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In loving memory of
our friend |
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Click here to jump to the most Recent entry: 17 December, 2002 |
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Some of The following outpourings of affection and sadness are quoted here from online postings, but most were sent directly to us . If you would like to add your thoughts, stories and photos of Aldwin, or any corrections, please send it to me, indicating your modern and SCA names, and your City and State, local group and Kingdom. This is intended to show his family and friends how deeply he is loved and missed by so many, and to keep the flame of his memory bright within us. If you have a site of your own for Aldwin that you would like to have linked to this page, please send me the URL.
Lady Ursula von
Bremen |
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From:
mmagnusm@bellsouth.net Richard Myrick / Master Aldwin
Longwalker, OP, (AoA, Leaf of Merit, QOoG, Diamond Willow, Ivory
Quatrefoil (priciple), (West); Pelican, GoA, Light of Atenveldt, Queen's
Cypher (Atenveldt); Feather of Artemisia, Pillar of Artemisia (Artemisia))
died last night very quickly of a massive heart attack. Someone ran to a local fire
station on the next street and he was immediately carried to Rex Hospital
about four miles away. I'm told that as many as five E.M.T.s tried to
revive him on the way to the hospital. A number of the SCA were there at
the hospital when his parents later came and told them that Aldwin was
dead. |
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From:
e.anderson@mindspring.com As one of his friends, I would
ask that those thinking of Master Aldwin give a fitting salute to his
passing. Remember his laughter, his "exuberant" heralding
and toast him with a sip of something truly decadent (preferably while
dropping the name of someone important) or do something seriously
hedonistic in his honour. Those of you who knew him well will
understand why, for those who don't, you missed a true unique gem. His is
loved and missed already. |
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| From: redswanne@mindspring.com 9/14/01 11:52 AM EDT (referring to Lady Briana's post
above) I couldn't have said it any better, no matter how hard I tried. I raise a cup to his memory. |
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From: js9327@sbc.com 9/14/01 11:07 AM EDT I was a friend of Aldwin's from
his Oertha days. |
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| From:
achbar@bellsouth.net 9/14/01 12:38 AM EDT I remember Master Aldwin. I have never had a bad moment in his company. He was a good man. His passing is our loss. Lord Achbar ibn Ali |
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| From:
ranger5@gateway.net 9/14/01 7:29 AM EDT My heart is so heavy with sorrow. This morning I heard of the world's newest loss, that of a good man I never got to know well enough. I shall miss Aldwin Longwalker, who never lacked a tale to tell and who seemed to be friends with everyone. He is now part of the spirit that moves through all things. I bet he's already learning names. I hope that everyone who knew him can figure out how to say goodbye. I know that I will have a hard time. My love and support go with you all.
Lord Dunstan le Heryngmongere |
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| From: Neca.D.Johnson@aexp.com 9/14/01 8:31 AM EDT I just have no words. Why is it I haven't cried (hardly) for 10,000, but have cried so much for one? I am comforted in the knowledge that he had so many friends with him last night. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I am a better person for having known this man. Lady Gwenlian |
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| From: Alison.Gregory@USOncology.com 9/14/01 8:53 AM EDT As I read through my email this morning, I know that this news will be the primary source of grief I feel for weeks to come. Aldwin was my friend. He was an easy guy to like and anyone who met him learned this quickly. As we all move through the motions of memorial for Master Aldwin, please to not forget Abby. She was the only one of many who answered him correctly when he asked why she wanted to be his protégée. Lady
Careal M'Kethyrrike |
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| From:
haggis@checksix.net 9/14/01 9:55 AM EDT I first met Master Aldwin at
Atlantian 12th night this year, then at Ymir, as he was the
Herald-in-charge and my Lady Careal was Autocrat for that event. I
consider myself fortunate to count him among my friends and will very very
much miss him. Alwin is a damn good man, and I will forever honour
his memory. |
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| From: dgunter@microsoft.com 9/14/01 9:55 AM EDT Rohan called me tonite - she didn't want us to read about it first. I have forwarded your mail to the An Tir kingdom mailing list. We share your sadness. It's been a bitch of a week for all. If I could get a flight or train from Seattle I would be there for the funeral, but the chances are low. Raise a toast and remember our friend. Best regards in the worst of times, Ciaran & Juliana (Dave & Lola Gunter, Seattle, WA) |
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| From:
carolyn.prickett@eustis.army.mil 9/14/01 10:31 AM EDT Please pass along my sincere
condolences to everyone there. I know you all will feel his loss
very directly. Addie (Countess Adelicia of Cumbria, Kingdom of Atlantia) |
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| From:
abuchold.@gmail.com 9/14/01 10:31 AM EDT I just wanted to thank all of those who have posted on the lists or contacted me in person to express your sorrow. I am so glad to know that so many people thought so much of my peer, Master Aldwin. I am also glad that he was among his friends last night. I count myself lucky that I had the time I did with him as his protégée, and most importantly his friend. He was one of the dearest people in the world to me and I will never forget his abject stubbornness, his hedonism, his laughter, or the love he had for his friends from all over the country. He taught me the importance of friends, for we must turn to each other in this dark time. I know he loved all of you, and I know how much he meant to all that knew him. Fly high, dear friend. |
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| In memory of...
A member of my canton (Elvegast) suffered a massive heart attack following the meeting. He was on his way to dinner at Darryl's when he collapsed and never recovered. I am sure he was surrounded by SCA friends. Master Aldwin Longwalker, who I have known for only a few months, was a delightful man and will be sorely missed. I also want to send along my thoughts and prayers to his protégée Lady Derdriu of Kilmaron (formerly Derdriu ingen Muiredaig). She will also need the love and support of her SCA friends in the coming days. Please keep both of these individuals close to your thoughts. Master Aldwin AKA "Scruffy" was not a close friend, but I have had the honor of knowing him for the few months since I moved to this area. Even so, I personally feel his loss. I was not present when he collapsed, but I am sure he had the best care available and those that were with him tried to comfort him. Baroness Adriana la Bretonne |
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| Tell your loved ones
you love them. Also take a moment of silence, not only for the victims of
the horrible attacks, but for Master Aldwin Longwalker of Windmasters'
Hill, who died of a massive heart attack last night.
Genvieve |
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| From: MHWag@aol.com 9/14/01 8:18 PM And who could forget Master
Aldwyn appearing at the Elvegast fighter practice in scuba gear, showing
off the jack-o-lantern he had carved underwater for a Red Cross
fundraiser? I will miss him. |
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| From: clairjamie@yahoo.com 9/14/01 7:33 AM EDT Master Aldwin was a good friend
of mine and always there when I needed him. I can't say enough good
things about him and won't try because I can't see through the tears. |
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| From: Demison1@aol.com 9/14/01 3:41 PM EDT As if Tuesday's atrocities weren't enough, I learned this morning that our friend Aldwin died of a heart attack last night. This reminds me, yet again, just how fragile life is, and how important it is to hold your friends close to you. Although I no longer live in Windmaster's Hill, I still consider it my first home. I know that I don't communicate very often, but know that I have not forgotten you. It is hard at times like this to look at life with an open heart, but that is what we have to do. We have to be careful not to let our hearts harden when life turns upside down, because, even if it is hard to see now, there will be light again. Please never forget that. I am trying not to. The reason I am emailing you is
that I wanted to tell all of you just how much I love you. Despite
everything that has happened this week, the knowledge that I still have
friends like you is a great comfort and allows me to smile through my
pain. I don't always tell you how I feel about all of you because I
assume that you know. Right now, we can't afford to go on
assumptions. Please make sure to remind all of your friends and
family just how much you love them. You never know when you might
not get to the chance to again. Consider yourselves hugged from me,
and again, I love you all. |
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| From:
jgawron@rmci.net 9/16/01 12:23 AM EDT I
really don't know where to begin. I
have sooo many memories of him, always in friendship, sometimes in accord,
other times in conflict. We haven't talked much the last couple of
years, but there was always time, wasn't there. |
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From:
abuchold.@gmail.com I
think his father was planning on driving up but I'm not sure if he's in
town yet. I'm holding up
okay, with a little help from my friends. I'm so glad to hear that
everyone gathered together to remember Aldwin last night. I'm afraid I
just wouldn't have been able to handle it just yet, so I decided it would
be best for me to stay home. Magy and Talento came over and spent the
evening with me last night. We lit a couple of candles on my balcony, one
for the national tragedy this week, and of course, one for Aldwin. I've
heard from some of his friends from around the country, and they all told
me how much they loved him. I let them know just how much they meant to
him. |
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From:
ratslayr@mindspring.com Scruffy
was a very dear friend and was very instrumental in aiding the Barony of
Arn Hold in becoming a Barony. He was also a very big part of
Artemisia eventually becoming a Kingdom. I know he really loved
Artemisia a lot. He was one
of my mentors when I became a local herald. He helped me out
tremendously. |
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From:
ldjared@hotmail.com Jared
and I didn't know Aldwin as well as many of you. His protégée, Derdriu,
is our SCA daughter but we were not afforded time by various mundane
constraints to spend time with him often. Consequently, we know much more
/of/ him more than we know him. But if a man can truly be judged by the
company he keeps then one only has to know those whom Aldwin called
friends to know him. |
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From:
ThatUrsula@aol.com My husband and I met Master
Aldwin at Kingdom Crusades in Darlington, MD in 1998, when he was new to
the Kingdom. Master Efenwealt had pointed him out to Master Valdemar
and told him that this is someone worth knowing. We were instantly
drawn to him. This guy had style. I think that it was Master
Efenwealt and Lady Aénor who started calling him "Master Aldwin
Namedropper", for any conversation with him included mention of the
many bright lights he's met along his way. It became an unofficial
rule that when Aldwin dropped a name, we were all required to take a
drink. We didn't learn for a while that he was known as
"Scruffy" in the West. On
Friday night, 14 September, people gathered at Rohan's house and at our
house (we had at least 15 at our place). We shared stories, looked
at pictures and some videos with Aldwin in them from Pennsic and Twelfth
Night and some photo shoots that we did in March. And we read through some
of the posts. We laughed. We cried. We hugged and drank
some beer until well past midnight. Most of us had a smile at the
end of the evening, but we have a long way to go. |
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| From: lissamc@qwest.net 9/16/01 4:41 PM EDT I have known Scruffy since his Artemisian days. The man...*lived*. He put more into his years than most folks I know. And he loved as hard as he lived, with a generous heart, an insightful mind, and a ready laugh. He had a gift...if I ever wanted to know what was truly going on (or went on years ago, for that matter), all I had to do was ask him. If he didn't know off the top of his head--and that man had more group and personal information squirreled away in his brain!--he would head off, talking to this person and that. Soon he would be back, and could lay out and analyze the situation in a clear, concise, entertaining, understandable manner, complete with the philosophical underpinnings of the people involved. He was just as insightful on a personal level. He was one of the very few folks who have unlimited access to my personal journals. Once or twice a year when he came to visit, he would catch up on things that way. Then we would sit around until all hours of the night sorting through stuff. Of course, it took a clue-by-four upside the head to get him to notice folks interested in *him*. And with all his ready stories, his philosophical discussions, it was easy to miss that he rarely talked about his own emotions. But he let me inside, and let me see his hopes and fears...and that was a gift indeed. He was always there. Even though we each hopscotched around the country, there was always the assurance that if we called on each other, the other would come. And so it didn't matter that we lived across the country. It didn't matter that we loved other folks, had our own lives to live. The bond was always there. And there was always the next event, the next visit, always the next time. Except now we've run out of time. I don't regret a single moment of our friendship. I only regret that we don't have more memories to make. Weeping, Mistress Gwendolen Wold Barony of Sun Dragon, Atenveldt (Lissa McCollum, Glendale, AZ) |
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| From: Mayfair13a@aol.com 9/16/01 7:14 PM EDT It has taken me days to process the fact that Scruff (he is known as Scruffy out-west) is gone. I'm still not totally here with it. My Sister was saying that we go through all the terrible events of the 11th, all the while holding our breath till we find out friends in New York were safe & then we get the news about Scruff. Stunning. I have been flooded with memories of him. He is on every street corner, in every small blue truck, at my dining room table. I have too many memories to negotiate around. Like so many of you, I spent so much time with Scruff. I learned about the ins & outs of the SCA from Scruff many a night at the old Burger & Brew on Broadway Avenue in Boise Idaho. He was able to elevate the Laurels, Pelicans, & Knights of The Society to mythic status, inspiring me & at the same time defying me to join their ranks. He taught me a lot. I love him. I was fortunate that I saw him at Pennsic just 4 weeks ago. I am so glad he got to meet Sophia (my daughter). He had agreed to camp with us at Estrella. I was looking forward to walking in the desert evening with him once again, listening to him talk (for surely he would have the floor:), trying to persuade him to come back to Artemisia for UPRISING. Some people have said that there is a new star in the heavens, I hope that is true. I will need it because some of the light has gone out of the world for me. I will miss him for the rest of my life. Pasha Starling Mayfaire, OL Kingdom of Artemisia, Barony of ArnHold, Friend to Master Aldwin Longwalker |
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From:
morganw@theglobal.net I
sit here, nearly a week later, with fresh tears on my face, thinking of
Master Aldwin LongTalker (yes, I know, but that's what I called him), who
taught me so much about the SCA and life in general. I read the
post about raising a toast to him, "something decadent while dropping
a name", I laughed and cried at the same time. I remember
many times sitting in camp with Scruff, when someone would hand him
something good, and he would say "oh, well, if we're drinking this, I
should tell you about the time *His Grace* and I..." blatantly
name-dropping, and not being remotely serious about it. I have
missed him since he left Artemisia, but have always thought I'd see him
again. I shall share my Scotch with him every time I drink it. |
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| From: Jeanette.Landin@med.ge.com 9/17/01 10:06 AM EDT OMG... I'm stunned and nearly speechless. Words cannot express what Scruff meant to me. I have so many memories of so much laughter and all the times that I had to beat him during court. Although I think he provoked me deliberately.... <weak smile> He was a dear friend -- but "friend" is such an inadequate term. How do you equate someone who kept you going when you were down, made you laugh when you wanted to cry, and traveled many miles to be with you when no one else would? I kept missing him at Pennsic this year, and now my heart aches because I would have had just one more chance to laugh with him at some of the lunacy of this world. For those of you who didn't know him, to say that he was a great shining light in this world is to say only a piece of the picture. And a small one at that. Scruffy was a very large part of what made Artemsia as it is today, and I am honored to have known him and to have ever called him friend. I am only relieved to know that there is now one more wonderful person to meet me on the other side when my time comes. I will miss Scruff terribly, and will continue to tell my stories of him so that no one forgets this incredible person. Ok, the screen's blurring now... and the keyboard's wet..." Thank you for your kindness! Mistress Janet Gordon Barony of the South Downs, Meridies (Jeanette Landin, Atlanta, GA) |
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| From:
quidnon@att.net 9/18/01 12:29 AM EDT My Lord and I had the pleasure of knowing Scruffy from the first up in Oertha. We'll never forget the love of life, the many foot rubs I got, the appreciation of the music and dance in the SCA, the talking and laughter, and realization that there was a soul of substance to go along with the person to match. We've missed him for many years... I wonder now how many other ladies glowed with pleasure at being told they had 'perfect feet,' or gazed into his adoring eyes as he flirted as part of a dance. Or not as part of a dance. I hope they remember him with as much fondness and love as we do up here. He wasn't a fighter, or a bard, or incredibly well built or handsome, and yet he always seemed to be surrounded by women. He always had the most amazing hair. Kylson would say, "At least you have bangs!" He wanted to make it through all the "A" kingdoms. Atenveldt, Artemesia, An Tir, Atlantia. Did he live in Ansteorra? I lost count somewhere. All I know was that he wasn't here. He loved life. It showed, and people are attracted to someone who is determined to squeeze as much fun out of life as can possibly be had. I saw him last at Estrella, living and laughing as always. That's how I will remember him. When Kylson met up with Scruffy at 30 year (he was seldom "Aldwin"), Aldwin took Kylson aside, and asked him "You're married, you have a child, and you're seneschal of the Barony." Those of you who've met Kylson know that he avoids responsibility like the plague because he takes it so seriously when he's got it. Aldwin's next line was "Where's the _real_ Kylson, or what have you done with his body?" That is how Kylson will remember Aldwin. At Selveirgard Warlord's Tourney last weekend, we sang "A Health to the Company" and spent some time remembering Scruffy. Sing or dance or celebrate. Do not mourn for Aldwin. He wouldn't want to see his friends sad. VM Anne of Bradford, a friend to Scruffy who didn't care about all the alphabet soup |
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From:
lissamc@qwest.net 9/18/01 12:51 AM EDT (reacting to Master Efenwealt's song for Aldwin "Drop My Name in Heaven")
Oh dear! I don't know whether to laugh or sob! Both at once, I think. |
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| From:
tamm@portentinteractive.com 9/17/2001 1:17 PM Master Aldwin, or Master Scruffy, was one of my oldest and closest friends. I met him very early in my SCA career, while we were both in Artemisia. He was there for me in a myriad of ways - a good shoulder to cry on, a great person to laugh with, and someone who gave excellent political advice. He was present for many of my greatest moments in the SCA and always showed an unmitigated joy that one of his friends was being honored. He was, by far, the best schmoozer I've ever met... I adored playing the game with him. He taught me so much about being politically active, not only in the SCA, but in mundane life as well. There's still a certain food chain that I won't shop at, thanks to Scruff, who pronounced them "losers" because of their political affiliation. The last time I saw him was at Pennsic. There was one night in particular, where he and his protégée, myself and several other good and long time friends wandered around, seeing the night time sights and spending a very wonderful evening in each other's company. There was one moment, when we all stood and gazed out over the fog-shrouded lake where we all felt that tenuous and fleeting feeling of being transported into another reality where the SCA, at its best, held sway. We all agreed that it was a moment never to be forgotten, a moment that would never come again... I am so happy to have had the ability to have shared this with Scruff... I will miss him very much... Regards, Laurellen de
Brandevin |
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| From:
thayas@mindspring.com 9/17/2001 6:45 PM EDT Greetings Dear Cousins, Last night (Sunday September 16th), approximately 40 friends gathered at the home of Lady Danielle and Don Vladimere (Tami and Jeremy Taylor) here in Arn Hold (Boise Idaho) for a remembrance in honor of Master Aldwin Longwalker (Richard Myrick) whom we all knew and loved and referred to with great affection as Scruffy. We told stories of him, told of the first time we had met him and remembered fondly his antics both silly and glorious. Many of us realized that we simply could not pinpoint the exact time we had met him for the first time, we knew only that he had touched our lives and we were the better for it and the sadder for his passing. There are many ways we all came to describe Scruffy (Richard) some of them are: wonderful, caring, compassionate, champion debater, master orator, storyteller, friend, teddy bear, defender of the meek. But the one word we all agreed on was friend. For myself I will remember him one of three ways: 1) Preening in his tuxedo at the wedding of Mistress Pasha and Lord Eric (Kelly and Eric at the St. Chapel Winery in Nampa Idaho). He looked good and he knew it and he could certainly exude the southern gentleman charm when the occasion called for it. 2) Sitting up all night around the fire at an SCA event with wonderful tales, tasteless jokes and sharing of his sincere warmth for any and all who wanted to join him. 3) Sitting at my kitchen table while holding a fried chicken drum stick out to my cat as he let her take small bites in between the big bites he would take off of the same drumstick. There you have it in a nutshell... Style, Presentation, Conversation, Compassion, Humor, and Caring. God Bless you Scruffy - I'll miss you. Dame Rachel |
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| From:
kareina@pacbell.net 9/17/2001 5:50 PM EDT I first met Aldwin Longwalker back in about A.S. XVI (1981), give or take a year. I’m not terribly sure of the date, as I was a high school kid then, and brand new to the Society. Aldwin was the seneschal of the Barony of Eskalya (Anchorage Alaska). It was through his efforts that I made the transition from a kid who was a “fringy” in the SCA to an active participant. I have always been grateful to him for this. I had heard of the SCA through some of my friends from school, and one of them decided to form a household, which I joined. We kids made some costumes and gathered once a month or so at the home of one or another of us for weekend “revels”. Every so often we’d attend an SCA event as a group. Aldwin noticed that there was this entire household who wasn’t doing anything to participate in the Barony, so he made a point of approaching us at an event, and extending a specific invitation to me and the other kids to join the Player’s Guild that was newly forming. A few of us did attend the meeting the following week, and when he discovered that I had a car with base stickers, he asked me for a ride home for himself and one of his buddies. He was a young GI living in the barracks on Elmendorf, without a car. My father was retired Air Force and my mother worked on the base, so I occasionally needed to head out there for errands of my own. Those stickers made it convenient to attend all of the events the SCA held in cabins in the back woods of the base, which Aldwin would reserve for our use, in that I didn’t have to stop and check in at the gate as the other SCA folks did. That trip taking him home marked the start of a long friendship, for we dropped off the buddy and then he and I drove someplace, parked the car, and sat and talked for hours about the SCA, while he gave me a foot rub. From him I learned what all the strange terms I’d been hearing meant. I learned about the awards structure of the SCA, I learned about the various officers and their duties, I learned about titles and the correct forms of address for everyone, I learned about the giving and receiving of favors, both friendship and love, and many other things that a new person to the SCA needs to know. Thereafter I was his primary source of transportation to SCA events until he decided to move off-base and buy a car of his own a year or so later. I would pick him up and drive him to all of the meetings, practices, and events that were held in the Barony. From my start of maybe attending one event every several months, I’d suddenly become “active” in the SCA, attending everything that the Barony had available! After each meeting/practice/event we’d drive someplace and talk for hours about the SCA, the event we’d attended, or just anything at all. As a result, many of the local SCA folk assumed that we were a couple, but I was a high school kid with no interest yet in adult relationships, and he was still a naive young man with no experience with women. Though we certainly grew to love one another, I don’t think I ever even kissed him (a smooch on the cheeks wouldn’t count here), though I enjoyed countless foot-rubs from him. Aldwin and I were close enough friends that when I developed a crush on one of the local squires, Aldwin noticed before I did, and told me about it! Months later, he wound up getting together with one of the local ladies for a time, and his helpful roommates and friends upon hearing about it, decided to throw him a “Happy First Lay” party, complete with a cherry cake. I’ve always thought it fitting that it was that same evening that the squire I’d fallen for approached me and we got together! Once he decided
to move off base he and several other single young SCA men rented an
apartment in the downstairs of the building owned by the parents of
another SCA guy. That
apartment, called Sleeping Dog Manor (as in let sleeping dogs lie) had a
huge living room, and quickly became the center of the Barony. Everyone
felt welcome to drop in at any time, none of us ever knocked, and many of
us (me especially) would drop by and curl up with a book even if none of
the residents were present (the door was never locked).
Meetings were held there, parties happened there, informal
gatherings happened there. It
was a wonderful place, and Aldwin was a big part of why it was so
welcoming. I won’t say that Aldwin will be missed, because for many of us he has been missed these many long years since he moved away. I am sure that all of his friends from all of the other places he lived for a time before moving on feel the same. In the nearly twenty years since I first met Aldwin I’ve often thought of him fondly and reminisced on the good times we shared. I was always delighted to run into him now and again at a large inter-kingdom event (most recently the last Estrella War - how happy I am that I went to that one, for it became the last opportunity to see this wonderful man in person). Aldwin often
said during the time he was in Oertha that everyone was allowed one big
mistake in their lives, and he’d made his by joining the military.
However, he was very happy that he’d be stationed in Alaska.
He made many friends in his time in Oertha, and always counted
himself an Oerthan, in addition to whatever the correct designation for
folks residing anywhere else he may have lived.
I know that all of us Oerthans who were fortunate enough to have
known him then were very proud to call him one of our own, and were very
glad that his SCA career continued after leaving us.
Not one of us were surprised to hear that he’d become a pelican,
for his work on behalf of the Barony he loved in his youth showed us then
what he was capable of, and where he was likely to go with that energy and
enthusiasm for life and the SCA. Originally from
the Barony of Eskalya, Principality of Oertha, Kingdom of the West/ |
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9/17/01 7:34 AM I knew Scruffy
just a little; that's to say that I met him twice while he visited in Salt
Lake City. It is my wife, Lady Arabella (Bella to most) that has
felt this loss. Scruffy was someone special, someone strangely
innocent while at the same time decadent to her. He was a dear
friend, a subject of her love and affections, something that is both hard
to gain and hard to keep. Scruffy was special to me because of how
she spoke of him; Always with a smile and ALWAYS with that "oh
Scruffy......" tone in her voice. Scruffy, I didn't know you
but Bella did, better than most I dare say. She loves you.
She always will. |
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| From:
MCOHN@ec.rr.com 9/18/01 10:11 PM EDT By way of introduction I am a non-Scadian who knew Richard in Florida many years ago. He was my friend, and it is with great sadness that I learn of his passing. We were theatre cronies and it was only this past weekend that I was telling one of my many Richard stories. The worst part
of this sad news is that until February I was living in Raleigh, and still
go there often. My great regret is that I was not able to re-connect
with Richard before his untimely departure. Martin Cohn |
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| From: melisant@iafrica.com 9/15/01 9:01 EDT Anyone in America is in our
thoughts at the moment - I sincerely hope you did not have friends or
family in any of the disasters. But I notice from an SCA mailing
list a sad death which must come a lot closer to home - I don't know if
Master Aldwin Longwalker was a personal friend of yours? My
sympathies go out to the folk of your canton, to have this personal
tragedy in the midst of national mourning. You are in my thoughts -
let me know how you're doing when you have a moment in the midst of all
this horror. |
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| From: revwilliam@altavista.net 9/18/01 6:07 PM EDT Unto the friends of Master Aldwin Longwalker, as well as the Populace of the Knowne World, does Baron Alejandro Mateo Ramirez y Mendoza, Free Scholar send heartfelt greetings; My Friends, This is an open letter. Please post it as far and as wide as possible so that it may reach the faraway ears of the friends and compatriots of Master Aldwin Longwalker, as well as all those who have heard tell of his death. I speak to you today not as a Baron of the Court of Atlantia, nor as a Free Scholar, nor even as a member of the Society. I speak to you as Rev. William L. Ham, the officiant at the memorial service of Richard Myrick, known to us as Master Aldwin Longwalker. It has truly moved me to the core that the Society has so come out to support the memory of Richard and his family in this time of need. I had the opportunity to spend time with his family during the evening of September 16th, the night before the memorial service. I explained to them the significance of the Order of the Pelican, with which they were very moved. And as the evening progressed, again and again different members of Richard's family came to me and stated how appreciative they were of the Society and its members, how supportive and caring they were in their time of need. This same feeling was expressed by Lady Deirdru ingean Muiredach, who was Master Aldwin's one and only protégé. From the time of Master Aldwin's passing onward she has been succored and comforted by members of the Society both near and far. Again and again she expressed her appreciation at this. This has reflected the true nature of the Society for me; not just the recreation of history, nor even the pursuit of the values of chivalry, honor, and courtesy, but the application of those values to the modern world that we all live in at the end of the day. This is the SCA in its purest, most valuable form. And these are the values that we should all seek to further, both in and out of the Society. Remember this as you remember Master Aldwin, for that is what I feel he would have wanted. Richard Myrick's remains were cremated per the wishes of his family; the disposition of those ashes still stands to be determined by his family. Likewise, the distribution of his SCA gear will also be handled by his family with the advice of Lady Deirdru. Richard's family has also asked that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the Literacy Council of Wake County; 3948 Browning Place, Suite 336, Raleigh, NC, 27609. This reflects Richard's career as a bookstore manager, and his love of knowledge. Of course, in this time of national need I urge you all to donate your time and a pint or two of blood to the Red Cross. I have asked that the text of the ceremony that I conducted in memory of Master Aldwin Longwalker be posted this web site [see Songs, Quotes and Tributes ] so that those who could not be there can still share in spirit. In this, as in all things, I stand ready to serve where I can. Rev. William L. Ham, III, Raleigh, NC (Baron Alejandro Mateo Ramirez y Mendoza, Free Scholar Canton of Elvegast, Barony of Windmasters' Hill, Atlantia) |
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| From: queenartemisia@yahoo.com 9/19/01 12:42 AM EDT Unto the readers of this memorial does Kortland Stirling Mayfaire, Queen of all Artemisia send sorrowful greetings. It has taken me awhile to be able to compile any sort of thoughts other than selfish tears regarding Scruffy. As I sit and read all of the commentary regarding him I feel so lucky that he was my friend. I last saw Scruffy walking away from my encampment at Pennsic with Marquessa Llaurellen of An Tir as he gave me an exaggerated bow, winked at me and said "I will see you at Estrella Your Majesty". Scruffy made the SCA more real for me, he filled it with pageantry, chivalry and political intrigue. He helped design my arms, he came up with my name and no matter how mad he made me he was always my friend. He helped build the Barony that I preside over with my good lord and assisted in the creation of the kingdom that I now serve as Queen and brought a joyous noise to Artemisia. He challenged me by saying "very few people become Laurels.....and even fewer of them get Fleurs". Well I showed him. I would like to thank the Barony of Windmasters Hill for loving him so much. If anything makes all of this easier it is knowing that so many people cared about him. Kortland Stirling Mayfaire, OL Queen of Artemisia (Kerri Kennison, Boise, ID) |
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knovak@ashmeadcollege.com 9/19/01 7:16 PM EDT Master "Scruffy" was one of the best reasons to belong to the SCA. He embodied all that was delightful about it and added to it a "charm" all his own. No humorous moment passed unnoticed by him, most were made more amusing because of his ability to interject at just the right (or wrong!) moment and even things that went amiss were turned into reasons to smile because of his wit. I will never forget his attempt to make me smile during the most embarrassing of situations. I had the honor and good fortune to reign as Princess of Artemisia by the grace and strong arm of His Excellency, Aylwin Graham the Flamehaired. We had chosen to bring one of our ferrets to court that weekend. After being let out of his cage the beast searched out Her Grace, Duchess Anna Ophelia Holloway who was innocently minding her own business and (not for the first time I'm ashamed to say) proceeded to relieve himself on her dress. Without missing a beat Scruffy produced kleenex for her, scooped the offending animal up, brought him to me and in hushed stage whisper said, "Your Highness, forgive me for asking, but is there rhyme or reason for this season of weasel treason?" There was much laughter and by feast it was a limerick, at bardic circle it was a song. And while I only heard it sung once, it stayed in my mind to be brought back today with this horrible news. Remembering a late night, post-event conversation about the end of life, I heard him say that if he had ever wished for a tombstone he would want it to say "Look out below!" Look out, indeed! Now he isn't just in one place but in all places and has the perfect opportunity to haunt us all. Who would enjoy that more that he? Come haunt me, good Master. I have need of thee. In memorium, Vicountess Raym Inan bint Rabiah/aka HL Ramona la Indomita No longer playing/An TIr (Kathlene Novak) |
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Fraser_Sherman@link.freedom.com 9/20/01 12:55 PM EDT Having lost touch with Richard twenty years ago, under any other circumstances I'd have been delighted to see a newspaper report that enabled me to catch up with what he's been doing. Under these circumstances . . . well, damn. I am delighted to know he remained the same sweet, charming, eccentric, fun-loving guy I remember. And I'm truly sorry he's no longer with us. Fraser Sherman |
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| Date: 9/17/01
6:19 PM MDT From: kkwilson@datawest.net (forwarded) Master Magnus, Thank you for the notification. Allow me to express my appreciation for combing through whatever information sources you used to get my name. Yes, Scruffy was a friend. In fact, I was the recipient of his first Pelican medallion. I am saddened to hear of the loss, but will always remember Scruffy with a smile. Catriona nic Aoidh Dragonsspine, Outlands Kat Wilson, Colorado Springs, CO |
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| From: rd45acp@airmail.net 10/1/01 4:246 PM EDT I knew Richard only when he was a toddler and I was a young child. Our families used to do adventures together. I remember he and his sister sleeping with their diapered bottoms up in the air. Richard was always cheerful and funny, even when teased or someone was unkind. He did not seem to have the capacity to take offense. His dad showed us both the great constellation Ursula together one night on a camping trip. It inspired my later career training astronauts at Marshall Space Flight Center. I never knew him by another name, but the name "Richard" in my kingdom means "Powerful Ruler" with the character quality "Brave". "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, self control and a sound mind" II Timothy 1:7 (paraphrased) Karen "Johnston" Garland, Texas Kingdom: Yeshua Position:Servant Purpose: To kindle a fire within the hearts of the cold and weary |
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| From: sirgillian@home.com 9/15/01 6:15 PM EDT (re-printed with permission from the author and the recipient) Rachel, It is with a
heavy heart that I write you today after being told last night of the
passing of Richard. I know no words of mine could possibly assuage
the sorrow you and your family are feeling right now but I wanted to let
you know that your grief is shared by many, and attempt to tell you a few
of the ways that Richard’s life touched mine. I don't know
how familiar you are with the SCA or how it functions, but it is basically
a very large, highly organized game. That being said, it is far
different from any other game I've ever participated in. Within its
"game-like" structure real abilities and values are promoted.
The concepts of honor, chivalry, courtesy, duty, mentoring, compassion and
humility are all highly revered and taught within the SCA. One is
expected to give of one’s self through volunteering, teaching, assuming
leadership or administrative responsibilities and by constantly advancing
one's knowledge of the medieval period and disseminating that knowledge to
others. This is the context in which I came to know your brother. I met Richard
(his nickname to us was "Scruffy," though I must confess I don't
know its origin) about eight or nine years ago when I was living in Logan,
Utah. I was an outsider from the mid-west and the ways of Utah and
the ways of the SCA in the region called "Artemisia" were
very strange to me. Richard took me under his wing and in one
nine-hour round-trip to Boise, ID, he described at length, the history,
people, and notable events of this strange new Principality that I was to
call home (though he could shed no light on Utah... which is still a
mystery to me). By taking the time to talk with me at length about
Artemisia, he probably shortened the time that it took me to finally feel
"at home" by eight to twelve months. Easing my
transition... not only into a new Kingdom, but into new mundane
circumstances as well. Richard had a
generous spirit. He is the person who almost single-handedly
introduced me to an entire Kingdom full of people (well over 100) and is
the person responsible for hooking me up with folks that he thought I'd
really get along with. Many of these people have, in the intervening
years become some of my dearest and most cherished friends (both inside
the SCA and out). In fact it was one of these friends who called me
last night to let me know of Richard’s passing & who gave me the
announcement that included your e-mail address. Scruffy had an
interesting way of looking at life. But in the final telling,
nothing I learned from him was false, and his lessons have stood me in
good stead ever since. He always had a ready smile, a quick wit, and
a way of making everyone feel welcome in his presence... unusual qualities
in this day and age. Please accept
my sincere and heart-felt condolences on the passing of your brother.
I will miss him a great deal. I wanted you to know that I feel my
life has been richer, and more enjoyable because I knew Richard and was
lucky enough to be able to call him a friend. Though I will mourn
his death, I will also celebrate his life.... and his lifetime
experiences, wisdom and wit will not die with him, but will be passed on
through me, and others like me to generations to come. Sincerely, AKA
Sir Gillian de Raveley, Knight of An Tir |
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From: RangerNealson@aol.com |
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From: ladybriana@mindspring.com |
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From: ladyadriana77@yahoo.com 9/13/02 8:43 AM EDT Master Aldwin loved life and he touched the lives of many, even those who knew for far too short a time. Aldwin, we won't forget you. You made us laugh until we cried! In memory, |
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From: neca.d.johnson@aexp.com 9/13/02 8:44 AM EDT Well said. We too have a last bottle of wedding champagne, which we will open today. I may even let Saunooke have some of it, if he asks nicely :-) But it won't be quite the same as the "Wackety Dacquari (tm)"! Lady Gwenlian Barony of Sacred Stone, Kingdom of Atlantia (Neca D. Johnson) |
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From: Revwilliam@mindspring.com 9/13/02 9:52 AM EDT Please cross-post this so that it may reach all of Master Aldwin's friends, near and far. Let him be remembered despite the distances that separate us... "Time heals all wounds." - Anonymous Though a year has passed, so much changed and yet so much still remains the same. Our nation still grieves for the terrorist attacks, and we grieve both individually and as a group for Richard. Our grief has lessened somewhat through the passage of time, but our wounds still remain tender when touched by time or circumstance. Our grief will continue to dull with time but our love for him and his life will never fade. The light that his life gave to all of us will continue to shine as brightly as long as we remember his love; both the love that we held for him and the love he gave to us. I know that my grief for his death has gone by, but my love for him remains. This love, this life of Richards disregards the distance that separates those of us who remember him, for we all share common memories and love of him. This love will multiply when we share it with each other. I think this is what he would have wanted. Richard's way of living was a testament for his love of life. The exuberance and splendor that he demonstrated and practiced has had an effect on all of us, an effect that will never be forgotten. Each of us has absorbed a small part of Richard and we will never let it go. Through him, each of us has learned to love life (and those who live it with us) a little more. That is the greatest lesson that we can learn, and it is lesson that will benefit us until each of us goes to meet him. Today already we have seen messages of remembrance and support for each other as our wounds are touched today by the anniversary of his passing. As a community we bind our wounds with this support. These words echo those that were written last year with the same poignancy, and for many it is just as hard to write them or read them. Find a friend, a loved one, and share your grief because sharing makes our grief lessen, and our love increase. Please do remember to donate to the Literacy Council of Wake County, NC, and your time and perhaps a pint of blood or two to the Red Cross. Baron Alejandro Mateo Ramirez y Mendoza Canton of Elvegast, Barony of Windmsaters' Hill, Atlantia (Rev. William L. Chisenhall (formerly Ham), Raleigh, NC) |
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From: llkovale@gw.fis.NCSU.EDU 9/13/02 11:23 AM EDT 10. "Have I ever told you the story about...?" 9. Every woman is a beautiful woman to Aldwin 8. Cold nights huddled under a cloak & talking until wee hours of the morning at an event. 7. A camera as a period accessory. 6. A smile on his face when The Great Dalmuti deck was placed on a table. 5. "Have you ever read...?" 4. Gloves that smell of patchouli & wood smoke. 3. An evil twinkle in his eyes. 2. The way he made you feel like you were the center of his attention at any moment you were talking to him. 1. Hugs from Aldwin. Lady Brigid of Linnhe ("China") Canton of Elvegast, Barony of Windmsaters' Hill, Atlantia (Laurie Kovaleski, Raleigh, NC) |
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From: redswanne@mindspring.com
9/13/02 1:11 PM EDT 11. Everyone was a friend, even if he only just met you. 12. How he could convince you that the world was a bright adventure, even in a downpour. Lady Alianor atte Red Swanne |
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From:
abuchold@gmail.com 9/13/02 12:38 PM EDT Has it really been a year? My mother commented to me last week that it seemed like a lot longer--an interesting comment coming from her because she never met Aldwin face-to-face. My mother always said she never worried about me when I was with him. I can see Aldwin now, shaking his head and saying: "Poor deluded woman. . ." ::grin:: It still hurts. I don't think it will ever completely stop hurting, but I can now look back and remember what a wonderful friend I was blessed with, albeit for a very short time. I also count myself lucky to have so many wonderful friends in my life. It has been comforting to read your kind words on the Keep today. You helped me get through a pretty rough year. I love you guys.::hugs:: Love you Aldwin. Miss you like hell. Lady Derdriu of Kilmaron (formerly Derdriu ingen Muiredaig)) Canton of Elvegast, Barony of Windmasters' Hill, Atlantia (Abby Buchold (formerly Abby Carr), Raleigh, NC) |
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From: marimonster@attglobal.net 9/13/02 8:36 PM EDT "and when your sorrow is comforted (time comforts all sorrows) you will be content that you have known me. You will always be my friend. You will want to laugh at me. And you will sometimes open your window, so, for that pleasure..." A. De Saint Exupery I for one, plan to laugh heartily tonight, through the tears, as I remember a friend, and thank the world for all the good friends I have had the wonderful fortune to make. May be I'll drive a little swervy in his honor on an empty road sometime soon. The man couldn't stand straight lines when driving, said they were boring. Hey, have I ever told you about the day I met Luke Skywalker....? Lady Tangwystl ferch Morgana Canton of Elvegast, Barony of Windmasters' Hill, Atlantia (Marina Nealson, Cary, NC) |
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From:
rosamondmoon@yahoo.com 12/17/02 3:23 PM EDT I just found out that Scruffy left us. I am saddened by this terrible news. Scruffy was a big part of my SCA life in Artemisia (then Atenveldt). I remember the first time I met him .. Uprising of 1990...I came out of my tent in the early AM and there was Scruffy looking over at me... We traveled to events together in my truck... no way would I ride in his blue monster!! During our trips I would always have to pull over at least once to order him out of the car 'til he once again became reasonable (we had some passionate er .. discussions) of course Scruff would refuse to get out and we'd be on our way again. Scruff had the BEST stories. he told me about his TV cat , his sister's valkyrie horse, his magical trip to 10 cities in a week , complete with insane travel arrangements and no money. Oh yes.. he also told me about trying to determine the sex of geese... looong story. As well as telling me his opinion of everyone he knew in the SCA. I remember him spending his tuition money on fabric for garb, me losing a bet to him so I had to clean his apartment and refrigerator (I think we drug it outside). I remember scruffy inspecting my lingerie and telling me that it passed muster. I recall him being upset when it took me 5 seconds to figure that his password was "cocacola". To keep him out of my tent one time I put a circle of Pepsi cans around it!!! I also remember him complaining that I wore a t-shirt in the hot tub...of course he was too! Scruffy stayed w/ me in Idaho falls after my mother died in '95, he helped me a lot, made me feel safe and told me my daughter was a babe. In about 1991 (?) Scruff told me that if he was single when he turned 45 we would marry, provided he made at least 6 figures!! (remember that Jehan?):> He said that at least we would have good arguments and I could sew & cook for him. I remember Scruffy telling me that he was the only one at a local wedding that "looked like I belong in a tuxedo." He was also the only person I know that could snore while sleeping on his stomach!! He gave me the nick name "Rosebeast": .. even named one of his trains "The Rosebeast Express" in his Railroads game. I also remember that he gave a good back rub and was a fine lover. I will miss Scruffy always. he always had a story for me .. even at 3 AM. And no one else has ever screamed at me so reasonably I miss you Scruffy, Rosamond |
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This page is maintained by Ursula von Bremen and was last updated on 17 December, 2002 |