Subject: Re: Iceberg
Thanks for sharing this news about Iceberg.
He was a good brother. Though he
was from Maryland I considered him to be a Nerfling.
Rest in peace, Iceberg.
Preacher Mike
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Forwarded messages
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From: LW
Date: Sun, 25 Aug 2024 10:44:49 -0400
Subject: Preacher Mike
Sad news, family. Preacher Mike, a.k.a. Michael Cardinal, has entered
hospice care. Eight years after his fight against colon cancer began,
it has now spread to his entire body. He is no longer lucid and does
not recognize anyone, partly due to palliative drugs, though his
younger brother John is with him. When he passes he will be wrapped in
silk and given a natural burial near Gainesville, Florida. Wherever he
goes from here, may our love and prayers go with him. The circle is
unbroken!
Date: Wed, 28 Aug 2024 20:51:09 -0400
Subject: Preacher Mike
This is Preacher Mike’s younger Brother Jon, it is my sad duty to
inform you that Preacher Mike drew his last breath and was pronounced
dead at 5:44pm today 8/27. He passed quietly and painlessly into the
night. I bore witness to his last breath. He will be buried 3 spaces
from Opal at the Prairie Creek cemetery in Gainesville Florida.
Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. While not a member
myself, I know how important the Rainbow Family was to him.
Joshua Dostis "Waffles"
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Forwarded message
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From: BK
Date: Sun, 10 Nov 2024 11:15:26
Subject: Josh "Waffles" has passed.
Sadly I have heard that Josh died yesterday.
We had not crossed path in awhile, so I
wasn’t aware how sick he had become.
He taught me that laughter and absurdity can power you through to
change the world.
My understanding is he got to read this article after it was published.
BK
From: BK
Subject: RE: Another Death in the Family
Date: Thu, 19 Dec 2024 09:29:28 -0500
Hey,
I just came across this
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/recorder/name/joshua-dostis-obituary?id=56995249
Virgil
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Forwarded messages
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From: JL
Date: Thu, 12 Dec 2024 20:13:33 -0500
Subject: Our brother Virgil
To: NERFList
Virgil passed peacefully in the arms of his partner D. at 6:59
pm. His ashes will be returning to Woodstock for a celebration of his
life at sometime in the future.
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From: D.D
Date: Fri, 31 Jan 2025 16:36:17 -0500
Subject: Re: Virgil and nerflings website
Yes we are having a celebration of life for Virg at station bar
Woodstock NY Feb 1st…
We went there. I got to talk to two of Virgil's sons, and a few rainbow
people. Songs were sung around a candle instead of a big campfire.
There was a bad sound system and surreal taxidermy.
The bar was not reserved, so I also talked to some random
bar-hoppers. Four guys were speaking Russian. I got their
attention by saying a few words in Russian. They turned out
to be a Ukrainian who lived nearby showing his three visiting
Russian friends the local sights. Just another quiet week
in a small town in the woods.
Abby Hafer
|
Abby died 4am 2025-07-31(Thu).
Abby was not directly involved in Rainbow Gatherings, but some of
you know her. She enjoyed several ``Verminous'' parties.
For some idea of what this means to me, look at what I wrote:
Abby and me
|
Uncle Bill
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Forwarded messages
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— — —
From: LW
Date: Mon, 9 Mar 2026 03:00:44 -0400
Subject: Uncle Bill
To: NERFList
Uncle Bill, a kind brother from Katuah that worked with so many of the
long time NERF folks, has passed. He served so many of us well.
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— — —
To: NERFList
From: TS
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:05:33 -0400
Subject: Re: Uncle Bill
Spent a good chunk of time with Uncle Bill at various Florida
and Katuah Regional Gatherings during the 1990s.
One of my favorite people to see in the Woods.
Uncle Bill is a straight up Brother, really valued working with him,
and he’s always totally dedicated to the Community/Family.
Have a safe passage to the Spirit World.
He is now able to re-connect with Horse.
Uncle Bill would always remind People that “if they want to be on the Bank,
they should not.”
That's all I know right now.
Most of this page consists of stories about Rainbow elders who have died.
This is an exception. Anyone who went to North East rainbow gatherings
in the 1990's probably remembers Glowing Feather, dressed in a jester's
cap, reciting his Alphabet poems in main circle. I met him at the
2010 gathering in Pennsylvania and got him to dictate these two.
He has "passed on" to Florida, last I heard.
Yes, I saw him at the
2019 "NERG" gathering
in New Hampshire.
He now lives mostly in Florida and Costa Rica.
Atomic Bombs Can
Destroy Everything
Forever.
Gaseous Homicide
Inhumanity Justified
Killing Life.
Making Nature Organize
Planetary Quintessence.
Rescuing Spiritual
Tomorrows Unfolding
Visionary Worlds
eXonerating Youthful
Zygotes.
Alcoholic Binges,
Catatonic Demons,
Effortless Failures Guaranteed.
Honest Intentions,
Jones Kicked,
Letting Monkeys Neutralize.
Operating Plans,
Quitting Regressions,
Savoring Trust,
Understanding Voluntary Withdrawl
eXcites Your Zymosis.
I have no reason to think that Jon Postel ever heard of the
Rainbow Gathering, but after an email conversation with
the webmaster of nerflings.com, I decided to post his obituary here
because anybody who uses the internet should have some idea
of where it came from. (Hint: It was a group project.
Neither Bill Gates nor Mark Zuckerberg had anything to do with it.
Al Gore did, by pushing funding for the "Information Superhighway".)
The "standards" for the internet are called RFCs for "Request
For Comments". It is (or was) a very Rainbow-like process.
Anybody can write one, and send it to the RFC editor. If it
makes a minimal level of sense it goes on the list. If
enough Internet sites do what it says, it becomes the "standard".
Who writes the best code rules.
In RFC1796, Postel explains the reason for this open process:
The community is also well served by having access to specifications
which have been developed outside the IETF standards process,
either because the protocols are experimental in nature, were
developed privately, or failed to acquire the degree of
consensus required for elevation to the standards track.
Note: "community", "consensus". Does that remind you of anything?
Postel died young, but he had about as much claim as anyone
to be the inventor of the internet. In addition to serving
as RFC editor for many years, he wrote many of them.
Among RFCs with name on them
are those for ICMP, TCP/IP, SMTP, POP, FTP, and MIME.
If those acronyms don't mean any thing to you, they are,
Internet Control Message Protocol (routing packets in
the right direction), Internet Protocol (sending packets),
Transmission Control Protocol (sending a data stream),
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (sending Email), Post Office
Protocol (getting email), File Transfer Protocol, and
Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension (mailing attached
files). In short, all the underlying protocols that
make it work, and many of the most important applications
before HTTP (the World Wide Web).
Vinton Cerf wrote a Memorial to him as an RFC. He says:
Jon loved the outdoors. I know he used to enjoy backpacking in the
high Sierras around Yosemite. Bearded and sandaled, Jon was our
resident hippie-patriarch at UCLA.
One of Postel's most famous sayings is from RFC793. It was presented
as advice on programming robust computer communication, but applies more
widely:
TCP implementations will follow a general principle of robustness:
be conservative in what you do, be liberal in what you accept from
others.
May we all follow the Postel robustness principle in our councils!
-- WebMaster
RFC2468 (Postel Memorial), by Vinton Cerf
There are Wikipedia articles with pictures:
Wikipedia on Jon Postel
Wikipedia on Vinton Cerf
