(Requested by Richard Haspray and read by John Leon at her Sukhaviti) For Dear Alice Forgive these fragmented and meager first thoughts typed with two fingers near a campfire in Kenya… Alice was more than a special person- she was an extraordinary human, warrior, heart student of both the Vidyadhara and Suzuki Roshi, Dakini, loving mother, partner and friend. Although physically far away from you all at this moment I am present in sad and tender heart and mind. So many images come to mind - from so many times and places. But from Alice’s tuning fork note was always the same - her humanity…in the core aspect that was described by our masters but rarely glimpsed - being genuine. Never pretending perfection, but willing to show up as she was, - including the full palette of her emotions, vulnerability, uncertainty and of course her determination, commitment, and willingness to show up in THAT moment. Sometimes she felt like an immovable rock on the earth - never deterred- especially when the moments were tough - maybe a bit obstinate but more likely just bound and determined to work through obstacles to fulfill possibilities. Maybe, Alice was more like a strong river - moving over and around any obstacles - flowing…finding a way. Or perhaps sky…big picture, lots of accommodating space, with intermittent storm clouds…Or, or, or…she was all of it- a full meal deal. Enriching presence… Others are describing and writing about the overview of Alice’s and Richard’s intertwined story, since they were always like a rose bush - appearing in a mix of blooms, roots, vine, thorns and blooms, in many times and places…as called to duty. But I will refer only to one from among the campaigns and life events we shared - in reflection on the communal journey and unfolding of the Council of Warriors. Some will recall how diffuse and fragmented things were in the decade or so following the death of The Vidyadhara and then the Regent, and in the early period around the arrival and emergence of Sakyong Mipham. Among the uncertain energies - the practices and coherence of forms, teachings, path and structures of Shambhala were weak and seemed vulnerable. During that time there were many conversations but little clarity that might seek to draw together the threads. Without attempting an accurate history, at some point Michael Chender (another gallant and brilliant departed warrior) and I met with the Sakyong around this topic and out of that (and who knows what else) came his decision, for us to pull together an initiative to create what came to be called a Council of Warriors including recruitment of a broader group of selected Warriors of Centers from around the world, and a smaller group of around 15 Governors holding the central seat to chart a course forward- with one simple (if not easy) mission - to make IT so. This would be a group related to, but not, contained within any other organizational forms. He appointed me ‘Warrior General’ with a strong and determined core of Governors but that was the easy part - everyone went for a new feather in their cap…and that’s where Alice came in. She accepted the post as international liaison - volunteer of course - as were all of us. But this was a ‘real’ job which she resolutely fulfilled for more than a dozen years. I think particularly of her determined energy in those early years - when we were not at all certain if or how to rekindle the embers of Shambhala vision in Nova Scotia and globally. Recruiting and empowering Warriors of Centres and creating from ashes the enormous (800+) Kalapa Assembly in New Brunswick that was really the moment that offered the Sakyong the doorway from empowerment to his seat from which many things emerged- from Rigden abhisheka to the Scorpion Seal path…and…much that ultimately unfolded. But these were only the first lynchpin moments. Through it all, Alice was the voice and manifestation of our mother warrior principle and the most relentless practical driver. She was indefatigable, and unrelenting, with humor, passion, worries, kindness and toughness in turns. And she was ever more a dear confidante, and honest advisor/friend. Tenacious in a mysterious way. And Alice and Richard became more than friends but two of Susanna and my dearest heart friends. One element that stood out was their refusal to be pigeon holed into a fixed projection or attitude - even when surrounded by lobbying voices. Recent years have had a lot of that - more than should. Although life circumstance has not allowed us to spend much time face to face in recent years, Alice and I have regularly showed up to participate in events and courses that reflect our common commitment to open heart teaching opportunities that do not require adherence to any fixed point of view except loyalty to our root teacher and teachings - including themes such as the early CTR Naropa courses, the Druk Sakyong’s original Shambhala directors trainings, and the Cosmic Mirror series that reopened direct study of early Kalapa Assembly teachings. And in each and all, Alice has been a voice and presence for sticking to the heart of the topics. With the same directness, openness and joy that has always been your heart - dearest friend. Just writing this fragment has brought more than a tear- but as the Vidyadhara once wrote: “may the tears of our crying produce future warriors”. I know how much CTR loved you for all of who you were - he SAW you and it was all he asked. From one aging warrior to another who just transitioned beyond this realm of aches of heart and body… Tagtruk Dao, Tigercub Moonlight Man of many feathers but little hair… Marty Janowitz 20-22nd of August 2024