Excerpts from further tributes
Below are excerpts of messages sent to Joanna and the family in the days following Fran's death. This outpouring of love, gratitude and support has been deeply moving to the family. It is not possible to post all the messages here, so we have had to select a representative sample.
Kristin Masters • January 21
My heart spills over as I think of Fran gone, as I consider the many who loved him, admired his impact in this world, the many whom he loved, cared for, protected…
I think of the way he lifted his ankle in the Elm Dance, the sparkle of his smile and twinkle in his eyes, the way he showed such care as he shared the news during retreats.
I wish you and your loved ones a spaciousness in which to mourn, to remember, to ease your hearts in your missing Fran. And I wish for you the magic of moments where his presence is palpable in the wind through the redwood in your backyard, or in the steam atop the teacup, or the buzz of a hummingbird past your ears.
Earl Vicente • January 24
This week has been bitter-sweet, full of tears, joyous memories and deep gratitude. I have tasted the sweet joy and inspiration of Fran's life and the bitterness of my own self-indulgent feelings of loss. Fran is and will continue to be my inspiration and role model for what it truly means to be a man and how to embody our masculine strength and passion and how to use it with wisdom in the service to Life, our mother/home Gaia and our Mother/Father, The Great Mystery.
Werner Brandt • January 23
It is difficult for me to find the words that evoke my deepest feelings of sadness and gratefulness for how both of you have influenced the journey I have embarked on willingly and sometimes unwillingly to discover my place in the more than human world, that you, Joanna with such grace and wisdom opened the door for me to explore. I remember at a retreat ... I was sitting in solitude when the words 'Joy and sorrow in the same breath' came to me. I can only imagine on the day of Fran's passing and the inauguration of Barak Obama, how both those emotions raged in full force.
Fran was 21 years my senior, and our time together at the 30-day retreat and men's retreat made me realize how I longed for a father who could really see me and offer the masculine guidance I so desperately needed as a young man. What a gift to have him briefly in my life.
" From the doorsill of a dream they called my name. ...
It was the good voice, the voice i loved so much.
'––– Listen: will you go with me to visit the soul? ...'
A soft stroke reached up to my heart.
'With you always'... And in my dream I walked
down a long and solitary corridor,
aware of the touching of the pure robe,
and the soft beating of blood in the hand that loved me.'
–Antonio Machado
Yael Berda • January 22
Like you say: Put my heart under your heart, because it is strong, and it is strong because of the loving presence of you and Fran In my life... My first reaction was a sharp pain, but immediately, memories flocked into my mind and sat it in like a tree. For me, it was fran's 20 minutes of consultation in the intensive in 2003 that literally helped changed my life course...
I am so sure his speech and action will ripple in bigger and bigger circles. I am so honored to have met Fran, and spent a little time with him..
Theres a beautiful jewish song we sing 30 days after passing, here's the translation:
'If in the fire, if in the ocean,
my prayer rises
to the place of dwelling
to the source
carrier of the message of life
sails to the great light
a great soul.'
Ursula Frischknecht-Tobler • January 22
A candle is burning on the windowsill overlooking the Swiss mountain range. It is the most appropriate place to remember Fran, to think of him and meditate his life and deeds and to sing a song for him. I used to hear a mountain song inside me whenever I met Fran; he seemed to awaken the mountain within me with his calm and imperturbable presence. Like a wave that goes back into the big ocean, Fran's experience, knowledge and wisdom, his enthusiasm, warmth, love and compassion was given back to the big collective consciousness we all share. So it is not lost for us and the generations to come.
Jackie Larkin • January 25
As Fran is in my thoughts these last few days, what I have noticed, along with the sadness, is a pull forward, a pull to be more of the person who I know I could become.I think of Fran and want to choose in each moment to continue to learn, change, grow, expand. I think of Fran and want to choose kindness over bitterness, clear vision over wishful thinking, hope over cynicism, humility over pride, groundedness over flights of fancy. I think of Fran and want to stay open and alive until my last breath, I want to love and serve the people around me, my partner, my children, my colleagues and all the people of the future.
In my work and in my community, in the news every day, I feel something escalating - I'm not sure what it is, pressure to change are the words that perhaps come closest. Into these times that feel so intense and chaotic I hope to walk in some small measure the way that Fran walked.
Nathaniel Vose • January 24
With sadness and celebration, I am reflecting upon how fortunate I am to have met Fran in this form. I am feeling my deep aspiration to continue his beauty, his gentle and fierce warriorship, in my days to come.
From Hazuki Yasuhara January 23
I keep hearing Fran's ocean roar-like gentle deep voice, and I am breathing in and out slowly with feelings for Fran and Joanna, which is difficult to express in words.
"Georgean Muntin" • January 24
Fran touched me deeply just by his presence,he was so awake. He embodied such a special consciousness, one I have never really experienced before.
A gentle/fierce soft/strong commited/open challenging/forgiving presence. His playfulness invited the child in me to step forward. His dedication to the nuclear/radiation situation asked me to get involved. His deep and great love of the Russian people infused the narrow picture I have of this country with warmth and respect. His relationship with Joanna parented a part of me that never experienced what an "Elder" really could be---what IS possible to be. He poured into all those places in me that had longed to feel the "conscious father".
I will always see him as that great Russian Bear, calling to order the Council of beings to speak hard truths......to ask hard questions.....yet done with so much compassion and humor! How did he do that? Such a difficult thing done with such joy and ease. That I stumbled by chance into his presence was my great fortune.
Michael Bock • January23
Though I only met Fran at the weekend ... retreat and again last weekend I'm moved to work to raise the bar for what I and we have to be in this brief flash of life we have here. Fran remains alive in me through the memory he left inside and will always be there
to bring strength when I most need it. We do know this is our last chance to create and be part of the great turning that is our opportunity and I want to thank and honor Fran for his beautiful presence and example.
Jenn Oestreich • January 23
As I have learned to see my sister in the canyons, the river & the star filled nights I too will see Fran & smile knowing that my heart is big enough & it won't break. Let all sorrows ripen in me.
I just received this poem from a friend:
'Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.'
Helen Haslam • January 24
My fondest memory of Fran is of him sitting by Joanna's side at her feet - absorbed in her teachings, and loving her with such pride. I spoke to him about how moved I was by it, and how rare it is so see a couple of 55 years so connected. His response was that he was in awe of her teaching, that she is at her peak right now, and that he he loved listening to her and felt immensely proud to support her.
What a model for us all of a couple who have each lived their lives to the full with such passion and commitment individually, yet able to share their journey with each other, reaching the stage of being able to support and love each other in such an egoless way.
John A. Knox • January 21
Dear Friends of Fran Macy in the Earth Island Community,
We received the terribly sad news this morning that Fran Macy, the founder and co-director of our Center for Safe Energy Project, died yesterday, January 20th. As reported by his colleagues at CSE, "He watched the inauguration with great pride and happiness. Then he lay down for a rest and died of a heart attack in his own bed."
Fran's family is sitting with him at home today in the Buddhist tradition of reading to him.
Fran was a towering figure in the world of building international understanding between the worlds of Russia and the other former Soviet republics, on the one hand, and the US and Europe, on the other, with his international citizen exchanges dating back to the early 1960s. According to his co-director at CSE, Enid Schreibman, messages of sorrow and condolence are flooding in from all over the world.
Fran was the key catalyst in launching and supporting several Earth Island Institute initiatives - Baikal Watch, Center for Safe Energy, and Altai Project - beginning with a "citizen diplomacy" trip in 1989 co-sponsored by Earth Island and the Center for Citizen Initiatives to meet with emerging Soviet enviro activists in Leningrad, Moscow, and Vilnius.
Fran's big story integrated his advocacy work for safe energy with efforts to awaken human consciousness about the natural world, particularly through the "deep ecology" training work that he shared alongside his wife Joanna Macy with audiences worldwide.
With warm thoughts of Fran's rich legacy,
JOHN
Earth Island Institute
Ocean Robbins • January 21
Oh Dear, Dear Joanna,
All of our hearts go out to you in this time of enormous and sudden change. Fran’s courageous, steady, loving presence has been one of the great lights in this world, and his spirit on the other side makes the transition that awaits all of us feel more comfortable and even joyous. I can only imagine the enormity of the loss in this for you, and all of us are reaching out with oh-so-much love. Love that is holding the gratitude, the despair, the fullness, the emptiness. Love that is holding the broken places, and the places that are broken open. Love that is with you in every dark and beautiful passage you will feel and know in this tragic and yet somehow Divinely guided path.
So much love, and infinite blessings to you, dear Joanna,
Ocean, Michele, Deo, John, River and Bodhi
Liana Forest • January 23
Dear Joanna and family,
I'm sure you are receiving thousands of messages from people all over the world whom Fran has touched so deeply. We are all profoundly grateful that he came into our lives, and we say farewell with great reluctance. At the same time, I know he is carrying on with his journey beyond the body, and will continue to bless the many good things which he has helped to begin.
I am glad you are doing the Buddhist way of helping him along with that process, and my heart and spirit are with you. I used a similar ritual with my parents. I will pray for you in that service to Fran's continued life beyond our everyday view of reality. I know he will always be with you and with us all.
When you and Fran were leaving, I said to him "See you next time." He asked, "So you will come again?" I replied, "Wherever I can reach, I'll be there." Perhaps he is not beyond our reach, except physically. His life is also within us all.
Much love and compassion,
Liana Forest
Heidemarie Langer • January 25
Dear Joanna,
I think of you and Fran. I am very thankfull that I could meet him once in Assisi and in Berkeley and remember his warmth and strength.
Blessed be his soul
when now he lives in all above all
a path in light and peace.
Herzlich umarme ich Dich und bin Dir nah.
Mögen Deine Wege weiter liebevoll beschützt sein.
Es ist so gut, dass es Dich gibt, Joanna!
Brian Swimme • January 27
Dear Joanna,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Fran was a great person. I always so enjoyed seeing him at whatever event we might both be at. He always seemed to me so strong, so clear-eyed, so optimistic, so part-of-the-solution, so no-bullshit. You and he, both individually and together as a couple, served as a symbol for me of "where history is headed." During the Bush years I did have a few brief moments when I began to wonder if our collective work would become a side bubble. But now in the Obama era I am once again brought back to my confidence in our work, in my confidence that what Fran and you and your particular cohort of colleagues have put in motion will continue to carry us into a vibrant Earth Community.
Gratitude to Fran for all his good work. And for me personally, for his inspiration to leadership, to throwing one's self into the work for a lifetime.
Lee Carlson • January 26
Dear Joanna
My deepest condolences to you and your children. I was so sorry to hear of Fran's passing. The two of you were such a wonderful pair: partners in love, in life, in work, in family. I didn't know Fran well, but every time I met him and saw you two together, it was like a lesson in how a couple can achieve a state that most of us only dream of.
You know better than most people that Fran's passing is not an extinction, but a transformation, but still I imagine that losing him in this life is a sad and difficult moment. Yet also knowing you as I do, and knowing the toughness, joi de vivre and Shambala warrier-ness of the Kinsey women, I know you will also be celebrating his life and the life you had together. Please know that I am thinking of you, and Fran, and your children, and also mourning your loss while celebrating Fran's life and the wonderful positive impact he had on this world while he was in it.
Sara Buie • January 26
Dear Joanna -- I am thinking of you, and of Fran, with great gratitude for all you have given those of us fortunate to work with you. I remember the retreat I did with both of you in late summer 2001 (right before 9/11) as one of the most profound learning experiences of my life.
It is a time to celebrate the great insight and benefit you both have brought into the world, and nourished among so many -- no doubt Fran is sharing in that with all of us.
Deena Metzger • January 22
Dear Joanna
There are few on the planet who have the strange joy of mourning the loss of such a profound partnership. And yet, though Fran leaves the flesh, he will always be such a presence in your presence.
We are it seems in a time of miracles. It is possible we have a president who moves easily from values, ethics and conscience. He may not be a Buddhist, but he knows breath. He seems not to have difficulty being a good man of good sense. On Inauguration Day, I found myself speaking to the rain, saying, “You can come home now. We are learning to become trustworthy.” Perhaps Fran felt some ease, saw that he is able to rest, understood that in his way, he could pass on the great responsibility for the future and others would carry it and that he might return in another form.
These lines from a poem of mine – In the Morning Walking.
The difference between the tree and the umbrella: the first, even this morning, lets through some of the light and rain. We are too absolute about our territory. Death could be the democratic grist, promises a temporary resurrection in a knowable form. For example, my body, returning as a mushroom, nestling under a fern who is the man I love. We might be carrots together, squash. Life can be round as pumpkins. And death as bright. He and I running in long vines towards the sea. White flowers like morning glories become fruit. We’re eaten – Thanksgiving – when we remember the Indians who tried to teach us this.
You and Fran have carried us all with vision heart, great intelligence and aligned spirit. Perhaps we have survived to this moment because of what you have both learned and lived of peace and peaceful means and peaceful hearts.
Knowing you, Joanna, the little bit that I do, I believe you will just pick up whatever Fran may have left unfinished onto your seemingly endlessly broad shoulders and go on seeing the ways that we must move forward. These days seem like the passage through the eye of the needle – the sipapu -- you are as always a little bit ahead. I am hoping that my work supports and guards your back a little bit.
This is another poem I wrote many years ago:
'When a great heart breaks
As it must,
We take the pieces inside ourselves
And we are made whole thereby. '
Drew Dellinger • January 28
It was such a blessing and a pleasure for me to get to know Fran in recent years.
I was always impressed and touched by the gentle strength of his presence. His warmth, intelligence, humanity and commitment enriched us all.
Laura Macy • January 22
Dear Joanna, Chris, Jack and Peggy,
I heard about Fran from Brad last night and I feel -- selfishly perhaps -- an enormous sense of personal loss. I hope he knew, and all of you know, what an important place he had in the lives of my fathers children. >From the day shortly after my dad's death, when he took me and Julie out for ice cream and showed us that there would still be joy in our lives, to the video interview he did with me and Brad last year where he gave us both missing pieces of our history and brought our parents to life once again. And so very many moments in between.
If it is true, as I believe it is, that people live on in the lives they have touched, then Fran is very much alive and will be for many years. I am glad, too, that he lived to see the inauguration of President Obama. For someone whose life was devoted to positive change in the way his was, this must have been a great moment.
Love and strength to you all,
Your niece and cousin,
Laura
Ernesto Martinez • January 22
Dear Fran, Dear Joanna, Dear all.
My prayers and thoughts to Fran, Joanna and Family. All the souls Fran has encountered, touched and inspired throughout his life, will be his best continuation.
I share with you this contemplation on No-coming and No-going.
Adapted from the original of the Interbeing Tradition.
NO COMING AND NO GOING
Fran's body is not him.
Fran is not limited by his body.
Fran is life without boundaries.
He has never been born,
and he has never died.
The ocean and the sky filled with stars are
manifestations from his wondrous true mind.
Since before time, he has been free.
Birth and death are only doors through which we all pass,
sacred thresholds on our journey.
Birth and death are the game of hide-and-seek.
So let's laugh together,
hold hands,
let us say good-bye,
say good bye to meet again soon.
We meet today, Fran.
We will meet again tomorrow.
We will meet at the source every moment.
We meet each other in all forms of life.
LOVE - PEACE - STILLNESS
Dahr Jamail • January 22
Dear Joanna
I have been quietly mourning Fran's passing from afar. I'm writing you
this email from Fallujah, where I spent the night last night. When Anita
told me the news, aside from calling you and leaving the message, I
chose to wait until I got to Iraq to write you a note. It seems right to
write to you from here-as it is only because of my work with you and
Fran am I able to be back here, with my heart as open to this work as it is.
Fran was like a grandfather I never had but always wanted. Our clarity
sessions at the intensives, and again the few walks we shared last
summer had profound effect. I aspire to live my life as Fran did-his
huge, strong, wide open heart and spirit. Living life so fully until his
very last moment on this plane.
Davis Chapman Hawkowl • January 22
Dear Joanna
Its been years since I hung out with the two of you at John Seed's birthday party in Costa Rica. At that point I had already had many conversations and meetings with Fran because of his participation on Sacred Earth Network's board of directors. Regretfully, that was one of my last connections with Fran.
What stands out in my mind is his youthful enthusiasm, perpetual sense of humor, and irrepressible smile. Add to that his steadfast loyalty to Bill Pfeiffer and Sacred Earth Network.
When I think about how to embody "deep ecology" I think of him. I remember John Seed say in his interview with Ram Dass that if we were not fun to be around, who would want to join us. Fran always seemed committed to the "work" (citizen diplomacy, peace, anti-nuke) while always being fun.
That will continue to influence me for the rest of my life.
Deo Robbins • January 29
There are no words I could offer to hold your grief ... Just my arms wrapped around you, just my kisses to your tears, your fierce and gentle tears.
A love of the long years is a very precious and rare gift. I cannot think of two beings more worthy of that gift than you and Fran.
And now you will continue to love one another and walk together, on two sides of the veil. How could it be otherwise with a love like yours?
I bow to your infinite compassion and I send my deepest prayers and love to you and to Fran as he embarks on the next phase of this journey.
Tsering Yangkey • January 28
Oh, my God! I returned from a long work trip and just opened my email to find this sad news. Please tell my Guru, Joanna, that I will be doing Bon prayers for Fran. I feel so fortunate that I met such a great person in my life. I know that now Fran has more time visiting us in India as He is one with the Mother herself and doesn't need any papers for travel.
Let's acknowledge Fran's presence in the Universe and I bow to Him as well.
Shiri Barr • January 24
I want to share with you that as the clouds of war begin to disperse here in Israel-Palestine, there is an awakening of Buddhist practitioners in Israel to bring their gifts of spiritual practice to society. We held an evening on Spirituality and Politics under the auspices of the new (political) Green Movement, and this week we are meeting to forge our intention and envision our actions. During the war we held two silent walks where I used the spirit of the Truth Mandala to open our hearts to the feelings people on the streets may feel, and develop our compassion to all sides. Many people have responded to our call and I look forward to starting this new movement.
Rhea Wolf • January 24
Joanna,
The news has shaken me to the core. I grieve for you and your family, and light a candle for Fran, that his journey to What Comes Next is full of grace and guided by the love and support of all he touched in this life.
It's hard for us to imagine the way forward, we who have gathered so much strength from his wisdom and the vast accomplishments of his life. But I know that for Fran - and for others of his caliber that we have recently lost, like Studs Terkel and Utah Phillips - we have to pick up the lantern and keep walking forward, creating the new way. Fran's work helped create the beauty and justice that we are now beginning to glimpse.
I am honored to have witnessed your relationship with him as well. Your relationship has taught me just as much as the teachings you and he have given. You are both remarkable humans. Please know you and he are being held in hearts across the world. And though it may not ease the pain of loss, Fran lives on in millions of acts, in the lives of all the people he has touched with his bravery, his smarts, his humor, and his advice. We will all miss him.
My love and prayers to you,
LeRoy • January 23
Dear Fran,
friend and brother,
author of love and leader of life,
you have moved
into the stillness whence we came,
into the stillness whence we go.
The stillness in which you leave us
is replete with signs of your presence:
competence composure
command of self and of non-self
concentration candor
consciousness conscience
comeliness credibility
courage charity
Yours path is marked with clarity
and compassion.
We are honored to walk in your way,
to move in your wake.
Your companion,
LeRoy
Senda Noriko • January 25
Dear Joanna,
We received word of Fran's sudden passing with profound sorrow, and it is difficult to express in words how we are feeling for you. Beautiful memories of him keep coming up to our heart....his big smile, his sea roaring deep voice, his passion and love that we could fortunately experience, and it is hard to imagine that we are not going to be able to see him again in that form.
We have the deepest gratitude for what he has brought to us: inspiration, care, insight, gentle vibes...and for all the moments we shared with him and you.
Sending you love, care and hugs from Japan across the Pacific.
Nov'08 Workshop: Hazuki Yasuhara, Akemi KogureMika Edaki, Shunro Yoshida, Eno Nakamura
Web of Life: Yoko Nakano, Lima Kimura, Tamio Nakano, Chizuru Mori, Hinako Shinkai, Mitsuko Fukuda, Hikari Tade, Noriko Senda
Janet Ristic • January 25
I have just opened this and am profoundly moved and saddened.
Thankyou dear Fran, for your life lived with such vigor, joy and freedom from fear....
Such an inspiration to those of us privileged to sometimes be near you!
May you go well on this new part of your journey......
But how you will be missed by those near and dear. My profoundest condolences to Joanna and family. I know you will be held in the web of love which you and he made so tangible around us all - but for the loss of his presence we cannot compensate,
Much Love.
Ruth Yeatman • January 25
I am saddened to hear about dear Fran. Happy though that he could see Obama in before he left, and that he could depart while resting in his own bed at home.
My heartfelt thoughts go to you Joanna, and your family, and to all of the many people in Fran's life, people like us, who loved and respected him so deeply. His legacy is profound. What a blessing to have known him and to have some awareness of the great contribution he has made to this world.
The inauguration of Obama feels to be part of the legacy of Fran Macy.
Blessings to you dear Joanna.
Much love.
Simon Star Dreaming • January 25
Dearest Fran
Your passing sends a tremor through the worlds of so many. I remember you with great respect for your fun, love, energy, compassion and commitment to making the world and the lives of those around you better. I wish you godspeed, courage, peace and comfort with whatever journey and transitions you are facing or will face.
My greatest sympathy to Joanna and your children, grandchildren and all your other nearest and dearest who must be feeling your loss so terribly keenly. Keep the faith dear friends. It must be terrible to face a future without Fran and I wish you courage, peace and comfort in the transitions you are facing too.
Love
Robyn Williams • January 26
Dear Joanna,
I know that you are lovingly held in the arms of your family and close friends. And I hold hands with so many, many others as our web of interconnectedness becomes a cocoon to support you all.
Even in sorrow I feel so happy that Fran witnessed the historical inauguration of Obama. What a way to say God be with ye.
To Fran, I join the chorus of gratitude for your living and sharing your life’s learning so generously.
Deep peace, Robyn
Jo Vallentine • January 26
Dearest Joanna and family – many blessings as they adjust to the world without Fran in it, or at least not right there with them joking and listening deeply. His spirit will soar, and continue to inspire, I’m sure. Imagine his journey now …….. whooooo hooooo! And how damned amazing that he witnessed the inauguration before he popped away – a stroke of brilliance, that was!!
Love to you all.
Judith Thompson • January 27
Dear Joanna: I have just returned from some travelling to get the news. I am holding you in my heart with great care and tenderness.
I never knew Fran, though I always loved the photograph of you two ... There was such a light in that picture. I’m sure others have said already, what a great wave of love he must’ve gone out on, having experienced the massive love field surrounding and emanating from the Obama inaugural. He waited to see one huge piece of the Great Turning come in before heading onward. I’m sure the great web you have spun is helping you hold your own pain at this time Joanna. Please see me as a part of that. You have touched my life more than you know. I have just been preparing for a journey to Northern Ireland and found inspiration in considering how to translate the Great Turning into a frame for peacebuilders. Everywhere I turn in my work, you are there. Thus, I feel I do know Fran, through you.
Blessings and moments of peace with the loss.. Judith
Francisco Ramos Stierle • January 22
"The lights of stars that were extinguished ages ago still reaches us. So it is with great men and women who died centuries ago, but still reach us with the radiations of their personalities."
--Kahlil Gibran
The photons of love of brother Fran will reach many more generations to come. The tremendous example of love and partnership between sister Joanna and her beloved partner is seen, and will be seen, as an inspiring archetype of the new couple in the Earth Community.
Perhaps the most valuable teaching I have learnt from being in the presence of these two giants of Ahimsa/Satyagraha, is to find the inner balance between my Feminine Divine and my Masculine Divine.
Thank you Joanna. Thank you Fran.
May their example of citizenship of the World, permeate every corner of the planet.
I celebrate the life of this extraordinary man and this extraordinary woman in The Great Turning :-) Their smile, teachings and humor will be forever with me. Their influence made me a better Pancho.
Planetizing the movement, in profound gratitude and service, I love you all. Carpe Diem, Fran-cisco
Deena Metzger • January 25
Joanna,
Great loss may also give you access to the other side that by its nature does not distinguish between ancestors, present and future, so that you will also be able to walk in both/all realms at once for the sake of the future beings to whom you are so passionately devoted, and on behalf as well of the earth/mother. That Fran, who may have already completed the fast path of becoming an ancestor that takes most of us years, may be opening a door that allows you to be even more of an adept than before.
Love and blessings
Margo and BIll Adair • January 23
Joanna:
—our hearts go out to you! We send many blessings to you and your family. And great gratitude to Fran for all the contributions he made to our world and to a life well lived!! And we might add, what sounds like a death –though never easy for you and your family, well done. May his spirit soar!!
Much love
John Seed • January 23
Joanna, I just got back from India and heard the sad news of Fran's passing. I'm so happy that he completed his last sacred task and ushered in Obama. I send you my sincere condolences and my profound respect for a man who lived his life so fully and right to the very end. He was a remarkable man and you two a remarkable pair, a shining light to myself and all who know you. Its a wonderous thing that even in the Kali Yuga such Shambhala Warrior lives are possible.
Much love to you Joanna and to your children, for the Earth (and from the Earth)
John
Teresa Chilkowich • January 22
Honouring the blessings of your sweet Fran
Dearest Joanna-aka,
Simplicity, patience, and compassion ...
... these are three of the many blessings that your dear Fran offered all beings of this world and the future beings and ancestors too ... his love, great wisdom, attentiveness, guidance, and playful spirit are among the many other beautiful blessings he bestowed upon all he encountered.
I am deeply grateful for the precious gift of Fran in our lives and for the gifts he shared so freely that will continue to grace us as he continues his journey. Gratitude abounds as well for all the blessings you & your family have enjoyed through Fran’s love and his presence in your lives.
Sending blessings and loving kindness to you and your family as you celebrate Fran’s life and the countless ways he graced this dear planet with his presence.
With much love, respect, gratitude, and poems/songs of great joy for Fran and the life he so beautifully lived.
Mary Perner • January 24
Dear Joanna,
Having just learned of our loss, this may be too late to read to Fran but I will send it out into the universe anyway, because it’s in my heart.
Fran, you and I were fellow board members with Tri-Valley CAREs where you set a tone of dignity, grace and lively curiosity. During the 2006 and 2007 Alliance For Nuclear Accountability DC Days, we were co-members of groups visiting legislators. Your presence raised the tone and legitimacy of any group lucky enough to have you.
Whenever we met I always received a delighted greeting and often a hug, as if the encounter improved your day. I think that was your style. In fact, Fran, seeing you improved our days.
You lit the path to a better way. Walk with us now.
Michael Levin • January 22
Dear Joanna,
My sympathy to you at this time of distress.
That Fran was able to share with us the inauguration is wondrous.
We are all grateful for the Bodhisattva work he has done for all of us--
Working to make this world safe from radioactive contamination--
May others continue this mission.
May he have an awake journey though the next bardos.
May you find the strength and joy to continue your work surrounded by
friends.
Barry Taylor • January 22
To my fellow men, Joanna, and Anne
In such a small morsel of a moment of one’s entire life, for me, the weekend we spent together with Fran was so rich with wisdom and love. I am so grateful we were able to come together and be present together with an elder with the dignity and experience that Fran lived from.
Joanna I send you a hug at this special tender time. My prayers go to all of us as Fran transitions from his physical life to fully embody his spirit.
I will carry him in my heart knowing I was blessed to meet and know him.
I carry the strength of his life purpose of healing and connection, compassion and acceptance, and I will continue to call on his spirit for his leadership to make our physical world a sweeter more peaceful place.
I will miss him physically and I will continue to bow with respect and honor the path that his life has set out for me to continue to walk on.
I am dwelling in the love and energy that Fran brought into my world for me to share with you all. I am very grateful I can remember his beautiful smile.
Kevin Lay • January 23
Joanna, My dear huge-hearted mentor and friend, my thoughts and prayers for you and your family reverberate through the hours. What a fantastic life Fran has had!
Fran’s passing creates an emptiness as deep and connected as he was alive, and clarifies and brightens how much he still is present
and always will be,
Straight and tall as a lighthouse, with a twinkle in his gaze, Warm in his quick smile, depth in his silent reflection, I loved and still love Fran.
First meeting him in the milling, Fran was grounded, a trusted voice who spoke rock bottom truths, whether I wanted to hear them or not. I listened. He was often right.
Fran showed me how to support a partner. Fran honored me with personal stories. He, through his beloved family, now teaches me how to die.
I am so grateful to know you and to carry your work into the world! Joanna, I’m here for you. Whatever you need of me please ask. I will do my best. I look forward to seeing you again. Love.
Bob McGahey • January 23
Joanna - I stand with you in your loss. Fran was so supportive of my coalescing work, developing a summer adult component of Arthur Morgan School, and the fruits are now maturing in the form of a conference for which I will send you the announcement in a later message.
I am happy though that he watched Barack become president with you and your family. He died at an auspicious time. I feel more hope than I have in a long time. At least the tone (and a few substantive acts already) has shifted.
For Fran, for you and your work, for the earth, occasion of our measure of Light.
Kaye Jones • January 22
Joanna-
There are no words, but I am here holding you in my heart.
I love Fran so much. I am bereft, my tears are just flowing and flowing, Adam too.
Last night I had a dream that you and Fran and Linda and I were at the park. In my dream Fran had passed on but was still there in body for a few days, he was lying in the grass very relaxed and I was able to tell him how much I loved him and that I would watch out for his re-incarnation and that perhaps he could come back as one of Adam and I’s children.
I know this is the next step in your journey.... how many times have you seen my pain, held it and transformed it into something..... Now my turn to sit with your pain, and it tears my heart open, I am holding you from afar my dear teacher and friend. I love you more than there are words for. Fran had such a giant heart, he was such a beautiful man and we are so much less to not have him here with us. We will carry on the work, and have big shoes to fill.
Love you.
Alexis Lavine • January 22
Dear Friends,
I am grieving with all of you the loss of our dear friend Fran. I just returned from England and got the news this morning. I can still feel his
warm, loving hugs and the beaming of light and love from his bright eyes. And what a huge gift to be with and witness the beauty of Joanna and Fran together. He has been with me in my dreams and my thoughts much over the last months. My love and tears go out to Fran’s beautiful spirit and to Joanna and the family. I feel Fran’s presence and beaming light so strongly, and feel now more than ever the importance of continuing my work with the nuclear devastation and healing. I would love if all of us in the Bay Area could get together to be with Joanna in whatever way is best.
Doug Hitt • January 25
Beloved of Earth,
Upon first learning of Fran’s death, I felt like I’d plunged into cold fire. The skin all over my body felt chilled and tingling, and though my chest ached, it held Fran and his burning image--his deep reaching eyes, his extraordinary compassionate bear-ness. Even so, the hurt felt beyond reach--like it was too deep to touch (a problem for some of us introverts). All of your words and expressions have borne me along, taking me to that depth... Like many of you have expressed, I’ll feel Fran’s being and life strengthening my intention, shouting encouragement. And I also am newly aware of Death’s gift to us.
love, as earth.
Val Silidker • January 22
Beautiful Fran...
When I think of him, I see him smiling so brightly from the inside out... his eyes always light, so deeply present and filled with sincerity. I see the Bear as he led the Council ;-), the sailor song and Have to Have a Habitat, silly and passionate! I remember his inspiring words in our meeting and that deep warm hug that was pure love. And I feel such gratitude! Thank you Fran. Thank you for sharing your Self, your life: a symbol of what it means to truly LIVE from the heart...what a gift.
Sarah Vekasi • January 21
Joanna,
I am so sorry. I am so glad you and Fran were together so long, and so so sorry to hear of his passing. I have not stopped sobbing since I heard. I thought of both of you all day yesterday. I watched the inauguration and immediately after led the Elm Dance for a Peace Studies class at Naropa. I spoke of you and of Fran, of Nozyozypkof and the cycle of connection. We danced for the new administration, for renewal and reconciliation and for the Great Turning. And all day I was thinking of both of you. And today I woke with you on my mind and spent the whole day working for restorative justice in the world without checking my e-mail. Only just now did I read the news of Fran’s passing. Oh Joanna, I love you so much. I imagine your grief and cry more. I loved Fran. He offered to be my Grandfather, he was a grandfather to so many of us youngers. A mentor, a friend. What a man! I am so so sorry.
Breathing in,
I think of Fran,
Breathing out,
I love him,
Breathing in,
I think of you Joanna,
Breathing out,
I love you.
Pascal Auclair • January 22
Bonjour Joanna,
Un petit mot plein de douceur pour toi. Un petit mot comme une accolade, un tendre baiser sur le front. Un petit mot tout chaud et plein d’amour et d’amitié que je t’envoie de mon Montréal tout froid. Je pense à toi et à Fran. Je vous envoie mes forces et vous renvoie tout le bien que vous m’avez fait décuplé comme provision pour les jours à venir.
Toutes mes sympathies et mon amitié
Jeyanthy Siva, Sri Lanka • January 22
As I sit here to write to you, I feel tears come to my eyes... and so many flashes of images/memories... of you and Fran in Jaffna, when we did the workshop together for the Tamil relief & development workers, of you and Fran standing by the gate in my Jaffna home watching with fascination the New Year procession around the village of the goddess statue accompanied by musicians, Hindu priests and villagers, of you and Fran in my living room in Jaffna playing the beautiful instrument the name of which I don’t recall, of Fran in my Jaffna kitchen making omelette’s for dinner, of sitting with both of you in your kitchen in your lovely and loving home in Berkely on several different occasions, spread over several years, having soup or tea and always having meaning and intense conversations about our shared love for the beautiful Island of Lanka, about Buddhism and the, about the work that Reconnects, about all kinds of things - underlying theme was always about how to change the world for the better with love as the driving principle. And another sweet memory just came - of watching Fran watching you as you led a part of the ten day workshop I first attended with you those many years ago... and how loving that look was... and I remember thinking (this was when I didn’t know the two of you too well yet) - I rememer thinking how amazing was that look and how amazing was that man who was playing a role of supporting the workshop most of the time, supporting his wife, supporting a woman to take the lead, to shine in front of the group and he seemed so content in that role and seemed so proud of you. For me, that was such an inspiration... that it was possible to have a partner who not only would not expect the woman to be in the background (as tradition demands) but would lovingly and proudly support the woman to be the one standing in front and leading and shining...
Jim • February 1
Dear Joanna,
What a beautiful passage for Fran, in that day and week of transition in Washington and the world.
That he watched the inauguration, then died at home of an apparent heart attack, says something I find hard to put into words. It sounds almost as if the transforming compassion and oneness he felt at that moment, in hope for us all, mean it was Fran’s transition time as an expression of it all. Could there have been a better time?
My meditation this Sunday morning was especially on you and Fran, on your and his life and work together. What an inspiration for us all to live out a just and peace-filled faith.
Shelley and I send you our love and gratitude for the profound infusion of spirit from your compassionate lives.
Veronique Fourt • January 24
Bonjour Gregoire et Peggy
Daniele m’a appris jeudi soir la mort du père de Peggy une mort soudaine, qui surgit sans prévenir même si on sait que c’est la fin de chaque parcours et qu’elle accompagne chaque personne d’âge élevé. Je pense à vous et à lui et à ce qui vous lie je pense surtout à toi, Peggy, me disant qu’un jour moi aussi je serai devant le corps de mon père, pour la dernière fois et je me souviendrai de tout ce qu’il a été et de tout ce qui ne sera plus jamais et j’aurai du chagrin.
J’espere que lorsque cela m’arrivera, je ne regretterai pas tout ce que je n’aurai jamais eu le courage de lui dire et tout l’amour que je n’aurai pas eu la force de lui offrir. Je ne connaissais presque pas ton père je sais seulement qu’il était un intellectuel humaniste
voyageur inlassable, actif et reconnu internationalement.J’ai passé un moment a discuter avec lui lorsque nous sommes venus à San Francisco en 2003. Je l’ai connu seulement âgé mais toujours vif et chaleureux. je me souviens de son rayonnement paisible et inspirant. J’espère pouvoir m’inscrire dans la foule de ceux qui continueront à porter son message de paix, de tolérance et de fraternité
et que mon affection vous aide à accepter cette perte.
Je vous embrasse fort.
Sophie Leterrier • January 25
Cher Gregoire, chère Peggy, chère Joanna, cher Julien je vais vous écrire un “vrai” courrier, mais cela mettra longtemps à vous parvenir, alors je me décide à vous écrire toute de même un mail. Merci pour la belle photo, qui me permets d’être auprès de lui et avec vous en pensée pour partager ce moment, cet évènement si soudain. On a beau savoir que l’on n’est pas éternel, ni ceux que l’on aime, on a beau anticiper rationnellement sur leur disparition, c’est toujours un choc. Je crois au pouvoir des cérémonies pour rendre ce passage moins douloureux. Mais ensuite il y a l’absence, qu’il faut essayer de vivre dans la durée. Une absence si pleine de souvenirs, de fantômes dans les lieux que l’on a partagés... Pourtant, c’est une consolation de se dire que cette personne qui disparait, on l’a aimée, accompagnée, on a su jusque la jouir avec elle de l’existence, lui donner, et recevoir aussi la tendresse, la gaieté, et même les lassitudes ou les doutes. Je pense à vous, je trouve cela beau, la façon dont vous avez toujours su être là les uns pour les autres, présents mais pas envahissants, et partager. Vous partagez certainement en ce moment l’émotion, la tristesse, et peut être aussi l’appaisement, à l’idée d’autres épreuves plus sinistres que parfois réserve la fin de vie, et qui vous ont été épargnées. Moi, je pleure bêtement devant mon ordinateur en pensant à lui, à vous, mais c’est aussi une façon de partager. Je pense à vous et je vous embrasse affectueusement.
Rainbows - Emily Johns • January 23
Hello all of you wonderful friends/ brothers and sisters-
Learning about Fran’s passing earlier this evening, reading all your loving thoughts, I wept.
I will be following through on my promise to Fran to research his ancestors who lived here in New Bedford (of course I wish I’d done this sooner, but...). He came by his sea-shanty expertise through them, I’m sure. I’ll always remember the twinkle in his eyes and the delight on his face when he told me the story. He was truly one of the people one could ‘kindle’ all sorts of things (kindness, generosity, fun...) for people and I’m so grateful to have had the pleasure to know him, however briefly.
And Joanna, you who have kindled so much loving in my life, my prayers and my heart go out to you.
Love
Chris Mills • January 23
I spent all day today wondering what I would write to you. I sat down this morning and had a good, cleansing cry, a cry for the passing of a truly great, gentle spirit, and one whose absence will leave a big hole in the Earth community, and in the hearts of everyone working for peace, justice, and sanity in this world. I still don’t know what to say, or what really can be said. I am bereft, and I know that mere words cannot convey what I am feeling right now. I have asked my friends, and those who are working together with Sally and me in the Work That Reconnects to light a candle for Fran, and for you and family, and everyone who knew and loved Fran.
Know that I am here to do whatever I can for you, and for the vital work that you and Fran have shared for so many years. I want you to know too that I am working on Music for the Great Turning, and when it is done I intend to dedicate it to Fran.
I mourn his passing, but I also celebrate his life and his accomplishments, a life spent in the service of Mother Earth. I believe there is no higher calling.
JIll Pangman • January 23
I have been moved to tears by the news of Frans death and by the eloquent words a number of you have expressed over email these last few days. I think of Fran sending out and welcoming us back through the portal on our once a week forays into our own silence within that wondrous space of Westwind over a year ago now... . NOw Fran himself has crossed through a portal, that most seemingly finite one of all, and I hope he was received with as much care and grace as he offered each of us.. NO doubt he was, held in the loving embrace of his family, and in the kharma of his many good deads..
He was such a gentle man, wise, compassionate, living fully and expressively his love for life and concern for our world’s future.. Like so many others, I have been personally touched deeply by his presence - over our month together at Westwind.- and for this I am ever grateful
I have held you in my heart Joanna constantly since I heard the news 2 days ago, and I feel acutely for your loss.. for the emptiness you will no doubt feel by your side as you “Go Forth” into this new chapter of your own life..I have no doubt you still feel Frans presence by your side,, but in another form.. not as tangible, and that is an immense adjustment.
You and Fran have touched and inspired SO many people around the world !!!!.... I pray that you will be able to feel carried somewhat by the outpouring of sentiment that the news of Frans passing is illiciting , the tidal wave of support and love that is being beamed your way from many corners of this precious planet.!..
The words of Nils Aslak Valkeapaa - a Sami herdsman - in his book “Trekways of the Wind” - come to mind:
“I WOULD LIKE TO DIE - AS I HAVE LIVED - DISAPPEAR AMONG
THE TUNDRA WINDS - BE TRANSFORMED INTO BIRDSONG”
Liz Turkel • January 23
Dear sweet brothers and sisters,
I write to you under cloudy skies here in the Bay Area after a day of much needed rain - the first in weeks. Our beautiful mother has been nourishing herself with her own tears, through the clouds and through each of our blessed eyes.
Last night, Joanna and her family opened their home to all of the grievers who were able to come and pay their respects to Fran... After a night and a day of sitting shaken and pained by the news of our beautiful Fran’s passing, I am so filled with gratitude to have been able to ground the experience of this loss in the physical realm..
The door was open when I arrived inviting visitors upstairs to come and sit silently with each other and Fran. And there, in the bedroom, Fran’s body lay still and serene, covered in a sea-blue cloth and red roses, flanked by poetry and candles and watched over by loving and longing looks from his gentle grievers. Barack and Michelle looked on, beaming their amazing smiles from the front page of the newspaper at his side while the music of an etherial harp and a robust and tender Russian choir soothingly caressed the air around us.
The gentle peace on Fran’s face brought all of the fluttering airborne energy of these last days right down into my gut, into my feet, and deep down into the earth.
And then there was Joanna...
Smiling and solid, gracious, grounded, grieving Joanna. Letting us all cry. Making us all laugh.
Allowing everything to have its place and to pass through.
“Tonight is the last time that I’ll get to see his face in this form,” she said by his side. “Now I’ll have to learn how to see it in the clouds, in the trees, in the bark...”
Breathing through... Breaking open and breathing through.
Witnessing the two of these warriors, remembering and experiencing again the depth of my gratitude and inspiration for and by them in the immensity of their example of unwavering partnership and steadfast dedication to their healing work in our broken world, I found my commitments and vows being called forth more determinedly, more passionately. Connecting with Fran last night, I could feel him calling forth from us all of the energy that we each have to really allow ourselves to shine. Not only to allow it, but to work for it. To get out there and do the work we are being called to do. To not falter. To not doubt. But to go forth assuredly into this uncertain future armed with nothing but kindness, compassion, and the great unshakable choice to let EVERYTHING pass through us. To let LIFE pass through us. All the pain. All the joy. And all of the blessed, sacred love.
And so, I left last night feeling lighter, more solid, and filled with a gentle, grounded joy. And this morning, as the world seems to have dressed herself up in a magnificent wedding gown, I send you all my great love and warmth as this heart sings and dances in great celebration of a life lived fully and filled with love.
I am sending to you the Mary Oliver poem that was read at our closing ceremony ... It speaks to me of this moment and, of course, of Fran.
Till we meet again,
may you be safe.
may you be happy.
may you be healthy.
may you be peaceful.
may you be free...............
In deep love and great gratitude.