[Oe List ...] Fred's completed life

[Sandra Rafos]

It was 1967 in Cleveland that Sandra and I found ourselves in a church basement feted with cold peas and fish sticks, hearing about pigs and persons.  What the hell did we get ourselves into?  Who were the two strange dudes, Fred Buss and Bob Vance, and what were they up to?  After a stirring weekend and riveting Church lecture on Sunday by Fred we were ready to charge out the door.  Like Priscilla the two of them opened us up to a whole new world.  I am forever grateful to Fred and can still call up the image of him that Sunday A.M.  In 1970 we spent a year in the NY house as second priors to Fred and Sarah.  What a glorious time to experience all of the gifts and neuroses of Fred.  Looking back now I think of all the people and experiences I would have missed saved for that Church lecture.  In gratitude for a life well lived and his service to humanity.  Blessings and peace on the next stage of your journey Fred as well as comfort and solace to family and colleagues on your passing.

Sandra and Bob Rafos

On 2011-07-21, at 7:55 AM, Priscilla H Wilson wrote:

> Way back in 1965 Fred Buss and Don Warren opened a window in my mind that let in the possibility of theological thinking. I've never been the same since. I'm sure that is true for many minds around the globe. All the influence he continued to play in my life and my thinking are too numerous to write down. Some people are so important in many people's life journey that it is hard to imagine them gone. I hope he and Rodney are sharing stories...if they aren't then there is something wrong with heaven.
> Grace and peace to all,
> Priscilla Wilson
> 
> On Jul 20, 2011, at 5:43 AM, Herman Greene wrote:
> 
>> Well said John.
>> 
>> Fred was the Lord of the Dance to me. He brought levity to my life. Just to
>> see him lifted me up. 
>> 
>> And yes, his words had multiple meanings. I never noticed how long he spoke,
>> I was enjoying myself too much.
>> 
>> He changed my life.
>> 
>> Herman
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: oe-bounces at wedgeblade.net [mailto:oe-bounces at wedgeblade.net] On Behalf
>> Of John Epps (by way of "jlepps at pc.jaring.my"<jlepps at pc.jaring.my>)
>> Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 11:55 PM
>> To: Order Ecumenical Community
>> Subject: [Oe List ...] Fred's completed life
>> 
>> Hello Joe. Greetings from Kuala Lumpur.
>> 
>> Ann and I join you and a world-wide host of colleagues in celebrating
>> Fred's completed life. We are grateful to you and Paul for assisting
>> Lindsey in making the memorial service appropriate. Considering Fred's
>> life, an appropriate memorial is no small task!
>> 
>> Among his other memorable traits, Fred's love of the spoken word was
>> legendary. He never failed to search for the most unexpected way to
>> say something, and often succeeded in conveying multiple levels of
>> meaning without the constraint of brevity. I once witnesses Fred
>> giving a 90-minute lecture from notes which consisted of 4 words on a
>> page. That lecture changed lives.
>> 
>> He now joins and enriches that great cloud of witnesses from whom we
>> continually draw inspiration, insight, and sustenance. We're grateful
>> to have known this giant of spirit.
>> 
>> Grace & Peace.
>> 
>> John Epps
>> 
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> 
> 
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