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A Story of Hope & Love
Sent: Wednesday, August 29, 2007 3:51 PM
Subject: Rollin Bishop (1965-2007)
Friends:
Some of you know, others do not, that my good friend and teacher Rollin Bishop
died last Tuesday from a strain of viral pneumonia similar to the strain that
killed Jim Henson, creator of the Muppets. His death was sudden and unexpected.
Rollin and I met in 1979 when I began working in the field. He was 14 and I was
24. Many of you have heard me tell parts of his story in my presentations. He
has been the source of much inspiration and learning for me. I will miss him
beyond words.
He was a kind and funny man who had an uncanny ability to connect with all kinds
of people. At his funeral service in Newport this last Sunday, these connections
were evident, as people from all walks of life spoke with emotion about his life
and impact. I told some of my stories. Men from the hunting camp told others. A
friend, Paul Mason, broke into tears, while describing the joy of riding his
Harley Davidson with Rollin as a passenger. And Rick Densmore, Rollin's "home
provider" and best friend for over 17 years, was held in the middle of the room
by his mother and daughter as he tried to explain what we all knew -- Rollin was
an amazing man and we are all better because of him.
Rick's mother Carlene offered to have Rollin buried in the family cemetery in
Lyndon and that's where we followed his ashes. The black hearse made it's way
onto the Interstate, followed by Rick and Paul on Harley Davidson motorcycles,
loud like Rollin would have wanted them to be, and behind them a long line of
cars, twenty or more, each of them, I'll bet, playing Beatles music, loud like
Rollin would have wanted (he loved the Beatles).
We held hands, more than 50 of us, in a wide circle around the grave. More
stories were told. A prayer followed. And then Rollin's ashes were lowered into
the ground. On top of them, rings of keys that he used to love to twirl in his
fingers were tossed. One by one the cars pulled away. Rick was among the last to
go. And before he had ridden even two miles from the site, his Harley
inexplicably stopped. Rescued by my brother Michael in his pickup, Rick an hour
later rolled the bike onto the ground and it started immediately. Rick, dead
serious, said he figured Rollin did not want him to leave him in Lyndon all
alone. As odd as it might seem, I think he was right.
Rollin did not die a lonely man. I am happy to tell you that. I spoke with him
the Friday before his death and he was happy. I was to travel to Vermont this
labor day weekend and we talked about what we might do and who we might see. We
were both looking forward. I can't believe that we won't be seeing each other
again. But I can tell you that Rollin had a real and meaningful life, with a
wide circle of friends. He died peacefully in his sleep, I am told. And that is
a good thing. To die peacefully, to love, and to be loved.
Some of you have asked for Rick's address to send condolences. I know he would
very much appreciate it. He has been an incredible influence on Rollin's life
for over 17 years and he, understandably, is devastated by Rollin's departure.
You can send the cards to:
Rick Densmore
4838 Vermont Route 111
Morgan, Vermont 05853
Warmest regards-
David
PS - Please feel free to distribute as my email address book is a bit out of
date.
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