Additionally I have listed some of his comments as per below. But firstly I should mention to meet a blogging friend such a Gary was such a rewarding experience when he visited us with his partner Anna when in Victoria. Both I and Anne experienced his remarkable warmth along with his lovely partner Anna as we both immensely enjoyed their company showing them around the local attractions and that of the picturesque Yarra Valley. Above is a picture of Gary with myself.
The photo was taken when we visited Monsalvat, with Gary and Anna. It is located close to where I live in Eltham. Monsalvat is a sprawling mixture of buildings set on 12 acres in an idyllic setting. Artist and architect Justin Jorgensen together with a dedicated group of volunteers purchased the land in 1934 with a view to establishing an artist’s colony of painters, sculptors, poets and musicians. Appearance resembles a European Castle with its adjoining chapel surrounded by artist’s residences; once stables and storehouses.
Gary
had a rich and interesting life and at one stage, before he settled down, attended
an Ashram. Apparently he so impressed his spiritual master he was asked to set up another and broaden
the reach of that institution. At one stage whilst protesting against the Vietnam
War he was arrested at the same time his father, then an Air Marshal, was
engaged as strategic consultant with military in the US. As Gary told me, we reconciled
eventually in later life as my father acknowledged we both wanted to end the war
from different perspectives.
Although
rejecting religion as such he nevertheless described to me his “out of body experience”
and gave one an enduring sense of his spiritual self as a person who exhibited an
air of calmness.
We
learnt a great deal about his generous heart devoted to humanity as local
Canadian chair of Amnesty and on personal level his commitment to local
communities and in support of his children.
Daughter Zoey’s dulcet tones in melodies were heard across the the
blogging air waves just as was some of the more adventuresome pursuits of his
son Ryan.
During
the course of blogging I found I had a lot in common inclusive of respective
Fathers who served in the Air Force. Gary’s father won a DFC and he sent me
press clippings, but the tape he made and sent to me from attendance at The Commonwealth
Pilots Conference in 1970 in Wiinipeg was particularly enthralling. In that
post war era of Sir Douglass Bader (Paul Brickhill - Reach for the Sky) and ace
Jimmie Johnson their canter and joke ribbing was hilarious. Gary also recounted a few stories to me of his
mother who had a ready answer to Baders attempted humour to embarrass the
ladies. Bader had a habit of asking any women sitting next to him – would you
like to see my legs? Of course Bader had tin legs and used elicit a good deal
of laughter when he rolled up his pants to curious onlookers! But she politely answered no thanks, but would
you like to see mine?
Here are a few of Gary’s comments on life:
On growing up - My beagle Tippy followed me to a school choir performance
of part of the Messiah when I was an 11 year old soprano myself. He stood in
the window outside and he too howled with the Hallelujah chorus - all were
entertained except the music teacher and my parents.
On
Ourselves - And here we are... all clearly descended from the same mother and
father (now proven by science). A big family of sometimes confused siblings.
Humility indeed!
On Africa -
With the right circumstances, much of Africa will thrive in this global free
market economy. Meanwhile, a small amount of effort goes a long way. You might
find this organizations interesting. I've met him a couple of times and he's
generated terrific support in Canada http://www.stephenlewisfoundation.org
On the Mystics - I think it's interesting that science is tending to align with and support some of the roots of mysticism, as we learn more and more. One example is the recognition through physics that all matter is energy - and that the universe is made of energy masquerading as rocks and cows and trees and stars and me.
Another is the fascinating research into brains. Yogis in deep meditation not only lower their pulse and blood pressure as they drift into a mystical state - their brain scan shows that they are activating areas in the brain, that when stimulated, lead people to feelings of wellness and oneness.
Your early childhood dream state may be a more deeply human experience than that of the intellect and separation from the dream that we think of as 'growing up'.
On His Dad
On the Mystics - I think it's interesting that science is tending to align with and support some of the roots of mysticism, as we learn more and more. One example is the recognition through physics that all matter is energy - and that the universe is made of energy masquerading as rocks and cows and trees and stars and me.
Another is the fascinating research into brains. Yogis in deep meditation not only lower their pulse and blood pressure as they drift into a mystical state - their brain scan shows that they are activating areas in the brain, that when stimulated, lead people to feelings of wellness and oneness.
Your early childhood dream state may be a more deeply human experience than that of the intellect and separation from the dream that we think of as 'growing up'.
On His Dad
My father was a Spitfire pilot in WWII - who then
had a life's career in the Air Force. He also carried a lot with him, washed
some if it down with alcohol and married an incredibly supportive (if at time
very pissed off) woman.
He died at 76 which is a fairly full age, yet his parents and uncles/aunts all made it into their 90s.
Dad died at an Air Force convention, in his bed, with a nice bottle of Scotch on the bedside table...
He died at 76 which is a fairly full age, yet his parents and uncles/aunts all made it into their 90s.
Dad died at an Air Force convention, in his bed, with a nice bottle of Scotch on the bedside table...
PS -Gary was fond of saying he favoured a glass of
whisky – half malt thank you.
His favourite Christmas Carol (I think)
A sense of the sacred and a sense of place... the
Huron Carol was written in Canada in 1643 (in the Huron Indian language and
later in English). It's sung often in churches at Christmas.The Huron Carol ('Twas In The Moon of Winter Time)
'Twas in the moon of wintertime when all the birds had fled
That mighty Gitchi Manitou sent angel choirs instead;
Before their light the stars grew dim and wondering hunters heard the hymn,
Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis gloria.
Within a lodge of broken bark the tender babe was found;
A ragged robe of rabbit skin enwrapped his beauty round
But as the hunter braves drew nigh the angel song rang loud and high
Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis gloria.
The earliest moon of wintertime is not so round and fair
As was the ring of glory on the helpless infant there.
The chiefs from far before him knelt with gifts of fox and beaver pelt. Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis gloria.
O children of the forest free, O seed of Manitou
The holy Child of earth and heaven is born today for you.
Come kneel before the radiant boy who brings you beauty peace and joy.
Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis gloria.
Words: Jean de Brebeuf, ca. 1643; trans by Jesse Edgar Middleton, 1926
Music: French Canadian melody (tune name: Jesous Ahatonhia)
1 comment:
It was sad to hear of Gary's passing. That's a great photo of you both at Montsalvat! I enjoyed remembering his thoughts and perspective via those comments. He was a lovely warm person who was indeed "with insight" like his blog title.
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