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The Æthelmearc Gazette

~ Covering the Kingdom of Æthelmearc of the SCA

The Æthelmearc Gazette

Category Archives: In memoriam

In Memoriam: Viscount Bear the Wallsbane

04 Saturday Feb 2023

Posted by aethgazette in In memoriam

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Bear the Wallsbane, Memorial

Viscount Bear the Wallsbane, mundanely known as Paul Acks, passed away on Saturday, January 21st. He was 70 years old. At Syr Bear’s funeral on Friday, January 27th, people spent over an hour telling stories, many of which are incorporated in this article with the permission of the participants.

Viscount Bear was twice Prince of Æthelmearc, a Knight, a Pelican, a member of the Millrind and of the East Kingdom’s Tyger’s Combatant (fighting) and Silver Crescent (service). He was also a recipient of the Keystone and Golden Alce, a Grant of Arms, an Augmentation of Arms, numerous Sigils, and other awards. As Prince, he created the Jewel of Æthelmearc in 1993 (A.S. XVIII), and 17 years later became its 29th recipient.

Syr Bear was long a fixture in the SCA, having joined the Society in the fall of 1978. In 1981 he founded the first shire in Erie, PA, which was called Crimson Shore. While it only lasted a few years, he eventually resurrected it as the Shire of Stormsport in 1986 with the help of Baron Illiam Uaine (aka Frog), THLord Gareth the Eccentric, Viscount Alexander Caithnes of Wyk and Viscountess Rannveigr Haakonardottir, along with a few others. Viscount Alexander recalls, “My wife and I moved to Erie for her to start her medical practice, and we were thinking of starting a family, so we thought we’d take 6 months or so off from SCA activity to get our bearings. Little did we know, Bear knew we were in Erie. Three days later, Bear showed up on our doorstep and said ‘I want to start a new shire here in Erie, and you are exactly the people I want to start it up with.’ Well, how do you say no to that? You can’t. Bear’s whole focus was on the SCA; he knew how to get what he wanted, and he got it that day. That was also the day we became very close friends.”

Bear has been deeply involved in the Society and the Kingdom, serving on the Principality Committee that determined the structure and Laws of what became the Principality of Æthelmearc, working at the local level as Seneschal and Knight Marshal, and running tournaments and inspecting fighters. Duke Timothy of Arindale noted that Bear served long hours at the Pennsic inspection point and it will take many people to fill that time at future Wars.

Syr Bear may have been best known for the “Betting Man’s Guide to Crown Tourney.” It was originally created by his friend, Syr Andreas Hak, but Bear took over the Guide in the mid-1990s and produced an edition for every AEthelmearc Crown Tourney thereafter. It listed the fighters competing in Crown in order based on their odds of winning the tournament, with a brief, often witty or snarky paragraph about their strengths and weaknesses. These pamphlets were sold for $1 each, with the proceeds going to the Royal Travel fund.

Photo of a Betting Man’s Guide by Mistress Rowena ni Dhonnchaidh

Syr Bear’s sister, Susie, recalled how he taught her to play chess and was an avid reader, especially of science fiction. She also noted that he did everything he could to support her, especially when their father was incapacitated by illness late in his life. Her kids all knew him as “Uncle Bear” even though his real name was Paul. Though he was a bachelor (with cats) his whole life, he helped her children frequently, especially his niece, April. Reading some comments from a mundane friend of Bear’s, she said “Paul was a man better suited to swinging a great axe than using AutoCAD,” which drew smiles from the attendees. She also said that Bear had more than just his biological family – he thought of the SCA as “his big family.”

Sir Vladisla Nikulich said, “Paul was just Syr Bear’s mundane persona – who Bear was 8-5, Monday through Friday, to make a living. His real life was in the SCA.” Bear once told Vlad that he went to SCA events 45-48 weekends a year. In later years when he became semi-retired he “only” went to 20 events a year.

Sir Vlad told a story of how Bear and Sir Alexander fought a bout in the semi-finals of the Principality’s third Coronet Tourney. Bear and Alexander were regular sparring partners who knew each other well. It being late in the tourney, Bear thought Alexander was bored and figured he would easily win. What he didn’t know was that right before the fight, Alexander’s 3-year-old daughter Dee Dee went up to him and said “Daddy, am I a princess?” Alexander’s response was “I’ll be with you directly.” Sir Alexander picked up the story, saying “Halfway through that fight he tagged me across my grill. It was a light blow and I looked at him and said ‘Hold a minute. You just got me across the face. Are we fighting open face rules, ‘cause if we are, I’m dead.’ Bear thought for a second and said ‘Nah, let’s keep going. I want to kill you the real way.’ If he hadn’t passed on that [opportunity], Bear would have been in the finals and most likely would have been the third Prince of Æthelmearc” instead of Alexander.

Photo courtesy of Duchess Liadain ní Dheirdre Chaomhánaigh

Sir Vlad and Syr Bear were frequent travel companions. Sir Vlad recalled, “Frequently, Bear would go up to monarchs to invite them to events, give Them opinions about something that happened in Curia (because Bear had a LOT of Opinions), but most often to tell Them about people he felt had been overlooked for awards and recognition. His service to Æthelmearc off the list was so much more important than in the list. He gave people swords, armor, garb, and so much more. A lot of people have something that was Bear’s.”

Lady Lyssa of Stahlgeist recalls that when she was about 2, she saw her “Big Bear” walking down the road at Pennsic and started running to meet him. She said, “I ran so fast my legs couldn’t keep up with my upper body. I went splat, face first into the road and started to cry. Bear, who had often said he didn’t like children, picked me up and carried me into camp.” Lyssa’s mother, Mistress Anna Eisenkopf, said “It was the start of a wonderful relationship. As a teen, when she as a nonfighter wanted to be a heavy marshal, Bear supported her. The gruff guy had a soft spot in his heart for this particular child.”

Master Creador Twinedragon recounted the story of the “Brothers of the Fuchsia.” Initially, Syr Bear had three squires. He bought some leather to make them belts and dyed them red, but they came out bright pink. He bought more of the same red dye and tried again, but they just became a bolder shade of fuchsia. The first squire, Kadan Chákhilgan Ger on Echen, said “I’m a Mongol, it’s pink, it fits, I’ll wear it.” Creador got a call warning him “The belt’s a little loud.” He received the belt, and thought “Is this a challenge, like a ‘Boy Named Sue’ sort of situation?” But he decided “We’ll go with it.” The third squire took one look, said “I’m not man enough” and got himself some more red dye. Over the years the belts deepened into an actual red, and Creador’s was passed on to his son Gunther when he became Bear’s squire.

Duke Timothy said “At the last Crown Bear fought in, he was fighting for a young lady who had never been fought for before. Bear made it special for her, and made her day wonderful. Bear did what it took to touch other people’s lives.”

Photo courtesy of Baroness Ellesbeth Donofrey.

Viscountess Judith of Kirtland, Bear’s second Princess and longtime companion, said “I met Bear in 1992, when I first came to Æthelmearc. I showed up at a Stormsport fight practice with some cobbled together armor. Shortly after I walked into the gym, a giant person in a red and black lumberjack coat showed up. I was scared to death, but he said ‘Hi, I’m Syr Bear, where are you from?’ He looked at me for a moment, then said ‘We’re going to have to do something about your armor, but let’s do some drills.’” She was terrible at fighting, and was certain Bear was trying not to laugh at her, but she fought so hard that she puked. She still had her head in the wastebasket when she heard a growly voice say “Um, you wanna go out for dinner?”

Viscountess Judith said that Bear taught her that honor is everything and keeping your word is important (along with conveying to her a fairly extensive set of colorful profanity). She was always late, but when they were on the thrones of the Principality, he told her “Judith, that’s f-ing disrespectful” and she made sure to be on time from then on. Most important, he taught her to be brave. “He fought with numerous injuries,” she said, and “Only Bear would think of fighting 60 Knights for his 60th birthday.”

During the last years of his life, Bear could no longer fight and could barely walk, but carried on going to work and doing the things he felt he should do. The last thing he did was take one of his cats to the vet; Judith asked if he wanted some help and he said “Judith, you worry too f-ing much.” That night he died at his computer table. “I don’t know how I’m going to do without him,” Judith said.

Master Llewelyn ap Tiernon, who started his SCA career in WV but for the past several decades has been living in the Midrealm, said Bear stood up for him when he became a housemate of Judith, to whom he was apprenticed. Master Llew only found out a decade later that someone had gone to Bear to “warn” him that Llewelyn was gay (which was no surprise to Bear since Llew had been “out” from the time he joined the SCA). Bear told the other person to “Mind his own damned business.” Master Llewelyn loved camping at Pennsic with Bear, who “had a smile as big as Godzilla.” They would sit around the campfire where everyone was welcome, and sometimes they would sing. Master Llewelyn then sang “The Parting Glass” along with many of the attendees. You can watch it in the video below.

– Video by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope

King Arnthor recalled that when he started fighting in the SCA, Bear was the person who intimidated him. He avoided Bear at events because he hit so hard. But over time, Arnthor got a little better, and finally one day at a tourney in the Debatable Lands he made it to the finals against Bear. It was a best of five bouts, and Arnthor won, 3 to 1. He was so excited, he went up to Bear, saying “That’s the first time I’ve ever beaten you in a tournament!” Bear looked down at him and said “Well, I am 60, after all,” which deflated a bit of Arnthor’s excitement. But that day Bear took Arnthor under his wing, offering him training and tips and helping him gain confidence. On the day Arnthor won Crown, Bear was one of the first people to congratulate him, saying how proud he was of Arnthor. The last time Arnthor saw Bear was at His Crown Tourney. Bear was selling his Betting Man’s Guide as usual, and would go to the Queen to hand her and her ladies the money periodically over the day. This happened so many times that the Queen joked that he was treating them like strippers. His Majesty said “Bear was someone I couldn’t wait to talk to and be around, and I will miss him.”

Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope recalls how Bear got the nickname “Wallsbane.” It was at an event in Thescorre in the early 1980s called “Akiley’s Tendin’ Tourney,” autocratted by Akiley du Remier, who later became Syr Bear’s first Princess. It was held at a beautiful Girl Scout camp on one the of Finger Lakes. During the day, the heavy fighters had a “storm the castle” scenario using a wooden stockade fence provided by Sir Ogami Akira to serve as the castle gate. Ogami didn’t want it back, so he suggested that some of the fighters armor back up and run through it to break it up so they could burn it for the bardic circle. Recounting from a story told by Ogami, “I got up in court to announce that we needed someone to run through the wall, and before I could draw in another breath, a huge black mass streaked from the back of the room. Bear, traveling at a speed I had not seen before (or since) ran down the aisle, dropped to his knees, and slid twenty feet in the humble position of a supplicant…. Thirty minutes later he was in his armor standing in a torchlit semi-circle of people chanting ‘Bear Bear! Bear!’ He let out a roar and blasted through, and that poor fence exploded out like a set of saloon doors hit by a freight train.” And thus he became Bear the Wallsbane.

Photo courtesy of Duke Maynard von dem Steine.

Syr Andreas Hak and Bear were best friends for 43 years. Hak notes “There was a side of Bear few saw; the literary side that included his extensive library and occasional attendance at literary conventions. He was not big on flowery poetry, but loved the kind of poetry that was the crystallization of memorable speech. Bear also provided advice and feedback on my writing, and was the first reader for many of my works.

Syr Hak wrote this ballad, which was published in August of 2000 as part of his first Master’s Thesis, called Lines of Separation.

Letter to Bear
(for Bear Acks)
by Herb Kauderer

You lived your life without regard
for what the long run brings
because you never once considered
you might survive each spring.

You lived extremes despite your wisdom,
took joy that you were tough,
said, “What do I know, anyway?”
Enough, old friend. Enough.

Now age has left you sick and pained.
You did not plan to live,
but still you find what’s left outweighs
the cold alternative.

Besides, you can’t give up without
at least a chance to see
the end results and satisfy
your curiosity.

Our friendship, built of honesty
and tolerance, soon grew
to be more open than the sky
and wider than the view.

You often said, “I wish that we
were gay.” Instead we turned
to women. We were pulled apart,
and I was scarred and burned.

If I were not a woman’s man
we’d still have Camelot.
I wish I’d been a stronger man.
Lord knows that I was not.

But when I climbed up from the ash
I found you waiting there
in hopes the good remained. What’s left
survives in disrepair.

Let’s hope our memories are strong.
Rebuilding Camelot
is hard. But is it worth it now?
What’s left, old friend? A lot.

Bear also wrote poetry, and Hak provided a couple of examples:

Adult Onset
by Bear Acks

Love is only emotional insulin
transmuting life’s crap
into sweetness.

But the older you get
the more you need
to overcome your tolerance.

Misguided
by Bear Acks

Understanding is nice
but highly overrated

when it’s usually acceptance
that’s needed.

Finally, upon Bear’s elevation to the Order of the Pelican in 2005, Syr Hak spoke as one of his Worthies. This is what he said:

I am Andreas Hak, Knight of the Society, and Master of the Pelican. I believe it is a thankless task to speak of Bear’s chivalry.

The main components of chivalry are prowess and courtesy. Bear’s prowess at arms is unquestioned. He is a knight and twice a Viscount. His courtesy has often been decorated, and needs no words of validation from me.

Instead I would take this opportunity to speak to a different element of Bear’s chivalry. I would speak of his thoughtlessness. At least 100 times through the years, I have seen or heard of some courteous deed or gesture made by Bear, some of startling magnitude. On almost all of these occasions I have asked Bear, Why did you do that?”

Every time the answer has been the same. “I don’t know. I didn’t think about it. I just did it.”

While others contemplate and debate what is chivalrous, Bear simply IS chivalrous. Thoughtlessly so. I met Bear for the first time at Pennsic Nine. We were… younger. And less refined.

The head of my household called me aside and spoke to me as she was concerned that I had chosen not to bring to Pennsic a tent. Or food. A few minutes later Bear rumbled up to me and said, “Are you that guy who doesn’t have a tent? Listen I got a big tent to myself, and there’s almost nothing in it. If the weather gets bad, or you change your mind about sleeping outside, you’re welcome to half my tent. It’s the big orange one over there. But I got to warn you: I snore really loud.” Thoughtlessly, and without knowing me, he offered me his home and hospitality, and for 25 years he has never taken that offer back.

I believe this anecdote sums up Bear’s chivalry perfectly. He is thoughtless, genuine, and generous. He is among the brightest gems in all of Æthelmearc. And to receive his radiance all you have to do is put up some occasional loud noise.

Photo courtesy of Duke Inman MacMoore.

In his will, Bear set aside money to throw a party in his honor at Pennsic, but he had four requirements: 1. There should be a bonfire. 2. There should be drinking, 3. There should be music, and 4. If at all possible and people are willing, somebody should be getting naked. Syr Hak will be organizing the party with Viscountess Judith.

Sir Vlad said, “Bear was my teacher, mentor, friend; he is eternal. Æthelmearc will never replace him, we can only try to move on with the spirit he brought to the Kingdom and continue his mission. He does not want anybody to be sad or bereaved. Laugh out loud to honor him.”

You can read Syr Bear’s obituary here.

If you are so inclined, Syr Bear requested that any donations in his memory go to your local cat shelter.

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Funeral Services for Syr Bear This Friday

23 Monday Jan 2023

Posted by aethgazette in Announcements, In memoriam

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Bear the Wallsbane, Funeral services

Viscount Sir Bear the Wallsbane

From Viscountess Judith of Kirtland:

Viscount Master Syr Bear, my friend and first citizen of Æthelmearc, died at his home Saturday, sitting at his computer. His family and I will be arranging his service (see below).

He also asked that a party be held in his memory at Pennsic; of course, this will be done. He leaves a Bear-sized hole that will never be filled.

Bear’s funeral services will be Friday, January 27, 2023 at Dusckas Funeral Home, 2607 Buffalo Road, Erie, PA 16510, between 2 to 3 P.M. (visitation) and 3 to 4 P.M. (memories).

Thank you for your kind thoughts; Bear knew he had friends but he didn’t know how much he was loved.

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Celebration of Life Demo is Saturday, Sept. 10

05 Monday Sep 2022

Posted by aethgazette in Event Announcements & Updates, In memoriam

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Rhydderich Hael

The Barony of Rhydderich Hael will be hosting a Celebration of Life Demo on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022 at West Ave, Buffalo, NY 14201, near the corner of Porter Ave. (371 West is the nearest street address for maps searches.)

There is no cost to the event.

The event is to honor those that we have lost since the beginning of the epidemic, from COVID or otherwise, since many of us were unable to meet. This is a Celebration of Life, so no eulogies, just fun and merry making.

The event is a demo open to the public. Fencing and heavy fighting will occur, as well as A&S displays and possibly singing.

Autocrat: Abdul Al-Rashid, 2924 Stony Point Rd, Grand Island, NY 14072.

See the Facebook group here for more information.

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In Memoriam: Lord Eoghan MacDuibhshithe

03 Friday Jun 2022

Posted by aethgazette in In memoriam

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In memoriam

Lord Eoghan MacDuibhshithe died unexpectedly on May 12, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Dame Margaret Makafee (Gretchen Beck).

Though a long-time subject of the Debatable Lands, Lord Eoghan started his SCA career in the 1980s in the Shire of Dachkehle (one of many early incarnations of what is now known as the Shire of Ballachlagan). At various points he served as Shire Seneschal, Herald, and Marshal. He had a particular interest in fencing, and traveled throughout West Virginia and Western PA to teach fencing back when it was new to the area. Along the way, he served on the Queen’s Guard for King Rurik and Queen Elspeth. His wife recalls “Folks thought, because he was big and heavy, he would be slow. They thought that for about half a second after they heard “lay on” and realized that someone that big, moving that fast, was truly scary.”

Lord Eoghan could also occasionally be convinced by his lady to participate in theatricals. She said, “I especially loved him and Connor M’Eleam [interacting] – they were in a Masque at Pennsic, a dispute of which is the greatest, Tragedy or Comedy — the two of them were supposed to play High Comedy and Low Comedy, but it turned out more Low Comedy and Lower Comedy — but a great good time was had by all (and I don’t think I’ve ever tried so hard not to break character by laughing).”

Eoghan’s choice of SCA name often gave heralds pause. Master Donnan the Solitary recalls an event when Eoghan was called into court. “The herald called for someone named “E-han Fe-own Mac Dub shide” or something like that. Of course no one responded. I looked around and [realized] Eoghan had chosen not to attend court, but… the poor herald was struggling with Gaelic attempts at transcribing the language into English. So [in] a probably not-as-respectful-as-I-should-have-been voice from the back of the hall, [I called] “um… could you spell that?”” The herald, looking rather put off, dutifully spell out Eoghan Fionn MacDuibhshithe (Owen Finn MacPhee is the way it is normally pronounced), and I went up and collected his AoA for him. The king at the time seemed rather amused, and informed me that my friend needed to get an easier-to-spell name. Eoghan never did; indeed, he often came up with interesting, yet period, ways to spell the clan name.”

Dame Margaret recalls “He used to be asked occasionally about the household banner, which showed a sword piercing a book, and would say that was our motto, “Strength through Knowledge.”

Lady Dearbhforgaill an Chomhaidh recalls, “[Eoghan] could tell a story that would leave you in stitches and make you wonder if a tenth of it was true (it was) and wonder how he was still standing. He was infuriating in a debate and irreverent but he loved deeply and was a loyal and true friend. I will miss him.”

Maistir Brandubh o Donghaile and Mistress Hilderun Hugelmann, Baron and Baroness of the Debatable Lands, posted this to the baronial blog: “Though Lord Eoghan had not been active these past years, he was a staple in our Barony in years past, excelling particularly in merry-making, and instrumental in bringing rapier fighting to the southern reaches of the Principality of Æthelmearc, along with his friends and household. As Dame Margaret said about him, “[Eoghan] is now one with the universe and no more in these earthly dwellings. Pray raise a glass and a fond memory for his time with you.””

Master Donnan recounts, “Eoghan was one of the first and oldest friends I made in the SCA, always quick to share a drink or a fight. He was there when I began fencing myself, and was there when I fought heavy. He was one of the people responsible for the revival of fencing in the local area that continues to this day, and most, if not all of the older local fencers will have their own Eoghan stories, on and especially off the field. He has indeed been described as larger than life, and the legend will continue to grow. I like to think that somewhere, he waits by a fire with a beer, a sword, and so many stories to tell, for all of us.”

Lord Eoghan was recognized with the Debatable Lands’ Baronial Order of the Comet for service as well as martial skill (twice). He received his Award of Arms from the East Kingdom in A.S. XXI. In A.S XXXIII, he was inducted into Ӕthelmearc’s Order of the Golden Alce by King Cygnus and Queen Dorinda, and in A.S. XXXVII, and he received a Keystone for his service as an archery marshal from King Rurik and Queen Elspeth.

Final arrangements are private to family, but there may be a memorial service later this summer.

You can read Lord Eoghan’s modern obituary here.

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In Memoriam: THLord Aidan Gunn

19 Thursday May 2022

Posted by aethgazette in In memoriam

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In memoriam

THLord Aidan Gunn passed away on Sunday, April 24, 2022, at his home in the Shire of Steltonwald. He was 53.

His Lordship had served for six years as Seneschal of Steltonwald. In years past, he was involved in Thrown Weapons as a local and regional marshal, and served as Kingdom Thrown Weapons Champion for King Christopher and Queen Maurya.

After hearing about the SCA from his sister, his first event was Pennsic when he was only 14. He didn’t formally join the SCA until A.S.34, along with his wife, THLady Cionaodh Gunn. They both quickly became very active in assisting with events and activities in Steltonwald.

He received his Award of Arms from King Christopher and Queen Maurya at War Practice in A.S. 38 for his skill at thrown weapons, and more awards followed including a Keystone, a Golden Alce (also for thrown weapons), and a Millrind from Kin Byron and Queen Ariella in A.S. 51.

Master Creador Twinedragon recalls, “I am very sad with the loss of one of the bravest friends I have had. Why was Aidan one of the bravest people I know? Because he loved earnestly and openly, he showed kindness and caring without reservations. He was funny and calming and just a good person.”

Sir Oliver Sutton says “There are men that I grew up watching that taught me the type of man that I wanted to be. Fred Rogers, Bob Ross, Steve Irwin. They displayed a generosity of spirit, love of life, and kindness that I aspire to uphold. I fail more often than I succeed, but I strive. THL Aidan was on par with those men. His kindness and gentleness helped inspire me to be a better man. The world is dimmer without him in it, but our lives are all brighter for having known him.”

Baron Christian Goldenlok also remarked on Aidan’s kindness. “When we first moved to Pittsburgh, Aidan was one of the first people to invite my wife and I to go to the Canton meetings in an attempt to expand our friends network. I’ll never forget him because he was the first SCA “acquaintance” to make me feel loved and supported outside of my initial friend bubble. I was never made to feel anything more than royal around him. As I think of him fondly, I’ll try to remember how he treated me in an attempt to pay that forward to others.”

Mistress Alessandra d’Avignon notes, “Blood does not make family. A brother, a friend, an incredible uncle to my kids. A person that could make me whole again with just a hug and you always knew when I needed a hug and wouldn’t let go until I was better. Your kindness and outlook on the world helped us find the good that still exists.”

His modern obituary can be found here.

The family has asked that monetary donations be given to the American Heart Association or Angels for Animals.

 

 

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In Memoriam: THL Clarissa da Svizzera

18 Friday Feb 2022

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In memoriam, Memorial

THL Clarissa and Lord Coinneach

The Honorable Lady Clarissa da Svizzera (mka Heidi Wright) died unexpectedly at home on February 11 at age 63.

Clarissa was best known as a chirurgeon, a needleworker, and a purveyor of tart observations and acerbic humor. But she was also known for her bountiful kindness and generosity.

Mundanely a nurse, Clarissa served as Baronial and Principality Chirurgeon and spent many years working at Chirurgeon’s Point at Pennsic. She received her Award of Arms in A.S. 22, a Keystone in A.S. 25, and the East Kingdom’s Silver Crescent (roughly equivalent to a Millrind) in A.S. 30, primarily for that work.

Over the years Clarissa and her husband, Lord Coinneach Mac an Leigh, lived in many places. She joined the SCA in Thescorre as a student at the University of Rochester nursing school, although she learned about the Society when she was in high school, through college students at SUNY Geneseo where her father was a professor. After graduating from nursing school, she moved to the Rhydderich Hael to work at the Roswell Cancer Center as a pediatric nurse. It was while living in the Hael that she met and later married Coinneach, who was from the Shire of Riversmeet in Charleston, WV (now Blackstone Mountain.) After marrying, they lived in Riversmeet for six years, then moved to the Barony of Red Spears (Toledo, OH) in the Midrealm where they lived for seventeen years. Their final move was back to Thescorre, where they cared for Clarissa’s ailing father until his passing. Along the way they had a daughter, Rebecca (‘Becca), who is now 30.

At one time, Clarissa was a member of one of the cannon crews that mark the start and end of battles at Pennsic. Many Chirurgeons remember her fondly from their time together at Pennsic. Mistress Amaryllis Coleman, who served as Principality and East Kingdom Chirurgeon as well as Head of Chirurgeon’s Point at Pennsic in the 1990s, remembers “The most difficult part of the Pennsic Chirurgeonate was not the battles; they are intense, but there are also plenty of people around. The long, dark, cold nights, with the partying, the blades, the fires, and storms, staffed by a few dedicated crews, can be the scariest. Being Pennsic Chirurgeon and in charge of the Point, one thinks of plenty of things that can go wrong. However, as so many have observed, Clarissa would take that difficult shift, which lifted a great burden from me, but made it fun and attracted others to her team!” She also noted that Clarissa “had magnificent hair, but it had a mind of its own. She loved to have it braided whenever we were together.”

Viscount Brocc of Alderden, OP, OL, worked with THLady Clarissa for about 15 years at Pennsic, and recalls “Clarissa was always cheerful, fun and helpful. She managed to keep the seriousness of what was going on in chirurgeon’s point there, while not letting it become depressing. She was a good leader for us. I will always remember her smile.”

Members of the Pennsic Chirurgeons’ Point Staff.

Mistress Mairghead Stíobhard inghean uí Choinne says “I remember Clarissa attending every monthly A&S meeting when I was A&S minister for Thescorre for three years or more. She was always doing needlework and her blackwork was exquisite. She cheerfully painted game boards for Pennsic Childrens’ area, stamped napkins for Pax or whatever was requested sprinkled with her salty humor.

Specifically with respect to children, I remember Clarissa (and Coinneach) basically sponsoring an entire family with five or six children when Thescorre was trying to recruit new members as far as Geneseo where they lived. Clarissa and Coinneach transported the family to events and A&S and social meetings in Thescorre. Her patience and fairness was a joy to see. In addition, when the last Yeoman’s Event was held in Thescorre, Clarissa taught me and some others how to play what I believe was a form of Nine Man Morris on a lovely blackwork gameboard she had crafted.”

Lady Simonetta d’Alfassi recalls “A HARROWING trip we made to Dragonship Haven [in Connecticut]. We were attending the investiture of Baron Joseph of the Red Griffin and Baroness Bronwen Rose of Greyling, who was a friend of Clarissa’s. We drove through one of the worst winter storms I can remember – going 20 MPH on the highway. Then we went shopping in the most epic needlework shop ever, The Thistle in Glastonbury, CT — IN GARB. The patrons gave us the usual “are you in a play?” looks but the staff LOVED it and kept showing us “the special stock” because they thought we’d be more interested in the more historic-inspired pieces they had.”

Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope remembers the many kindnesses Clarissa bestowed on her friends. “As all parents know, the first few weeks with a new baby can be really rough, especially on the mom. When my older son Kenneth was born, Clarissa dropped everything and drove to Pittsburgh with her then-four-year-old daughter to spend a week with us to help out. She also embroidered baby quilts for both of my sons.”

Clarissa with Arianna’s then one-week-old son in 1996.

Her kindness to others was noted by many of her friends. Mistress Áine inghean Fhlaithimhin said “In the entire time we worked together at Chirurgeons’ Point, I never once saw her kindness or compassion for others wane, no matter how busy [we were] or how many gentles were waiting to be treated. That is what impressed me most as a new Chirurgeon. Clarissa’s empathy for others was something I tried to emulate with every person seeking treatment at CP.”

Viscountess Hodierna Miriglee of Lincludin commented “Clarissa and I became friends more years ago that I can remember. I remember long chats over tables and tasks. Reconnecting time after time as I moved around the Known Worlde. As I drifted away into daily life and our connection became virtual, she was quick with a supportive word, kind thoughts, encouragement, and a kindly shared laugh or joke. Her heart was so open and all-encompassing, she lived the example of loving and serving others. Our world is dimmer for her absence and better for her presence with us. May her memory ever be a blessing and the tales of her deeds inspire others.”

THLord Robert Pour Maintenant recalls that Clarissa always noticed when people needed something, even when it wasn’t obvious to others. “At an Ice Dragon years ago, Clarissa was working as one of the Chirurgeons during the tourney. Partway through she made sure that the marshals received some water to stay hydrated. The marshals were not exerting themselves like the fighters were, but were stuck in their lists, unlike the fighters who could step out to get a drink.”

THLord Richard Tyler of Swiftwater was another beneficiary of Clarissa’s kindness. “We were both living in the Midrealm when I had gall bladder surgery. One day shortly afterwards, she stopped by my house on her way home just as I was leaving for work, and provided a “drive by nursing.” I was already in the car, so she had me roll down the window. She checked and adjusted the bandage on the incision before I left for work.”

Clarissa was also noted for her quirky sense of humor. THLord Gareth the Eccentric of Saint Albans, former Principality Chronicler, says “I met Clarissa through the SCA almost exactly 35 years ago. She was wonderfully kind, caring, and funny. Clarissa was a nurse, and also connected to heraldry. At the time, the heraldic device that the Chirurgeons’ Guild used was a red cross on a white teardrop on a red background. Clarissa had a hard time remembering if it was red cross on white teardrop on white background or white cross on red teardrop on white background. However, one day she said “Oh! It’s ‘Sperm for Christ!'” and NONE of us ever had a problem recalling that [badge] again.”

Another bit of humor Clarissa loved was flaunting her leeches. In the middle ages, practitioners of the medical arts were sometimes called “leeches” because leeches were used to bleed patients to rid them of “bad humors.” Clarissa attached several small fabric leeches (basically stuffed animal versions) to her straw hat which she wore often at outdoor events. Aine commented “The hat with the leeches and [Pennsic] badges was legendary! No need for heraldry when she was wearing that hat on the side of the battlefield.”

While she did not use a pen or paint, Clarissa produced award medallions and SCA scrolls with her amazing embroidery skills. Mistress Sadira bint Wassouf, says “Clarissa met Saleem long before he joined the SCA when he was in college at Geneseo. Her dad was my biology prof. She was a prolific needle artist both in the SCA and in modern life. Every piece was perfect! One of her most intricate pieces was Saleem’s Pelican scroll, which now graces my gallery. It is a beautiful memory of her friendship and her artistry.’

Pelican scroll Clarissa made for Saleem in Alefan, based on a copyrighted design by Theresa Wentzler. Photo by Mistress Sadira bint Wassouf.


Pelican and Pel-Laurel medallions made by Clarissa. Photos courtesy of THL Richard Tyler of Swiftwater.

Mistress Amaryllis also shared this photo of a needlepoint that Clarissa made as a gift for her, of her favorite flower – the amaryllis, of course.

A funding campaign has been set up by Clarissa’s daughter, Becca, to help defray the cost of her mother’s final arrangements. Donations can be made here.

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In Memoriam: Lady Elswyth Rosamond

14 Monday Feb 2022

Posted by aethgazette in In memoriam

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In memoriam, Thescorre

Lady Elswyth Rosamond (mka Rosalie Mae Carter Hillman) passed away on February 7 at the age of 83. In addition to holding an AoA, she was a member Thescorre’s service order, the Raven’s Feather, and a recipient of Æthelmearc’s Order of the Keystone, also for service.

Her daughter, Brehyres Gwendolyn the Graceful, says she frequently served at troll and as event registration clerk, and sang in Thescorre’s choir, Ravensong.

Her Excellency Dubheasa, Baroness of Thescorre, says “I knew Lady Elswyth as Ro. My first event was C3R (College of Three Ravens) over 20 years ago. I walked into the event, not knowing what to do or where to go. Ro was sitting at Troll, and when I told her I was new, she directed me to the kitchen. I spent that event in the kitchen, making life-long friends. I also spent several events sitting next to Ro at Troll, where I delighted in her knowledge and sense of humor. Because of Ro, I’ve developed my passions of the kitchens and service to Thescorre and Æthelmearc. I am forever grateful I knew Lady Elswyth.”

Dame Aine O’Muirghesan remembers “When I was expecting Emily, I bought Adam tickets to a Mandy Patinkin concert at the Eastman Théâtre for his birthday, the beginning of January. Emily wasn’t due until January 17, so we were good. Except the little stinker came three weeks early. So I needed a sitter, for a newborn baby. Mom (Rosalie) to the rescue! She and Gwen also gifted me with a rocking chair, because they had an extra one, and I should have one to rock my baby. I remember her kindness.”

Mistress Orianna Fridrikskona says: “I remember her working troll and being part of Ravensong. She always had a sweet smile and was a delight to be around and work with.”

Her obituary is available here.

There will be no memorial at this time. A celebration of her life is planned for June.

A Ravensong performance. Lady Elswyth is in the center, in light green.

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In Memoriam: Betty Cooper

20 Monday Dec 2021

Posted by aethgazette in In memoriam

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Cooper's Lake, Coopers

Photo from the Butler Eagle

Betty Cooper, co-founder of Cooper’s Lake Campground, died Thursday, December 16 in Butler. She is predeceased by her husband, Mack, and son, Dave, both of who hosted the Pennsic War for decades.

SCAdians are sharing remembrances at the Pennsic War Facebook group and on private walls. Her obituary was published here.

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Remembering Master John the Artificer (Stories and Pics Requested)

17 Wednesday Feb 2021

Posted by aethgazette in In memoriam, Uncategorized

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As Mistress Arianna of the Gazette reported previously, Master John the Artificer (John Robert Rose) passed away on November 25th, 2020. Recently, his niece reached out the Kingdom of Aethelmearc to ask his friends and SCA family to share stories and pictures, so that his family may use them in an online virtual memorial that is being planned.

Those with a Facebook account may join his Memorial Page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1040029753186736/

If you have stories or pictures to share, please visit this webpage: https://memories.lifeweb360.com/john-robert-rose

His niece has shared this information about his final arrangements:

A small funeral mass will be said on Friday, February 26th*, at 11am at Sacred Heart Church, in Highland Falls, NY. It will run live feed from [the Facebook page noted above], any who wish to attend virtually can sign on … at 11 am to catch the live service.

*If you would like to send Flowers for his Mass on Friday, you can contact Lilies of the Valley, in Highland Falls, NY. Their phone number is: 845-446-4446.*

We are currently planning a larger, virtual memorial to honor my uncle’s memory more in detail, and to invite friends and family to share together. The date of this is to be announced, anyone who wishes to be a speaker, or share pictures please let us know and we will gladly add you to the program. Thank you!!

[*Editor’s Note: The original version of this story had the date of the funeral mass on the 19th, but since it was delayed until the 26th due to inclement weather, the date was updated to the 26th.]

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Memorial Gathering for Master Remus

13 Wednesday Jan 2021

Posted by aethgazette in Event Announcements & Updates, Gaming & Fun, In memoriam

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An online memorial gathering in honor of Master Remus Fletcher will be held this Saturday, January 16th, from 3pm to 4pm, as part of the virtual 12th Night Social, via Zoom.

Master Remus loved songs, voice and instrument, good stories, humor, and Loud Band at Pennsic. Chat in good company about Remus, music, story, humor, or anything he would have liked. Or bring your story and song to share. Let’s all enjoy some good cheer in his memory.

The gathering is being facilitated by Mistress Ts’vee’a bas Tseepora Levi. Link to the Zoom meeting will be available the morning of the event via the event schedule: http://bit.ly/12thNight21

Read the Gazette’s In Memoriam Article about Master Remus here.

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