Tag Archives: obituary

In Memoriam: Mistress Laura Hawkwood

14 Thursday Apr 2016

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Mistress Laura Hawkwood (also known as Laura de Segovia), 43rd Laurel of the East, passed away in Carolingia on Tuesday, April 12th. She was awarded arms in AS X at the coronation of Alaric and Yseult, and was one of only 14 inductees into the now closed Order of Fatima, which honored illustrious clothiers and seamstresses. (She also helped design the badge for this order, as well as the badge for the Queen’s Order of Courtesy which is still in use today.) In AS XX, she was recognized as a companion of the Order of the Moon by the Baron of Carolingia for her achievements in the arts which further the progress of those arts in the Barony of Carolingia. She was a founder of House Silverwing, and active in the heraldic community.

Her obituary is available on-line here.

In Memoriam: Baron Olaf of Trollheimsfjord

23 Saturday Jan 2016

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We are saddened to report that Baron Olaf of Trollheimsfjord, known in the modern world as James Michael Revells, passed away very suddenly on January 9.  He was 61. Baron Olaf was a long-time resident of the Barony of Stonemarche, but had moved south to Atlantia to be near his family last fall.  He is survived by two daughters, two brothers, and three grandchildren.

His daughters chose to honor the importance of the SCA in his life by dressing him in his finest garb, including his coronet, for the funeral service. After the funeral his remains were cremated, that being the closest our modern age offers to the traditional Viking ship burial.

Baron Olaf of Trollheimsfjord at Market Day at Birka

Baron Olaf of Trollheimsfjord at Market Day at Birka. Photo courtesy of Hlafidge Arastorm the Golden.

Olaf was a long-time participant in the SCA, receiving his Award of Arms in 1989. He leaves behind a lasting legacy in many ways – in long-running events he was instrumental in starting, in the children of friends in the Society who grew up thinking of him as Uncle Olaf, and in artisans who learned from him, and went on to become respected practitioners of the arts he taught and encouraged. One can read the breadth of the hole he leaves behind in the comments and remembrances being left on his Facebook pages (one under the name Olaf of Trollheimsfjord and one under Jim Revells).

He will be best remembered for being the man who started the Market Day at Birka event. Today, with typical attendance in the 1600-1700 person range, Birka is the largest event in the East Kingdom, unless one wishes to count Pennsic. It’s an institution, with more than a quarter century of history. And we owe it all to Olaf.

Back in 1989 he conceived a vision – an event recreating the famed Market at Birka in Sweden. It would have merchants from all over the Known World, and bear pit fighting in the Viking style, and Viking games. He presented this idea to the Barony of Stonemarche, and people agreed it sounded like a fun concept for an event. No one except Olaf really believed it would grow the way it has. He had faith in his dream, being ready to pass out fliers at Pennsic for it’s second year, even before the first one had taken place in the humble confines of the common room at his condominium complex. That first Birka had some issues, leading to him receiving a Burdened Tyger for his work as the autocrat, but it kept going. He ran it for two years, then stepped aside to let someone else serve as autocrat, but he’s always been at the heart of it, even when he wasn’t in charge of anything. In 2001 King Andreas and Queen Isabella recognized that and named him a Baron of their Court to honor his work in making Birka a landmark of the East.

He was also a fine metalsmith, making beautiful period jewelry. For those skills he was inducted into the Order of the Maunche in 2003. He was also widely known and respected for his willingness to share his skills, and to encourage beginners to take up the art he loved.  Here too he leaves a legacy. In 2002 he was instrumental in proposing the idea of a Metalsmith’s Symposium, with an entire event full of nothing but metalworking classes. Once again he stepped up to the challenge of making his dream real and ran it for the first time. He set the pattern, and the event now has a 14 year history, across multiple kingdoms.

Most of all, he will be missed by family and friends for the kind of man he was – generous, honorable, and always there when he was needed.

Mistress A’isha bint Jamil

In Memoriam: Baron Adhemar de Villarquamada

21 Tuesday Apr 2015

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Photo of Baron Adhemar de Villarquamada on display as part of his memorial at Balfar's Challenge on April 18th. Photo courtesy of Cateline La Broderesse

Photo of Baron Adhemar de Villarquamada on display as part of his memorial at Balfar’s Challenge on April 18th.
Photo courtesy of Cateline La Broderesse

Baron Adhemar de Villarquamada passed away suddenly on Wednesday, April 8th, following a chronic illness. Baron Adhemar was active in the Society for more than twenty-five years. For fifteen of those years he served as the Baron of Dragonship Haven, stepping down only last month. He was recognized as a Master of the Laurel by Brion and Anna in 1999 for his skill with illumination, calligraphy, and costuming, and as a Master of the Pelican by Darius and Roxane in 2002 for his long service to the College of Heralds and his Barony.
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In Memoriam: Lord Breuse de Taraunt

21 Friday Nov 2014

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brueseIt is with great sadness that the Gazette reports on the passing of Lord Breuse de Taraunt. Lord Breuse passed away on the evening of November 16th, 2014, following a collision with another vehicle. He is survived by his wife, his son, Lord Jence Brunerson, and his two daughters.

Lord Breuse first found the SCA in A.S. XV when he attended Pennsic IX while living in the Midrealm. Shortly after, he joined the U.S. Navy and later returned to the SCA, most recently in the East Kingdom, residing in the Canton of Black Icorndall in the Barony of Bhakail. Lord Breuse also went by: Stone Pate, Male Bruce, and Wing Bruce, the story behind which is detailed by the Baron of Bhakail, Mael Eoin mac Echuid:

 

He earned his Tyger of Foreign Legions for transporting Royal gear to Estrella and Gulf Wars in a single trip, for helping clean, set up and tear down as needed and for retaining at those Wars.  That trip kicked off numerous friendships, an intended annual tradition of making it out to Estrella and was where the legend of Wing Bruce was born.

It was through his travels to the Midrealm, Atenveldt, Ansteorra, the West, An Tir, Trimaris and more, that Lord Breuse became known to many, including those in the East whom he served. These are the words of our King, Edward III:

I have been blessed to have known many within the society: heroes and legends going as far back as AS 3;  queens whom I would follow to the ends of the earth; sword companions; and nobles from across the Known World.  In this talk of heroes… “You’ve left out one of the chief characters – Samwise the Brave. I want to hear more about Sam.”  

I want to hear more about Breuse, as he was all that I have ever hoped to be.

He had a quiet grace, strength and courtesy that never failed.  He delighted in the goodness of others and affirmed as much by his stalwart and true service.  His humble actions spoke volumes more than these feeble words can hope to.  This world was made bright for his part in it. 

Lord Breuse was known to be a helpful and giving individual, whether it was through his brewing, his cooking, or his service cleaning the hall, hauling gear, or retaining for both his local Baronage or Their Majesties.  Recently, Lord Breuse served as a member of the Queen’s Guard for Queen Thyra, and Her Majbruceesty sent us words:

“I will miss his steadiness, and his quiet constant support of everyone around him. He was a member of my guard, because no one could be more trustworthy in the defense of others. He was always surprised when anyone noticed him, but it wasn’t hard to see the quality of this man. I was lucky to have known him.”

Lord Breuse will be missed by many throughout the Known World, and his liegelord and friend, Mael Eoin mac Echuid, Baron of Bhakail:

breuse

We are diminished, today, for in losing Bruce, we have not lost a shining champion from the field, but a man who did much to get others to the field.  Nor did we lose a cook renowned for his courses, but a kitchener who would chop and clean all that needed to be chopped and cleaned.  What we did lose is a mensch, a model of service, a father, a friend.  Bruce was all of these, to many, and many will remember.

Details for a memorial service, to be held on Friday, December 5th, 2014 will be forthcoming.

In Memoriam: Master Sheldon the Just

16 Wednesday Apr 2014

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Photo credit: Mistress Ygraine of Kellswood

Photo credit: Mistress Ygraine of Kellswood

It is with great sadness that the Gazette reports on the death of Master Sheldon the Just.  The Gazette learned of his passing on Wednesday, April 16th following a very brief battle with Pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife Ruth. Master Sheldon was a pillar of the community in the Barony of Concordia of the Snows and many who have shared remembrances publicly have likened him to a rock for his steadfast support of the Barony.

Master Sheldon received his Award of Arms in 1988 from Their Royal Majesties Randall and Katherine.  He was also a member of the Order of the Terpsichore, the Order of the Silver Crescent and the Queen’s Order of Courtesy. He was a member of the Brewer’s Guild in the Barony of Concordia of the Snows and was recognized with their Order of the Sapphire, which is an award for Arts and Sciences, in 1999. He was a well known Archery Captain and also served as the Exchequer for the Central Region of the East Kingdom. He was elevated to the Order of the Pelican by Their Majesties Kenric and Avelina in January of this year for his long and excellent service to the Society and to the Kingdom.Sheldon_the_Just

The funeral service will be Thursday April 17th at Temple B’Nai Sholom at 1:00 PM, with a graveside service to follow, click here for more information. The temple is located at 420 Whitehall Avenue, in Albany, NY. The internment will be at the in the B’Nai Shalom section of the Elmwood Hill Cemetery Association, 51 Belle Avenue, Troy NY.

The following message was received Wednesday night:

Below is the schedule for the funeral and shiva for Sheldon Bosin. For those of you not familiar with Jewish traditions, the shiva is similar to calling hours. The family will be at home to receive those wishing to offer their condolences at the times posted.

Thursday, April 17, 2014
Funeral 1:00 PM, B’nai Sholom Reform Congregation, Albany NY
Interment following at BSRC section of Elmwood Cemetery, Belle Ave., Troy NY
Shiva beginning following return
Minyan at 7:45 PM
Shiva at the home of Ruth Burkowsky, 119 Pinehurst, Albany NY 12203

Friday, April 18
Shiva, 2-5 PM

Saturday, April 19 
Shiva from 7:40 PM
Minyan at 7:45 PM

Sunday April 20
Shiva 2-4 PM

 

 

In Memoriam: Don Jehan FitzAllen

05 Wednesday Mar 2014

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Photo by Lady Camille des Jardins

Photo by Lady Camille des Jardins

The East Kingdom lost a true Renaissance man as Don Jehan Fitz Alan of Endewearde passed away suddenly at home on Friday, February 28th.

Don Jehan was a fine artisan and swordmaker, a talented swordsman, a long-time officer for his local group, and a gentle man devoted to nature, laughter, family, and the sea. He was an apprentice to the late Master Gregory Finche, and he served first as Exchequer for the (then) Shire of Endewearde starting in 1991, and then as Seneschal starting in 1994. He received his AoA from Randal and Katherine at Great Northeastern War V, and for his service to the East Kingdom he was inducted as a Companion of the Silver Crescent by Timothy and Gabrielle at Great Northeastern War XII. For his service to the Rapier community and his skill with a sword, Lucan and Marike inducted him as a Companion of the Golden Rapier at A Market Day at Birka (2000) and for his skill as a swordmaker he was recognized as a Companion of the Manche by Hanse and Oliva at Great Northeastern War XV. He had also served as Northern Region Rapier Marshal, and was currently serving the Barony of Endewearde as Exchequer for the incipient Canton of Wyndriche.

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In Memoriam: Lord Ragnarr Dragonheart

16 Thursday Jan 2014

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ragnarrIt is with great sadness that the Gazette reports on the passing of Lord Ragnarr Dragonheart.  He passed away on January 3rd, 2014. He is survived by his lady, Lady Fionnghuala Na Lamh Bann.

Lord Ragnarr joined the SCA in the fall of 1993 and was an active member of the Barony of Settmour Swamp for over 20 years, serving as the Seneschal of Gryphonwald for a number of years, and as a warranted Marshal.  He was granted both a Bronze and Iron Tower from Settmour Swamp for his service and martial prowess. Following his passing, Their Excellencies Erec and Jehannine of Settmour Swamp had the following to say:

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In Memoriam: Don Edmund the Lame

08 Wednesday Jan 2014

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Don Edmund at Pennsic XXXIX - photo courtesy of Baroness Vienna

Don Edmund at Pennsic XXXIX – photo courtesy of Mistress Vienna de la Mer

It is with great sadness that the Gazette reports on the passing of Don Edmund the Lame. He passed away on the afternoon of January 5, 2014, after a battle with cancer.
Don Edmund was active for many years in the Society, across multiple continents and Kingdoms.  He was instrumental in starting rapier activities in Lochac, and continued his efforts in that area across the West and into An Tir, holding fencing awards from all three kingdoms, and service awards from two of them. He was recognized in the Kingdom of Lochac with the Order of the Rapier and the Silver Tear. He received a Grant of Arms, was recognized as an Ancient Guildmaster of Fence, and received the Leaf of Merit from the Kingdom of the West. He was inducted into the Order of the White Scarf in the Kingdom of An Tir. Continue reading →

Lord Duncan Thorfinnsson, OSC OTC, Has Passed Away

12 Thursday Sep 2013

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Lord Duncan Thorfinnsson, OSC OTC (Photo courtesy of Lady Alexandera Cupbearer)

Lord Duncan Thorfinnsson, OSC OTC
(Photo courtesy of Lady Alexandera Cupbearer)

Lord Duncan Thorfinnsson, OSC OTC passed away on the evening of September 11, 2013, after a battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Lady Alexandera Cupbearer, his brother Brian, and his SCA family. Details on services or memorials are not yet available.

Lord Duncan was squired to Master Feral von Halstern and was a long-time pillar of Barony Beyond the Mountain, which named him a Companion of the White oak in 1989. He was a skilled melee fighter, particulary proficient with a pole-arm, and his fighting prowess was recognzied by Tsurunaga and Genevieve in 1993 with his induction into the Order of the Tygers Combatant.

Widely acknowledged as a man who would always be available to lend a helping hand, Lord Duncan’s service to the Society was recognized with his induction into the Order of the Silver Crescent in 1996 by Lucan III and Elspeth. He also served as a retainer to a number of royal households, and was awarded the King’s Cypher by Hanse II in 1999.

Lord Duncan was also a founding member of House Toddington. Although he had not been able to be active in the Society in recent years due to ill health, he remained close to his household and to his SCA friends and family. Fellow household member Baron Ernst Nuss von Kitzengen shares that “if you judge a man’s worth by the friends he has then Duncan was a very wealthy man as he was deeply loved. Not just a gentleman, but a gentle man in all ways. He will be greatly missed.”