Cynthia: We were grieved to hear of Bob’s death but join you in celebrating his life. We especially appreciate his sense of wonder and mystery in life. His active engagement in fossil hunting, bird watching, and insect analysis complemented his fascination with the philosophy of time. And of course, his love for you and for Star Princess. We also appreciate the two of you leading the formation of the IAF (which now has become a global organization with multiple conferences and certification processes). From the 70 of us who signed that original flipchart, the Association has become a significant organization attending to the standards of the profession around the world. We remember fondly the time you and Bob took us fossil hunting in the river that required wet suits. It was our first time in wet suits, and I still chuckle over Bob’s description of the two types of people who use them…. We also recall the time in California when we went with you on a birding trip. Bob noted that a particularly rare bird had been sighted just down the coast, so off we went. To our astonishment, it was not a TYPE of bird that was spotted, but a particular bird of that species. That’s when we recognized the intensity of birding, and the wonder it discloses. It’s been a joy to know Bob and will miss him. And we intend to keep tracking you in your music. Grace & Peace. Ann and John On Thu, Aug 16, 2018 at 3:41 PM, Frank Knutson via OE < oe@lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote:
Dear Cynthia,
I’m so sad, Cynthia. I didn’t know what to think when you messaged the other day—actually thought it was a hoax, but so glad that I was able to respond with stories of our past. Off and on, I have thought of you two, particularly when I heard about one of your adventures—birding, butterflies, diving and more recently, when we traded Facebook postings. I have so many indelible memories of Bob and you from (my God) nearly 50 years ago. If there was one period in the Order I truly treasure, it was those brief years we worked together and cared about one another. You guys were the definition of Priors. I recall Bob and me taking a week’s trip, from Arizona to Washington state, sniffing out new locations for HDPs, talking mostly strategies for the future. It was a privilege to be his, and your, colleague but mostly—your friend. You know I could go on and on, but you get the gest. Take good care of yourself.
❤
On Aug 15, 2018, at 11:10 PM, isobeljimbish--- via OE < oe@lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote:
Dear Cynthia and colleagues, I remember Bob well, although I did not work with him. This a very sad moment as we acknowledge the passing on of a very fine man, who gifted us with a certain steadfastness and gentle qualities. Dear Cynthia, We are thinking about you as I write. May peace be in your heart even as you grieve. With love, Isobel Bishop
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On 16 Aug 2018, at 4:07 am, Sherwood Shankland via OE < oe@lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote:
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@lists.wedgeblade.net> On Behalf Of Cynthia Vance via OE Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2018 11:23 AM To: Milan Hamilton <mellowmilan2@gmail.com> Cc: Cynthia Vance <facilitationfla@aol.com>; Order Ecumenical Community < oe@lists.wedgeblade.net>; Frank Cookingham via Dialogue < dialogue@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
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On Aug 15, 2018, at 11:45 AM, Milan Hamilton <mellowmilan2@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❤️
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On Aug 15, 2018, at 6:23 AM, Jack Gilles via OE <oe@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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