In Memoriam – Lord Avraham ben Ahron
Lord Avraham ben Ahron passed away on October 20 after a brief battle with cancer. Avraham was a lifelong resident of Eastern Connecticut except for a few years spent in Boston during his education. His research into Sogdian culture and Gers (Yurts) was notable, as was his infectious enthusiasm and his generosity in sharing his work. Avraham was among the first SCA ger builders and built his first over thirty years ago. He researched Mongolian and other Silk Road cultures and artifacts.
Avraham was active in the SCA for many years, although he was absent for some time due to family obligations. Baron of Dragonship Haven, Master Joseph of the Red Griffin of Dragonship Haven, remembers making his first armor with Avrahm’s direction and help in Avrahm’s driveway sometime in the mid-1980s. Avraham was inducted into the Order of the Yale, Dragonship Haven’s Baronial service order, in 1981. In 1987, he became a member of the Order of the Hawk’s Bell, a Dragonship Haven Baronial A&S order that has since closed. The East bestowed an Award of Arms on him in 1982.
Master Jaji shared the following memories of Avraham.
“Avrahm ben Ahron broke ground and blazed trails in the fields of Jews in the SCA period, and those who lived on/near the Steppes in particular. If you have seen a yurt (ger) in the SCA over the last 30 years, chances are it was based at least partly on his design. He forged his own blade which he carried proudly…even if he felt there were 27 flaws which he was surprised no one could see (but himself, of course).
As a dutiful son, he stopped his life entirely to care for his ailing mother. When she passed several years ago, he ‘returned to the fold’. Those who knew him before he stopped coming around welcomed him back, and those who had never met him had a chance to do so. He searched long and hard to locate the appropriate fabric for garb his new researches had shown him was more appropriate for his persona. He wore that as proudly as the saber he forged…along with the bow, quiver, and arrows he also made. I am honored to say that he called me a friend all these years. “
An obituary can be found online.