I just returned from a memorial for a friend. Actually, a memorial for a friend of Brian’s – so I knew Duane from his late teens on, as a part of the whole group from the ‘Island of Misfit Toys’, as Brian now talks about himself and them.
The memorial was held at the Lloyd House – where many alternative events in Cincinnati are held – and which I just found from reading the plaque today, was built by the man who also created the Lloyd Libary.
These were all kids always searching – they were born knowing there was some better way to live than that prescribed by this difficult and negative (up until now) culture, which is so rewarding of conformity in all things. I knew Duane’s searcher self, his need for belonging, for a spiritual home. I knew his family, was friends with his mother as well, knew what a good thinker he was, liked his grin.
I didn’t know what a good photographer he was, how generous he was, how good at building websites for folk who needed them, and how good at teaching people who were going to need computers – but weren’t aware of it – how to use them. The friends who spoke at the memorial were in themselves testimony to Duane’s qualities, his passions, his quirks.
He was a passionate supporter of EarthSave, a vegan group nationally with a strong chapter here. I could easily imagine him, as one speaker did, sitting in the back of the room, quietly taking in all the talk and enjoying time with so many friends. And then enjoying the vegan potluck which followed, with all sorts of passions about all sorts of issues in the conversations.
Bon Voyage, Traveler.