[Oe List ...] Celebrate the life of Richard 'Dick' Sims

[ML Jones]

My two favorite stories about Richard are:
Coming home from your wedding at the Cook County Courthouse which Ken and I
were privileged to witness - Richard talked the whole way home in the
limousine and called a number of favorite people to tell them the good
news. Some of the familiar ones were Frank and Aimee Hilliard, John and
Thea Patterson, and many family members and friends. It was a joyous day
and a privilege to be there and share in the celebration. More than a few
good friends said, "No way! Really?" and we all shouted, " Yes, really!"

My second favorite story is that Richard called me on a Saturday evening
and said he wanted to talk to me about something. He came over and talked
for awhile about various things. Finally, he said, "I am on my way to
Canada to be with Jan Sanders". And I said, "Then you better hurry and get
on the road.".

I think there are some other good stories from Lake Junaluska and the RSI
Cadre at the University of South Carolina in the late 60s which worked on
integrating the university politics and social structure. Richard was
always a wise, genial and kind presence in our many strategy meetings at
the Methodist Student Center with Don Bundy, Carol Pierce, Don Bushman and
many others.

Mary Laura Jones


Mary Laura Jones
Grants Resource Development Consultant
53599 Pulver Road
Three Rivers, MI 49093
cell: 773 636-2022
mljones2022 at gmail.com


On Thu, Apr 29, 2021 at 11:44 PM Janet Sanders via OE <
oe at lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote:

> Dear Colleague,
>
> This note is to share with you the passing of Richard ‘Dick’ Sims on
> Tuesday, April 27th.  Four days earlier after a feast, he stopped eating
> and taking fluids.  As an ‘essential care giver’ I have been able to
> visit him every day.  On Tuesday, his breathing was more labored, and I
> had spent the morning with him, sharing songs, poetry and the silence.  At
> about one, I began my weekly call with David Dunn.  We have been working
> on an article called *Rituals in the Field: Nepal.*  During the call,
> Richard stopped breathing.  So gently, so peacefully.  David stood in the
> place of ‘all the saints’ surrounding us.  You were all there with us as
> we sang ‘Journey on, Journey on’.
>
> I have attached the article which features a ritual Richard led in our
> 2007 Nepal training program. It weaves together the two great movements in
> our lives: The Institute of Cultural Affairs and the Possible
> Human/Possible Society work of Dr. Jean Houston.  As Jean said, upon
> hearing of his passing that Richard was an original, a wise thoughtful soul
> whose laughter and humor came from a deep source of the absurd.  I deeply
> appreciated his partnership over the last 24 years.  (Thank you Lyn
> Mathews Edwards, Mary Laura and Pam for your nudges).  He had decided to
> support women leaders and was an incredible support to myself.  He once
> told me, ‘His mission was to make me laugh every day!  I am able to smile.
> Blessings Be
>
> I will share more information as it unfolds.  Richard stories will be
> appreciated.   I am swing back and forth from gratitude and grief.
>
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>
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