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Dear Colleague, <o:p> </o:p></p>
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This note is to share with you the passing of Richard ‘Dick’ Sims on Tuesday, April 27<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>Four days earlier after a feast, he stopped eating and taking fluids.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>As an ‘essential care giver’ I have been able to visit him every day.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>On Tuesday, his breathing was more labored, and I had spent the morning with him, sharing songs, poetry and the silence.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>At about one, I began my weekly call with David Dunn.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>We have been working on an article called <i>Rituals in the Field: Nepal.</i><span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>During the call, Richard stopped breathing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>So gently, so peacefully.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>David stood in the place of ‘all the saints’ surrounding us.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>You were all there with us as we sang ‘Journey on, Journey on’. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span><o:p> </o:p></p>
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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.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>I deeply appreciated his partnership over the last 24 years.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>(Thank you Lyn Mathews Edwards, Mary Laura and Pam for your nudges). <span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>He had decided to support women leaders and was an incredible support to myself.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>He once told me, ‘His mission was to make me laugh every day! <span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>I am able to smile.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blessings Be <o:p>
</o:p></p>
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I will share more information as it unfolds.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>
Richard stories will be appreciated. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I am swing back and forth from gratitude and grief.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p> </o:p></p>
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