UPDATE: December 6th 2013
A month after Geoffrey's passing, we continue to miss him dearly. Below we have a transcript of the eulogy Geoffrey wrote for himself, which was read at his memorial service.
Beloved friends and family,
I am honored by your presence here today as we bid farewell to one another. I have lived a very full life. It has been enriched by all of you: my devoted family, close relationships, priceless friendships, and life-expanding experiences. I have accomplished everything that I set out to do with my life that was truly important to me. My life is complete.
Beloved friends and family,
Life is so precious, so wondrous and mysterious, but also so fragile, so ephemeral, so finite. Each of us must make the most of each day, focusing on what is most important. Many years ago I realized what my personal mission in life was, my reason for existence. It can be distilled into one sentence: "Create situations that help others grow."
What brought me immense satisfaction was to create experiences and opportunities that helped another person discovery something beautiful about the world, something insightful about other people, or something insightful about themselves, and in the process become a more enlightened, self-confident person. It could be as simple as asking a thoughtful question. It could be helping someone see something about the world in a new light. It could be teaching someone a new skill or concept. It could be taking someone to the Exploratorium.
Beloved friends and family:
The greatest memorial that you can build for me lies within your own hearts. I ask each of you to carry on my life's mission. Wherever you go, wherever you are, whomever you meet, whomever you are with, please do something that helps that other person grow and become a more complete person, .......... and as you do so, please think of me.
I now rest in peace.
Geoffrey was a special person who was loved by his friends and family.
We will always remember the joy he felt from caring for his plants, spending time with his family, and exploring new places.
He is already terribly missed.
MEMORIAL INFORMATION:
We are holding a memorial service for Geoff on Saturday, November 16th located at St. Pauls Episcopal Church. The doors to the church will open at 2:30PM, with the service commencing at 3:00PM. The service will last for roughly an hour. Immediately following the service we are having a reception located at Vessel Gallery. When the service ends, you may make your way to Vessel Gallery.
St. Pauls: 114 Montecito Ave. Oakland CA 94610
http://www.stpaulsoakland.org/map
Vessell Gallery: 471 25th St. Oakland CA 94611
http://www.vessel-gallery.com/contact.html
