[Dialogue] [Oe List ...] Bob Vance

[Sherwood Shankland]

Hey CV - we knew Bob's journey was close to completion, and yet there were tears over our morning coffee today as we started receiving notes from colleagues around the planet...seems that the anticipation of a death is food for thought, but the actual endpoint is poignant with sadness - the Mystery adds the existential whack that makes it all very real and very now.

We, Eunice and I, send our deepest condolences as we remember the overlap of our journeys in the Order and in Facilitation. (Can't say that we shared scuba diving for sharks teeth, serious birding or tennis with you guys, but we have many memories in common...) Bob's support of Eunice as they served together on the Panchayat cared for her in many ways. His co-facilitation with Sherwood at Citibank in Miami and Lagos kept him on his toes as he insisted to adjust the methods to meet the clients actual needs, not just "turn the ToP crank" using the standard constructs. No one else could have been the first Chair of the IAF... a role that Bob filled with infectious confidence. We all knew that something new was happening, and Bob added calm inspiration to the mix that helped move us from the idea of a new organization to the reality of operational details. Yea! Thanks, Bob for the focused work, thoughtful reflections and laughter along the way and most of all his no nonsense kindness especially to me (Eunice). 
And, Cynthia, take your time now to let his absence settle in, and build a great collage of pictures to celebrate your journey together...we will look for some shots to send your way. 
Blessings on the road ahead, hope to see you soon, our guest room is ready. 
 Grace and Peace, Sherwood and Eunice

-----Original Message-----
From: OE <oe-bounces at lists.wedgeblade.net> On Behalf Of Cynthia Vance via OE
Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2018 11:23 AM
To: Milan Hamilton <mellowmilan2 at gmail.com>
Cc: Cynthia Vance <facilitationfla at aol.com>; Order Ecumenical Community <oe at lists.wedgeblade.net>; Frank Cookingham via Dialogue <dialogue at lists.wedgeblade.net>
Subject: Re: [Oe List ...] Bob Vance

Such a sweet note from both of you.  Thanks.  It really means a lot to me.
Cynthia

Sent from my iPad

> On Aug 15, 2018, at 11:45 AM, Milan Hamilton <mellowmilan2 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> So it is true. My mentor and friend, Bob Vance, has joined the chorus. I suppose there have been postings to prepare us for this, but somehow we have dropped off the LISTSERVE, except for those George Holcombe has been forwarding. I will send a personal response to Cynthia but just wanted to add Linda and my expression of deep appreciation for the guidance and friendship we have known from both Bob and Cynthia these many years. From the first time they showed up in San Francisco when I was a basket case to the latest stay with them when they were still in Miami. It has been an honor to be a small part of Bob’s (and Cynthia’s) life journey. We will miss ya Bob! Milan and Linda Hamilton❤️
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Aug 15, 2018, at 6:23 AM, Jack Gilles via OE <oe at lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote:
>> 
>> Dear Cynthia,
>> 
>> I am always flooded with memories of our beloved community when I hear news like Bob’s passing. What a great man and colleague he was! I think you create a special bond with the person who taught your RS-I, and Bob, along with Fred Buss, taught mine on the Westside in December of 1966. Later I got to work with him a bit in the Summer programs. The second memory is when you and he came to Litibu to do birding. We all so enjoyed your presence. 
>> 
>> On behalf of George West and myself, we send our deepest gratitude and our deepest sympathy to you for being a life partner and caretaker for our colleague Bob. May the grace of God sustain you, along with Neil and Faith.
>> 
>> Grace and Peace, and Love,
>> 
>> Jack and George
>> 
>> 
>> 
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