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Leslie Jarmon Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Leslie Jarmon
Sponsored by rick and peter.
Darcy Hiestand
November 24, 2020
It is nice to see your name and smiling face again. Now, 11/22/20. Always a happy heart to think of you. LOVE~
dave b
December 1, 2019
forever in my heart and mind
regardless distance nor time
mucho ha sido la gananza
solo por ti Esperanza
dave b
Catherine I-hua Wu
April 12, 2015
It was bitterly shocking to learn that my mentor in UT had passed away. I took two of Dr. Jarmon's courses when I worked on my master's degree at UT-Austin 15 years ago. I even still keep her course notes and books. She was the most caring, passionate and inspirational teacher I've met in UT. She always had a positive, inspiring influence on her students. As a foreign student from Taiwan, I still remember the potluck dinner she especially held for all the foreign students in the course. We had such a wonderful time at her place. I will always be indebted to Dr.Jarmon for her invaluable inspiration and irreplaceable enthusiasm toward education.
Brenda Hall
February 23, 2014
There are many times when I think of you Leslie, and how much laughter and pleasure I experienced with you and some of your students. You made me, as you did your students, better people...from positive thinking, to smarter thinking, to enjoyment. You are one of my favorite people memories.
Debbie Killer
February 16, 2014
I am saddened by the loss of Leslie. We were friends in our youth of great wonder,and I am so glad I new her. I know her energy is still among us. Debeleu
Darcy Hiestand
April 29, 2012
My dear friend, I've lost touch with you since my days at UT when I was with Jake. Have thought of you often and just today found your memorial. The brightest flames burn too quickly. You will be missed but I know your happy soul is moving on in a better, more beautiful place! Love you, dear.
November 6, 2010
I miss you so much my angel. Next week we will journey to San Francisco to honor you work. But too few know the work which was so inspirational .... Being one of 'las damas de la La Noris'.
Love forever.
May all be free from sorrow, and the causes of sorrow
October 23, 2010
josh
October 23, 2010
May your troubles be less and your blessings be more.
dave
October 16, 2010
Oct.16th, always a special day. Condolences to you Mrs. Jarmon and surviving family members.
Jude Holman
October 16, 2010
My darling Leslie,
I did not know you at the end, but I knew you in the beginning. Every magical discovery of youth we shared. So many awakenings of intellect and emotion and determination. I thought I had lost you -- now I realize you are embedded in every memory, every sweet and silly habit, every good bit of me.
Love forever, Jude
Colum Muccio
September 3, 2010
I too met Leslie in the Peace Corps in Costa Rica, kept in touch with her every couple of years after that… in DC… when she and Peter took their epic trip. The last time I saw her was when I was en route to my now home, Guatemala, stopping in at Austin for a night packed full of that fast, lively, irreverent, funny conversation that made her such a joy to be around. I was exhausted from driving all day but she kept me up late with her antics. I knew she had been sick, but I knew better than to ask; she was never a person to dwell, was she? I just got in contact with Peter today and he gave me the sad news. “Pura vida” Leslie! That’s what she was, pure life!
Chris
July 28, 2010
Many months later, our friend and colleague is still missed. Thinking of you Leslie!
remembering Leslie
Josh H
April 22, 2010
Josh H
April 22, 2010
I have to agree. I loved you Leslie. A long time ago, but the melody lingers on.
Mary Root
March 28, 2010
I loved you Leslie. You sang like a bird and spread love everywhere.
Peace
Mary Root,in NYC.
carl emmons
January 31, 2010
Muchos carinios desde Costa RIca!!!
I am writing on behalf of a family that hosted LESLIE during her time here in COSTA RICA. They have very fond memories of LESLIE and would love to touch base with her family.
[email protected]
Bonnie Pelland
January 7, 2010
Dear Joyce and family ;
We are so sorry for your loss of Leslie.Although we knew her for only a short time, she shares a forever good memory with us on our cruise last year. Our dinners were filled with laughter and stories about each others lives. Joyce, there was such a wonderful relationship between you and Leslie and we thank you for being with us. Peace be with you.
Bonnie, Leonard, David, Stacey, Taylor and Quinn Pelland
Mary Marin
December 25, 2009
My present is informed by my past.
And part of my past was informed by you. The sheer brilliance of you when you entered a room always took my breath away. Your thoughts, your laughter, your voice, all memories to cherish. I never forgot you, and I never will. Now, all these years later as a clinical psychologist, all I desire is for my work to always be informed by the compassion you showed to us all, by the curiosity that drove you to greater heights, and by the love you gave to us so freely.
Until we meet again Leslie,
Mary Marin, Los Angeles, California
Abigail Pomerantz-Stein
December 18, 2009
I attended high school with Leslie and recognized her name right away. She was involved with theater in high school, so her studying theater was not a surprise, but it is wonderful to see how much she accomplished in a field that touches so many lives. As an educator in the trenches of the New York system, I appreciate those innovators who give us the tools to reach our students. I am sorry to hear of her untimely passing.
Marianna Goldrick
December 8, 2009
Just now read the obit, and wanted to belatedly offer my condolences. Very lovely description of a life well-lived.I know Leslie loomed large in the lives of her niece and nephews and i want to especially wish them strength in coping with her loss. What a shame that such a productive life was cut short. But she certainly lived it to the fullest! I know the Jarmon family is proud of her many and major accomplishments. My best to all of you.
Carole B
December 8, 2009
A life well lived, and loved..I wish I had known Leslie better, she was a really dear friend to one of my dear friends, and he thought the world of her. She is gone to soon, but is now at peace and with our friend..God Bless Spencer and all of her family..Blessings,
Russ Gore
December 5, 2009
Leslie -- what a wonderful light that will now illuminate the heavens. Godspeed.
Curt Hirsh
December 5, 2009
Leslie was one of the highest manifestations of the World Spirit I ever knew, personally. I once attended a Japanese troupe’s performance in which one of the players, in monk’s attire, takes up the lotus position at front center stage left, his eyes closed in deep contemplation. A long, narrow stream of rice grain begins to fall from somewhere out of the upper floodlights and upon the the monk’s shaved head. This goes for on an indeterminable amount of time, the only sound that of the tumbling rice, growing into larger drifts about the monk. I shared this story with Leslie who laughed her Leslie laugh and promptly said, “Well yes, of course. The blessings of the Universe flow down unceasingly upon our pointed little heads.” It would have taken me a while to get to that kernel idea, but Leslie seized upon it in a flash.
I’m not entirely clear what Leslie and her crew were up to there on the 22nd floor of UT Main, but I’m betting somewhere in all that there is a kernel idea that might spark some kind of kensho collective awakening that will save the planet and all life upon it. Please stay the course, you guys. Check her notes. All sketches and diagrams.
Whenever I’m ever in the vicinity of free-range Tibetan ecstatics such as Leslie, I start attending very, very closely to any incoming signals or messages. So let me close by saying, “Leslie, I was priveleged to know thee. Shine on Sister. All channels are open. Get back.”
Curt Hirsh
Lori Peterson
December 4, 2009
Leslie was a wonderful colleague and guest lecturer to my Nonverbal Communication classes. My students always enjoyed her lively class discussions and her bubbling enthusiasm for her work. She was gracious enough to ALWAYS take time out of her busy schedule to come to my class and speak to undergraduates at St. Edward's. In fact, I never even knew that she had been ill until recently--her smile, warmth, and curiousity about life were all that were visible. Truly, a special soul.
Linda Briley
December 3, 2009
Leslie was such a great, popular, regular, intelligent girl at Miller High School, who wowed us periodically with her sensitivity that lives on even now. How did we know back then what an adventure she would lead?
Leslie and Peter in Los Angeles around 1989
Paul Neuhaus
December 3, 2009
I knew Leslie from our Peace Corps days in Costa Rica, but my fondest memory of her was when she and Peter stayed with Kristie and me on the Los Angeles leg of their John Chapman cross-country tour in 1989 or 90. I remember the wonderful stories they told about the people they had met. They had been traveling so long together and were so in sinc, they were finishing each others sentences. I haven't seen Leslie since, but I remember her compassionate and generous spirit and her enthusiasm for the people she had met. Leslie, you're gone too soon.
Fr. Lou Brusatti
December 3, 2009
Know that you are all in my prayers at this time of loss
December 2, 2009
My condolences to all family and friends. I wish I knew her better.
Love and Best wishes.
"An ol' Guy in Minnesota"
Jeanne Erichson
December 2, 2009
Leslie was an amazing person and an incredibly talented musician. The look of sheer delight on her face when a song really came together is something I'll always remember. I'll miss her joy and enthusiasm and the beautfiul sound of her violin, guitar, and voice.
Judy Shetler
December 2, 2009
Leslie always radiated an aura of joy and intelligent compassion when I was fortunate enough to be around her during my years as a graduate student. In spite of her premature death, her wonderful spirit will remain as an inspiring memory for me and those who knew her.
Judy C. Shetler
Philip Goetz
December 2, 2009
I was Leslie's neighbor 2003 - 2004 and was in the masters program in RTF at UT. As a neighbor she was always conversational. As a moderator and leader in academic pursuits she always made sense. Sunday Nov 1 I walked up to my old porch to just stand there and almost knocked on her door.
Darlen Grant
December 2, 2009
Leslie Jarmon was the first person in the Graduate School to know of my Peace Corps application. It was well over a year ago now, she was in the office on a Saturday or Sunday, as per usual, and I happen to have received a request for yet another detailed essay related to my application. I took a chance that she would keep my secret about the application as at that point I was sure I stood a snowballs chance in hell of getting in.
She was tremendously supportive, excited, and helpful to me throughout the application process. I even took her a bouquet of flowers at some point after she left the graduate school in appreciation for her ever present spiritual support. Oh my! Oh my! She was the consummate Returned Peace Corps Volunteer --- Super Volunteer, actually. If I recall correctly, she had spent the bulk of the 1970s in the Peace Corps. Knowing what I know now about this "the greatest adventure you'll every love," I admire her all the more. My goodness!
Lynn Miller
December 1, 2009
I worked with many people during my time at U.T. and Leslie was one of the great and shining lights––as a person, an intellect, and a collaborative spirit––of my experience there and in Austin. Always curious, always kind, always an inspiration, that was our Leslie. That her middle name was Hope says it all as she gave so much to so many. with love always to Leslie, Lynn Miller
Ravi N
December 1, 2009
I remember her as a passionate teacher who was committed to doing her best at all times. She was
the reason I began working with Austin Free Net, a wonderful non-profit in Austin, as she understood
my desire to work with non-profits focused on bridging the digital divide and recommended me to Austin Free Net. I miss her presence on the UT campus.
Lucy Wagner
December 1, 2009
I won't try to add to the lovely tribute by Peter Yockel, but I do want to send condolences from the Wagner family who grew up with the Jarmon family in Corpus Christi. All of us will miss Leslie.
Debbie Hirsch
December 1, 2009
I am saddened at the loss of this wonderful lady. I met Leslie when she came to meetings of the Graduate Assembly at UT where she presented the case for submitting dissertations in digital format. She was the first to do so at UT and now all dissertations (and now theses) are being submitted digitally. She was such a joy to be around. She was always enthusiastic, hardworking, sweet and smiling all the time. She radiated such a beautiful aura that enveloped anyone who was around her. I am honored to have known her and will miss her.
Kathleen Smith
December 1, 2009
Although we weren't in touch I had heard of Leslie's many accomplishments. I know she will be missed.
Kathleen Cannon Smith Austin, Texas
Gene Crick
November 30, 2009
I first came to know Leslie long ago when she was a student intern working at MAIN (the brightest, most capable we ever had, incidentally). My respect and regard for her have only grown in years since.
Her spirit stayed strong all her life. Even very recently when we talked she preferred to focus not on herself but on the people and ideas that mattered to her.
Leslie Jarmon was a lovely person, of intelligence and ability enriched by genuine warmth and caring. We will miss her.
Robin
November 30, 2009
I am saddened to hear of Leslie's passing. She was a brilliant, spirited woman, and- as a teacher- a genuine inspiration. Also, she passed on some practical tips on being well-prepared for presentations that I will forever bear in mind :)
JoyLynn Hailey Reed
November 30, 2009
When I first met Leslie in Comm 398T class, I was encouraged by...astounded at...giddy because of the way she combined play, curiosity, and intellectual brilliance. As I got to know her later at CTE, her generosity and caring for others, especially her students, were beacons. Those memories will continue to inspire.
November 30, 2009
I especially would like for Parker Jarmon to know that the Cagle Family, Stanton, Walker, Travis and mother, Catherine, are deeply saddened by the loss of his Aunt Leslie. I just had met Leslie on Graduation Day 2009 when all the boys walked the ramp at the Erwin Center. My friend, Marianna Goldrick introduced me to Leslie, and that is when I realized how much Parker adored her. She truly will be a glow in our universe and a great soulful role model for our boys. Peace be with you...Catherine (Cata) Cagle and family
Tom Buckner
November 30, 2009
I will certainly miss Leslie. Particularly the travel to foreign ports and wonderful family dinners.
Lynda Miller
November 30, 2009
Like many others who have written, I vacillate between sadness at the gaping hole created by Leslie's death and joy remembering Leslie's unique brilliances. As the days unfold, though, I find my smiles beginning to outnumber my tears. I feel privileged to have known Leslie and can just see her darting to and fro through everything we call life. With love, Lynda Miller
Gloria Lee
November 30, 2009
I had met Leslie earlier on, many years ago, but was most recently re-acquainted with her last May. She was an amazingly alive person, energy and ideas flowing… and I am not surprised to learn now how wide her life experience has been. We have lost a remarkable, kind and generous person… but have been graced with her presence and her example.
Sarah Jacobs
November 30, 2009
I knew my cousin Leslie from the time we were very young children. As a result, I feel as though I had an advantage since I remember her from day one as sweet, smiling and so much fun! I also believe that what children remember, although often simplistic, is the most important because those early memories now appear to have been the catalyst for Leslie's many accomplishments. Leslie always gave her best and she had flair and style while doing so! She fought hard these past years and if nothing else, she won our hearts! Leslie was such a beautiful human being and is irreplaceable in my heart. I send my love to her incredible family at this time of overwhelming sadness. Leslie will never be forgotten, least of all by me.
Love,
Sarah
Jay Slater
November 30, 2009
November 30, 2009 I was fortunate to have Leslie as a somewhat distant cousin. My family visited her from a very young age until several years ago. Our trips to Corpus Christi were always memorable. Leslie was always fascinating and full of wonderful stories of doing things that only most people would dream of. Her sweet and kind nature was obvious and the attention that she paid to her family was admirable. I too will miss Leslie. Fondly, Jay Slater
November 30, 2009
Dear friends and family of Leslie - We are saddened to learn of Leslie's passing and send our sincerest condolences. She was a revered friend and colleague and we will miss her very much.
Thank you, Leslie, for all of those you helped, including us.
Your friends and admirers at Austin Free-Net
david barrera
November 30, 2009
Esperanza, amiga mia
recuerdo los momentos con el 'Cat Stevens'. one tear of sadness for a moment but hundreds of smiles forever from the joyful moments of our conversations. loved old blue
david b CCSU
Carolyn Moon
November 30, 2009
I am proud to have known Leslie and feel that the world is a little dimmer from her loss.
Amy Thelen
November 30, 2009
I was one of the fortunate people who was introduced to Leslie by my brother, Peter. I first met Leslie in Detroit, MI when they were interviewing people for THE JOHN CHAPMAN STORIES.
I marveled that these two recent Peace Corps. volunteers, without money or means, traveled across the country in a $10.00 car relying on the generosity of strangers. Their goal was to interview persons with little resources, but who were also, rich with determination to do good for others.
I marveled at Leslie's total immersion in this project. But, over the years, I realized that that's the way she approached everything she did, whether it was researching a book or simply having breakfast with friends. Leslie made us think and evaluate our lives. She gave us hope and brought us joy. And even at the end of her life, it was always about others, never herself.
I believe that Leslie is up there rooting for us all and pushing us to be better thinkers and humanitarians.
We will miss this beautiful soul on earth,
Melvin Oakes
November 30, 2009
I am deeply sadden by news of Leslie's passing. I lectured in her classes many times and was inspired by her passion for learning and her dedication to her students. She was never content to stay in the same place. She will leave a hole that can only be papered over.
Julie Fields
November 30, 2009
Leslie was indeed a Life Spirit, and I have no doubt that she is experiencing places now that our Earth eyes cannot see. It's been my extreme pleasure to know you, Leslie.
Brent Northup
November 30, 2009
A thing of beauty is a joy forever.
I only met Leslie a few times, but I see her almost every day in the spirit of her soulmate, Charlotte.
Her joy lives on forever...
"What though the radiance which was once so bright
Be now for ever taken from my sight,
Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower;
We will grieve not, rather find
Strength in what remains behind;
In the primal sympathy
Which having been must ever be;
In the soothing thoughts that spring
Out of human suffering;
In the faith that looks through death, In years that bring the philosophic mind." William Wordsworth
Amanda
November 29, 2009
Leslie's zest for life gave me the enthusiasm to always see the best in whatever situation that life presented. I wish I had more time to take in the genius that was Leslie.
Teri Frisk
November 29, 2009
Oh my stars I am totally blown away by what Peter has written in this guest book. Thank you my friend! I have been struggling to think of how to express something worthy of Leslie. You did it Peter, thank you. I treasure beyond measure my memories of my days with Leslie (Esperanza) in Peace Corps Costa Rica and in Washington, D.C. As I begin to recall some of those times, I can't help but break out in a huge smile. We had soooooo much fun together! We could also accomplish work related business with refreshing efficiency all the while going off on fantastic tangents that sparked even more creativity! I regret not having been in contact in recent years, but I still felt connected to Leslie. Jarmon family, I had the pleasure of meeting you and enjoying your hospitality at Leslie & Cal's wedding. I have some wonderful photos of Leslie that I am going to send your way. I loved Leslie dearly, and I am thankful for the gift of her friendship. Hasta la vista chica. Un fuerte abrazo,
Jim Adriance
November 29, 2009
Among the ways I knew Leslie was as a fellow volunteer with the Peace Corps in Costa Rica. She trained some of the farmers I worked with. When she entered a room the energy went to a higher level, and she engaged people - from campesinos to the U.S. Ambassador - in provocative, challenging, hilarious, loving, and constructive ways. People grew from being around her. And we learned peace, and enjoyed great laughter. I cannot believe she is gone. Please, say it ain't so......
Andrew Dell'Antonio
November 29, 2009
Leslie led several of us at UT into the extraordinary experience that is Second Life. I regret not having known her better. May her memory be for a blessing.
Brenda Hall
November 29, 2009
Leslie was a light in my life who made me a better person. She believed every individual was special, and her energy, creativity, and belief in the potential of all of us rubbed off on people like me who would get together with her only once or twice a year - but never felt apart from her. She will be missed by many, but I believe all of us who keep her in our thoughts and hearts will always be close to her. I truly loved this beautiful and compassionate woman who expanded my universe!
Lori L.
November 29, 2009
I am so sorry to her of Leslie's passing. She was just so full of life. There are some people who seem invincible because of their zest for life and their curiosity. That is how I thought of Leslie. The world was a better place while she was with us. It was an honor to have known her. I knew her only for a short time but people like Leslie leave a lasting impression because they are so few and far between.
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Leslie.
Terry Newman
November 29, 2009
Leslie was a wonderful colleague and friend. I especially treasure our interactions at work after everyone else had left or on the weekends. She was deeply committed to her field of study and her students. No one else comes to mind who was as devoted to her work, family, and friends. Leslie made the world a better place. She will be missed by many, but will not be forgotten.
Jane Fleming
November 29, 2009
Leslie's impact on even those of us who knew her only superficially cannot be explained, just stated. I was a student of hers in only one or two graduate seminars. We crossed paths at a conference and I attended several single-session writing seminars she gave simply because she was teaching them. That's it - yet she taught me more, particularly by example, than most people I've met in my adult life.
Her teaching was kind, dense with ideas and brilliantly practical. She was a model of how to give to students and colleagues both by listening and by speaking, sometimes reflectively and sometimes incisively.
I can only offer condolences to those whose knowledge of her was deeper and loss greater.
Bernhard Reichert
November 29, 2009
My sympathies to her family and friends. This world is a much sadder place without Leslie. Someone very special has left us.
Lisa Volle
November 29, 2009
I will miss Leslie's enthusiasm and spirit. She was a great mentor not only for me at UT but for those who knew her in Second Life changing the way we can connect without borders. - Lima Habilis
Audrey Folkert
November 29, 2009
Leslie always continued to impress and inspire me with her amazingly sharp mind, speech and expansive heart. She was a rare flower that will be missed.
Teresa Sullivan
November 29, 2009
I was pleased to be the graduate dean at the time that Leslie submitted her path-breaking dissertation on CD-ROM. She gracefully convinced a roomful of faculty skeptics that this new medium would allow much more information about some subjects. Her own subject was non-verbal communication, and she demonstrated convincingly that a small video was superior to thousands of words of text describing the same scene. My life was enriched by knowing her, and I send my deepest sympathies to her family and friends.
Peter Yockel
November 29, 2009
I met Leslie Jarmon twenty five years ago while serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Costa Rica. To say that meeting Leslie changed the trajectory of my life would be to understate the matter. I know that you understand when I say that becoming friends with Leslie was a seminal event in each of our lives. To know Leslie was to be forever changed or as she and I often joked, to be “ruined for life.”
Early on in our friendship, Leslie and her future husband Cal would visit me at my very remote Peace Corps site high in the mountains of central Costa Rica. The late night conversations were always “Leslie driven,” she being the most aware and curious of the three participants. One such night, Leslie turned to me and asked, “Peter, where do you see yourself in ten years?” Without a moment’s hesitation, and not really knowing where the thought was coming from, I said, “in an apple orchard in Ohio.” She laughed with delight and perhaps in awareness, because as many of you know it only took me eight years to end up at New Zoar Farm, an apple orchard in Ohio.
Angel or Prophet?
That night I asked Leslie the same question she had asked me. Her reply was quite different from my earth bound response. She said that she saw herself in a space ship flying through the Universe. “To the moon?” I asked. “No” she said, “through the entire Universe, exploring every dimension of it.” At the time, her answer frightened me. Being slightly agoraphobic, the Universe seemed like a big and lonely place. But today, I am so happy for Leslie, knowing that she has begun her journey to explore every nook and cranny of the Universe, even unto the quantum physics of my apple orchard in Ohio.
And yet I have often been sad this past week. I felt sad for myself for losing my dearest friend but also, sad for the people who will not have a chance to experience Leslie. You see, I believe that Leslie was the greatest gift I ever gave to other people. I would happily introduce her to folks and then stand back and watch her particular magic take hold of them and startle them to their core. It was a marvelous and rare gift that she had.
So how do we, the family, friends and colleagues who knew Leslie Jarmon, now “share” Leslie Jarmon with the wider world?
Simple.
We should…
Learn with a deep intellectual curiosity because that is Leslie Jarmon.
Walk courageously next to truth because that is Leslie Jarmon.
We should…
See the world with our humanity as well as our eyes because that is Leslie Jarmon.
Fight for social justice because that is Leslie Jarmon.
We should…
Sing from our hearts as well as our throats to calm fear because that is Leslie Jarmon.
Hear with our conscience as well as our ears because that is Leslie Jarmon.
We should…
Inspire the people around us to live in the rapture of their dreams because that is Leslie Jarmon.
Nurture our beloved ones until our hearts burst from the sheer joy of giving because that is Leslie Jarmon.
We should…
Become compassion itself, for that is Leslie Jarmon.
And if this sounds easy, and if this sounds like something that you already know, then think again because the real magic, the real mystery of Leslie Jarmon is that she did all these things at 100% for everyone she ever met. For every one of us!
It never stopped, it never flagged … and it continues still.
And so today I am HAPPY.
And today I DANCE .
Because today the music that is Leslie Jarmon fills every corner across the Universe.
With deepest love,
Peter Yockel
Pamela Murray
November 29, 2009
I cannot say it more gracefully than Rick Gore did, and will not try. Leslie was an amazing force of beauty, and will be missed by all who knew her. A bit of her lives on in all of us.
Claire Hodgin
November 29, 2009
Good teaching at the university level can be rare, but Dr. Jarmon was an exceptionally talented teacher. Her academic writing course was highly praised by graduate students in many departments. She was so positive and a great influence on the academic lives of many students.
I took her course the last summer that she taught it, and learned a great deal about writing as well as teaching. She was generous with praise and gentle with criticism - a blend of compassion and high expectations. Her influence will be felt in the many lives she touched as a teacher and writer.
Rick Gore
November 29, 2009
After many days of tears, I feel Leslie's spirit rising to join the joyful forces of the universe, and I am happy for her. She was summoned, and those of us who remain behind, bereft and heart-broken, know that she has become the light that shines on all of us, now and always. She will be in the breeze and in the rain. Her voice will be in the songs of birds that greet the spring as it is reborn. She will watch over us, give us counsel and show us the way to compassion. She is angel and Boddhisatva.
Peter Yockel
November 29, 2009
I met Leslie Jarmon twenty five years ago while serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Costa Rica. To say that meeting Leslie changed the trajectory of my life would be to understate the matter. I know that you understand when I say that becoming friends with Leslie was a seminal event in each of our lives. To know Leslie was to be forever changed or as she and I often joked, to be “ruined for life.”
Early on in our friendship, Leslie and her future husband Cal would visit me at my very remote Peace Corps site high in the mountains of central Costa Rica. The late night conversations were always “Leslie driven,” she being the most aware and curious of the three participants. One such night, Leslie turned to me and asked, “Peter, where do you see yourself in ten years?” Without a moment’s hesitation, and not really knowing where the thought was coming from, I said, “in an apple orchard in Ohio.” She laughed with delight and perhaps in awareness, because as many of you know it only took me eight years to end up at New Zoar Farm, an apple orchard in Ohio.
Angel or Prophet?
That night I asked Leslie the same question she had asked me. Her reply was quite different from my earth bound response. She said that she saw herself in a space ship flying through the Universe. “To the moon?” I asked. “No” she said, “through the entire Universe, exploring every dimension of it.” At the time, her answer frightened me. Being slightly agoraphobic, the Universe seemed like a big and lonely place. But today, I am so happy for Leslie, knowing that she has begun her journey to explore every nook and cranny of the Universe, even unto the quantum physics of my apple orchard in Ohio.
And yet I have often been sad this past week. I felt sad for myself for losing my dearest friend but also, sad for the people who will not have a chance to experience Leslie. You see, I believe that Leslie was the greatest gift I ever gave to other people. I would happily introduce her to folks and then stand back and watch her particular magic take hold of them and startle them to their core. It was a marvelous and rare gift that she had.
So how do we, the family, friends and colleagues who knew Leslie Jarmon, now “share” Leslie Jarmon with the wider world?
Simple.
We should…
Learn with a deep intellectual curiosity because that is Leslie Jarmon.
Walk courageously next to truth because that is Leslie Jarmon.
We should…
See the world with our humanity as well as our eyes because that is Leslie Jarmon.
Fight for social justice because that is Leslie Jarmon.
We should…
Sing from our hearts as well as our throats to calm fear because that is Leslie Jarmon.
Hear with our conscience as well as our ears because that is Leslie Jarmon.
We should…
Inspire the people around us to live in the rapture of their dreams because that is Leslie Jarmon.
Nurture our beloved ones until our hearts burst from the sheer joy of giving because that is Leslie Jarmon.
We should…
Become compassion itself, for that is Leslie Jarmon.
And if this sounds easy, and if this sounds like something that you already know, then think again because the real magic, the real mystery of Leslie Jarmon is that she did all these things at 100% for everyone she ever met. For every one of us!
It never stopped, it never flagged … and it continues still.
And so today I am HAPPY.
And today I DANCE .
Because today the music that is Leslie Jarmon fills every corner across the Universe.
With deepest love,
Peter Yockel
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How to support Leslie's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
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Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
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The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Leslie Jarmon's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
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