[MR] Thoughts for Richard Myrick, Master Aldwin

[Rev. William L. Ham III]

Unto the friends of Master Aldwin Longwalker, as well as the Populace of the Knowne World, does Baron Alejandro Mateo Ramirez y Mendoza, Free Scholar send heartfelt greetings;

My Friends,

This is an open letter; please post it as far and as wide as possible so that it may reach the faraway ears of the friends and compatriots of Master Aldwin Longwalker, as well as all those who have heard tell of his death. 
I speak to you today not as a Baron of the Court of Atlantia, nor as a Free Scholar, nor even as a member of the Society. I speak to you as Rev. William L. Ham, the officiant at the memorial service of Richard Myrick, known to us as Master Aldwin Longwalker.
It has truly moved me to the core that the Society has so come out to support the memory of Richard and his family in this time of need. I had the opportunity to spend time with his family during the evening of September 16th, the night before the memorial service. I explained to them the significance of the Order of the Pelican, with which they were very moved. And as the evening progressed, again and again different members of Richard's family came to me and stated how appreciative they were of the Society and its members, how supportive and caring they were in their time of need. 
This same feeling was expressed by Lady Deirdru ingean Muiredach, who was Master Aldwin's one and only protégé. From the time of Master Aldwin's passing onward she has been succored and comforted by members of the Society both near and far. Again and again she expressed her appreciation at this. 
This has reflected the true nature of the Society for me; not just the recreation of history, nor even the pursuit of the values of chivalry, honor, and courtesy, but the application of those values to the modern world that we all live in at the end of the day. This is the SCA in its purest, most valuable form. And these are the values that we should all seek to further, both in and out of the Society. Remember this as you remember Master Aldwin, for that is what I feel he would have wanted. 
Richard Myrick's remains were cremated per the wishes of his family; the disposition of those ashes still stands to be determined by his family. Likewise, the distribution of his SCA gear will also be handled by his family with the advice of Lady Deirdru. 
Richard's family has also asked that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the Literacy Council of Wake County; 3948 Browning Place, Suite 336, Raleigh, NC, 27609. This reflects Richard's career as a bookstore manager, and his love of knowledge. Of course, in this time of national need I urge you all to donate your time and a pint or two of blood to the Red Cross. 
A memorial website has been erected and maintained by House Bayard; that website is www.geocities.com/housebayard/Aldwin.html. The populace is welcome to peruse that website and post their memories or comments. In addition, I have asked that the text of the ceremony that I conducted in memory of Master Aldwin Longwalker be posted there so that those who could not be there can still share in spirit.
In this, as in all things, I stand ready to serve where I can.

Rev. William L. Ham, III
Aka
Baron Alejandro Mateo Ramirez y Mendoza, Free Scholar
revwilliam at altavista.net
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