DAVID G. STRATMAN

Sally, I don't know if you'll ever see this as it's been years since David's passing. If you do, maybe you'll remember sitting with Barb and me in "the spa" at Colby. Robin was a baby, and I remember all of us laughing as she tried to drink some kind of soda which bubbled up and made her gasp followed by her laughing and demanding more. I hope the years have been kind... Dennis

I have just been reading some of Dr. Stratman's work via his friend John Spritzler. He was a brilliant man, and I'm so sorry that he died at such a relatively young age and before I had an opportunity to meet him.

A couple of years ago an artist with whom I had worked closely, David Barr, died. He had left his house and grounds with extensive sculptures to be developed into an arts and cultural center. I was asked to inventory his studio, certainly a melancholy task. One of the first items I saw was a burnished brass wall relief in the shape of a disk. Etched in the metal was a sort of curved inverted v shape with the apex of the v at zero degrees. It was inscribed with the following:

Somehow a poem just seems right not.
You are standing at the edge of the woods
at twilight
when something begins
to sing, like a waterfall

pouring down
through the leaves. It is
the thrush.
And you are just

sinking down into your thoughts,
taking in
the sweetness of itthose chords,
those pursed twirlswhen you hear

out of the same twilight
the wildest red outcry. It pitches itself
forward, it flails...

Sally, I am just starting my Christmas cards and went online looking for an address for you and Dave. I am shocked and saddened to read this news, and I am filled with memories of our happy times in Chapel Hill. It seems ages ago since we visited in your lovely home in 1989 - guess it has been! I hope you get this note and know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers. xoxo Betsy

Dear Sally,

Chuck McClain just informed me of Dave's passing. I have happy memories of Dave from Xavier, where we enjoyed the fellowship of writing in the Mermaid Tavern and the Athenaeum. The last time I saw Chuck and Karl in San Francisco, Karl mentioned Dave with fondness and respect, as he did every time I visited. Dave lived an exceptional life, a truly worthy life, and I grieve for its shortness and his suffering at the end. My condolences to you and those who loved...

Sally - It's been a long time since we've been in touch, but I wanted you to know that last night at dinner with Tom Nutt powell and Bonnie Randall we were remembering our friendship with you and David when we were all young. I'm so sorry for your loss. He had a good run. Be in touch if it would help.

fondly, Anne

Sally--Barbara Sweney just told me today about David's passing. I was so sorry to hear earlier about his illness as it brought back memories of Ed, now so long ago, so I can well imagine what you and your family have been through. I will hold in my heart the last time I saw you both together at the Sweneys' 50th anniversary party in 2011, looking well and happy and young as ever, and remember as well as the lively youthful times we shared at Colby.
Love and thoughts, Susie Kenney

A glimpse of laughter, a moment of song, the sense of life and living. It all goes on with David, then and now. I am thankful for a future that will encompass reflection on the times of inspiration, friendship
and joy inspired by Sally and David Stratman.
Ken Stevens