Friends of Bob Seymour Memorial Gathering

May 23rd, 2010

We gathered together at the Big Rec field in Golden Gate Park to remember, mourn and celebrate our friend Bob. A bunch of us started out the morning biking Sunday Streets -- doing a thing we knew Bob enjoyed. More of us biked up to the park together, a little critical Bob, up the wiggle and into the Park.

We brought pictures, little odds and ends, blinkies, anchovies, beads and flowers; set up a memorial on a fuzzy blanket under a big old tree. A tree where some of us had met or gotten to know Bob while playing Ultimate.

We set blankets out in a large circle, huddled some against the cold wind that blew underneath the blue skies of the day. One of Bob's sisters played the dijeridoo. We started with a poem, that a friend from afar had sent along, the Guest House by Rumi.

Then we spoke, friends old and new, friends from frisbee, karaoke, from burning man, from work, friends old and new, and his two sisters. We spoke of regrets, and loss. We told stories of Bob's legacy, what all he had helped us with: moving, singing, having fun, biking, setting up movies, cooking. We talked about Bob's able and sharp wit and way with words. We consoled, cried and hugged.

We ended in a circle, some closing words, arm in arm.

We left the circle for the food and drink that people had brought. Great donuts, quiche, fabulous Mutter Paneer, brownies, salads, fruits, whiskey, dark beer and more. We wished that Bob were still there to eat with us.