The most hardest part for me in all of this I have to say is the memory of the first time I came to camp. The first person to greet you was A man named Ray. But not just any man, a very tall man with a tan skin and smelt like the earth itself. You’d walk up with a heavy wheelbarrow that was packed with unnecessary items from you parents, and there stood ray smiling that unforgettable smile and gives you that big hug that seemed to blow all your worries away. I love ray with all my heart as of all of us do, but ray had a huge impact on my life, I almost lost my mother last year and it seemed like the world had ended for me. But one person who shone a light though was Ray. His and fisse’s comforting words seemed to help me on my feet again. I don’t know how that would make since to anyone but in my life most of the huge bumps and falls has been revived by the one and only smile. He was like a second father to me and Ekone my home. I wish for everyone to just stop just once in your life and just imagine what the world would look like through rays eyes. I wonder what would happen.   One thing I will miss the most is when you are walking alone around right at sunset and the horses are eating the grass Your hear ray on his guitar which seemed like it floated in the air. Without a care in the world. With every inch of my soul I love you ray And will miss you every breathing moment when the wind blows. -Jessica perry 5 years running Ekone camper. -Oh home of my heart you a diamond a jewel a tender and caring love song, If I were a ship you’d be the fuel that keeps me a sailing along.-

Ray was a dear friend. I knew he meant what he said, and felt things as deeply as he could. I loved the guy a lot. Guess I won't be coming up there this year to visit.
I remember 25 years ago when we took some kids there to give them an adolescent passage, while things had not been going well. Ray was deliberate, loving, and cared about the long range effects of every choice made in the direction of each day. We had a big effect on them, but it was only by allowing interaction with nature, and letting all that take its course....
I will miss Ray Mitchell, Simeon to me......
Thomas Hiltner

"We must become the change we want to see."
-- Mahatma Gandhi

This tragedy is heartbreaking. I’ve been thinking about Ray every single day. Ray was a beautiful person. He’d turn the sad to happy, the happy to happier, and the happier to the happiest. I was not able to go to the past year to Ekone because I had other things to accomplish during the only 2 weeks that were available for camp. Now knowing that I will never see Ray again, I regret not attending last Summer.

Every year I would look forward to going to Ekone all year. Right when I left camp and got in the car to head home to Winthrop, I would say “I hope I can stay for a longer time next year!” You were the heart and soul of my world. You’ve gone to a better place. The memories of Ekone will be forever engraved in my heart. I wish the friends and family of yours the best in these tough times. I will love you and remember you for the rest of my life.

Ema Manzo 8th grade
~A forever camper at Ekone~

On Tuesday, December 11th, in the afternoon, I got a call from Fisse, asking me to come to the lodge immediately. I grabbed my jacket and dashed to the lodge through snow and ice. I walked in, tossed off my coat, and entered the living room to find Ray on the couch and Fisse kneeled beside him. She was telling him how much she loved him, I looked at him and touched him and found no heartbeat. I was shocked.
One more breath happened fast, like an echo of his zest for life, then once more…then no more. We did what we could to resuscitate him, to no avail. He was gone..already a traveler to other realms….to his next task…no doubt doing something on the way to doing something else.
Fisse, Chris, Bob and I looked at each other in disbelief…how could this be?
Suddenly and with no warning whatsoever, this strong, courageous wonder of a manspirit, was gone.

As always, he celebrated each day. After five weeks in Italy, he was on fire…claiming it’s incredible history and ancient architecture had changed his life. And just that morning, he couldn’t stop raving about what it was to hear Al Gore give his acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize. He LOVED life and he lived it well...inspired by others who were large in commitment to Earth, and inspiring others to live that way too!

I know not what grace it was that had me be with him with each of the amazing animal events of this last year, AND then also for his last breaths, for the consideration of his body just after death, and for the planning and participation of the ceremonies for him. It has changed me and I am grateful. I am so grateful too that his death was easeful…he shot out of here like an arrow, seemingly with enough gusto to place himself smack dab into the heart of the spirit world without waivering. He was, in his death, on a mission, just like most every day of his life.

This weekend we grieved and celebrated Ray’s life in a glorious and respectful way. In the celebrating, I received an even deeper understanding of just how great a man Ray was and how, in living out his vision, it, and he, touched and changed many, many lives. His embrace was large. I also see each of us now having the opportunity to step up in the magic and power of our own unique spirit, and shine. This is as it should be and I can imagine him smiling with tears in his eyes. In the foundation he laid and in his passing now, Ray has given us a tremendous gift. He has opened now a large space for us to fill with our own authentic, beautiful ways.
I am immensely grateful for being here, on this land and amongst these beings at this time.

Thank you Ray, for leading the way for so many...I love you.

As Ray always said about our beloved animals …”If we can’t let them go, we shouldn’t have them.”
It is now our task to let him go.


~in gratitude,
jade sherer, Ekone community member

I first met Ray when I was in sixth grade. Even then, I knew that he was the type of person that could change your life. A rider myself, he taught me some of my most valuable lessons, which I still use today. He even taught me how to swing up...
Ray was a beautiful person...every time I was around him I felt an eternal peace settle over me; one of those wonderful, contagious feelings that a handful of people can bring. He's been on my mind every day since I heard of the news. I deeply regret not following up on my promise to come to camp again...the desicion was made that I was to go this summer.
Every time I ride my horse, gallop bareback, jump, I think of Ray. He has changed my life, my ways, and touched my soul. The Great Spirit has just taken you on another path; I am sure your heart will find the path it needs to travel.
My thoughts are with your family, the ranch, the horses...I cannot help but think and wonder at the beauty of impermanence.

This song I wrote will always be for you, Ray.

The Earth is my body
the Fire is my soul.
Blow wind through the golden grasses.
The Storm is my fury
The Sun is my love,
Blow wind through the golden grasses.

Run, children, go dream in your beds.
The Northern Winds rear their heads.
Softly they sing through frozen leaves,
Run children, crawl in bed.

Hear the wolves sing in the night.
Moonlight on their paths.
Listen, can you hear their song?
The wolves cry in the night.

The sky is painted pink and blue.
Night's just around the bend.
Children, sing softly my wild melodies,
and blow wind through the golden grasses.

-Claire Nitsche, 9th Grade
Bainbridge Island, Washington.

I sang this song at the Council Fire celebrating Ray's past present and future. It was written after learning so much from the Tsunami. Ray liked it when I sang this song at the Barter Faire, also around the Fire.
There will be a recording made soon.

THE WAVE
by Kirk Fuhrmeister 2003

1..........I may never see you again
Though I see you now everyday.
'Sorta come to expect it to be that way
But if you must go......
That's okay......................just
(Chorus)
Please remember to wave goodbye.
You don't have to cry,
Or explain why.
But please when you go, please when you go, please when you go
Wave good bye...

2..........As you sail out on the enchanting Sea,
Say hello to the Palm tree, remember me........
To the Tide, the Wind and the Ocean's swell
Sing your song, and always be well

...........And when you reach that forign port,
Toes in the Sand wild and free;
Please remember that Life is short,
And don't turn your back on the Sea

(Bridge)
We say good bye to the Sun each night;
In the morn we say so long to the Moon.
We worry not, they will always return.
And with luck, We will meet again soon.

..............Please miss me, cause I'll miss you
Seems we've got a few fish left to fry
But if you must ride away into the blue
When you go, please Wave goodbye

Please remember to Wave goodbye.
You don't have to cry
Or explain why
But please when you go, please when you go, please when you go...........
Wave good bye................
But please when you go, please when you go, please when you go...........
Wave good bye................

 

Here is a thing to people who are looking at this web site

Life is an illusion, Death is the release
Why must we live when all we live for is death?
People can never truly believe what they don't want to.
Some say love it is a hunger and endless aching need.
What you are I once was what I am you shall soon be
To cease learning is to allow the soul to stagnate.
Why is it that when we speak to god it's called a prayer yet when he speaks to us it's called schizophrenia?
The wounds suffered from love and failed friendships don't heal like a humans but seem to only gape longer.
None would now the meaning of light if there were no darkness.
Live with Hope and die with the regret!
Be careful what you wish for... you may well get it!!

I don’t really know what to say about Ray that hasn’t already been said. He devoted his life to the land. He had the biggest heart of all the people I know, and will probably ever know. My best summers so far have been at Ekone, sitting in the hot sun, waiting for my turn at the barrels or on the deck at dusk, singing songs with Ray.

The first time I met him was when they were giving an open house. I followed Ray around like a little dog, because I trusted him already. He had that effect on people. You could always trust Ray.

Ray made Ekone the most magical place I know, and now that he is gone, it will never be the same. But the best thing we can do is go on, making sure that we keep his magic close to our hearts, so it will never be lost.

Morgaine Trine, 9th Grade

Three years running Ekone camper

When my Mom first told me I was going to Ekone, I was very shy. But once I saw the beautiful ranch and Rays kind eyes, I felt somewhat comforted. He had such a great smile that the first time I saw him I gave him a great big bear hug. Even though I barely knew him, I felt so close to him. My experience at Ekone was mind boggling. We took care of a baby deer caught in a net and saw it go bounding over to its mom happily. Ray seemed to be so close to nature. We also took care of a baby mouse. We named it "Ourbud". Its visit on Earth was brief and it died happy, just like Ray. The other day, when I looked at the sun, the word Ray kept pulsing in my mind. There were various thoughts rushing through my brain. Then, for one moment, EVERYTHING seemed dead silent and I felt Ray all around me. I shall NEVER throughout my whole life forget that moment.

Katyrose
Ekone camper, summer of 2007

You were my partner, teacher and forever my spiritual brother You were my shelter from the city when I could no longer trust We shared laughter, song, friendships, journeys, tears, joys Do you remember Miracle Mountain, the first Healers gathering, the first Barter fest, Anchorage? I remember the day you broke Mizar, or I think more that he decided to become partners in riding with you The first horse born at the ranch, Pegasus, and then the grand old lady of the ranch, Duster Riding to Trout Lake and Indian Heaven to race on the racetrack with our friends, travois, meadows, blueberries You are the White Eagle, your smile and wonderful hugs will always be a part of our hearts memories, You will always ride on the breezes of Ekone and the gentle winds of the canyon, our love is with you always, Jennifer

When I first came to camp Ekone I was eight years old. I was a little scared at first because I knew I would be away from home, my first time. As soon as we pulled up in our car I knew I was about to have the most amazing week of my life! And I have been returning to Ekone ever since. I will never forget Ray and the way he welcomed me into his home and shared with me a life of horses and the beautiful land he lived on. I learned so much about myself at Ekone. Ray was such a special person and he meant so much to a lot of people. Ray, you will always be in my heart as long as I live. Your kindness and spirit is eternal, through the Ekone land and through all the lives you touched, and I will never forget it.

Thank you so much

Olivia Welch
Portland, Oregon

It was a blessing to have reunited with Ray at Vibrance's wedding. It had been fifteen years since seeing him, and all that time folded into a moment with "hello again my dear friend." He was as exhuberant as always, so filled with delight at the wonderful gathering of friends and celebration of love. I am so grateful that I was there to see him again, to hug him and reaffirm undying love.

A lot has happened at Ekone in the 23 years since I moved on, and my life has grown and evolved as well. But a testiment to the profound effect of that place and Ray manifested just a year ago, when I was finally able to take up my brush to paint. For my first painting I planned to paint a simple horse in a field of golden grass... yet somehow a rider appeared and became Ray. So, although it was in silhouettte, I put spots on the horse's rump (Mazar? Duster?) and then I dared to attempt a dog... and there was Shadow bounding behind him as she loved to do. I imagined that I would share it one day with Ray ... And so I sent it to Fissee, to be there for his celebration, along with the following poem to share for now. I hope to be at Ekone this spring to honor Ray's spirit and reunite again with friends old and new who loved him.

Jackie Hanson
Grace~

Ray, you were a shaft of light
beaming through the clouds.
Your shining countenance beckoned
and amazed us with adventures.
Moving through life with magnetic force,
you brought us together to love the land,
the horses, each other, and you,
a brother to us all -
A visionary, rooted in the Earth,
you travelled a spiritual path.
You never doubted, but believed the best,
and it appeared before you.
A wisdom figure, teacher, and guide,
yet unpretentious, a humble man,
you viewed the world with fascination
and shared joy with abundant love and kindness.
You will be missed -

Where to begin with remembering Ray? It's been so many years (13?) of practically daily contact, from the first meeting when Shonie was a camper and I was smitten by that "Isn't life amazing?" smile, to the last message he left on our machine, "Let's get together and swap stories before we forget them." So hard to believe that story swap won't happen like we thought.
I am so grateful to have had a long term and deep relationship with Ray. He was a wonderful brother, offering great love and acceptance. We even learned to squabble gently as we dealt with each other's humanness...he was so apologetic after he bull-dozed my compost pile...Those big hugs and big smiles. I have Ray to thank for so many things...a ride out to a flowery meadow on my birthday - he brought me to the bouquet...a pack trip on Mt. Adams, naming the Yummy Tummy Cafe, the spoken thanks for every meal, a buffalo robe, kindness given to my children, the sharing of first day of camp jitters, heart to heart talks, steadfast friendship, the modeling of a life lived in joy and wonder. So much gratitude for so many things. And now to have shared his passing over, a gift I tremble to accept, somewhere inside knowing that we remain together in that non-linear timeless now, and also knowing how I will miss him in the days to come. I carry his lessons and his love, and because of that, my hugs are bigger and my heartspace is deeper for all of us needing comfort at this time. His love endures.
Chris

I feel like was little, when I went here thou it was only a few years ago. I feel even if I only knew him when I was at camp he was someone you could look to in fear and in joy. Ekone challenged me in ways I can’t enplane, it also set a warmth so deep in your soul with out wires or modern fastness of life. There are few places like Ekone, I learned you can make places like this with your heart and soul if you put you dreams into it. I also found the gifts in getting a rock with a happy face drawn across it, or a feather from the world in Ekone. In fact the very soil and the taste of the water is something to hold next to your heart. Even when I had painful head akes he was there with Fissy, both there to make sure I was okay. You both mean very much to me, you mean so much to everyone who met you. You are and always will be an amazing sprit who will touch anyone who come to your camp. Thank you so much for you kindness and opening your world to so many. Thank you so much for letting me know the power in the earth and sky, the power of people and animals. Thank you all who worked with ray to help your and his dreams go on.

-Tessa Eckardt.
May all your dreams Live!

Share your own message to Ray by emailing it here.