In 2006, during Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche’s Halifax multi-day wedding event, there were a lot of us driving our precious Lamas. Dorje Kasung, indestructible protection. On one occasion, there were many of us waiting outside the Halifax Court. Paul and I had a very brief conversation. We did not know each other. It may have been a “Hi. I’m so-and-so. Where are you from?” kind of conversation. Nothing elaborate or prolonged. The most striking thing about him was his stability. He was as stable and sound as a clear bell ringing across a mountain range at dawn. No passion, aggression or ignorance. No clinging or grasping. No excitement or nervousness. No ripples in his energy field. Stable. He had answered the call of “ All hands on deck.” He was there to serve, and like the sound of a bell in the air, needed nothing. Mark Nowakowski’s description of Paul serving saké to the Vidyadhara in the early days evoked that same reading. Paul did what needed to be done free of attachment or expectation. He contributed to the creation of the best circumstances in order to create the strongest container for Dharma. While Zooming in to Ringu Tulku Rinpoche’s offerings at the recent Dorje Denma Ling retreat, Paul’s image came into view. It had been years since crossing paths, and it was delightful to know his stable presence was part of the DDL mandala. Receiving an email from DDL announcing Paul’s sukhavati was a very big surprise. But, in the next instant, something came to mind that brought a smile. In order to get to the smile, we need to take a trip in the WayBack Machine. In the summer of 2001, Ani Trime Lhamo led a datun at Dorje Denma Ling. At the end of the datun, she apologized for not dying during the retreat. Her guru, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, had said something about a death during a group retreat making the retreat more profound, more effective for everyone involved. Ani Trime apologized for not dying because she felt she had let us down by not giving us the most profound experience possible. Remembering Ani Trime’s apology is the reason for a smile in the face of the news of Paul’s departure. Even in death, Paul remains a generous presence by providing a reminder that this is not a dress rehearsal. He’s given us the gift of creating a more profound experience for all who attended Kalapa Assembly, and for all who attended Ringu Tulku Rinpoche’s program. Safe, easy and joyful passage to you, Paul. Did not know you, but truly appreciate the stability of your presence. Heartfelt condolences to his beloved family and friends. May you always hold strong reminders of his curiosity, wonder, and generous presence.