Leonard Epstein

Wow, in a random Google search of some of the faculty I knew at MPC back in the early-1970s I stumbled upon Len's 2013 death. I had Len in 1975 for his environmental philosophy class. I also taught classes through UFM that Len co-founded. Len and I sometimes disagreed about environmental issues and how to address them, but I always held him in the highest regard. The last time I saw Len was by chance at Pt. Lobos when my Irish fiancé at the time was hiking there with me. That was maybe around...

I have wonderful memories of Leonard, as a teacher and a friend. Spent many days socializing on his patio in the valley. I fondly remember the Blue Nunn wine we both enjoyed.

I though about him today and ran into this on the internet.

Rest in Peace my friend, it's been many years since we've communicated, but we will meet again.

Oh, Lenski...
We shared so much since we met in 1978. I just learned that you will no longer be sending me beautiful, heartfelt letters and insights or walking with me through nature and art museums. What a cruel gift to receive this holiday season! Our relationship was intense islands of intimacy, scattered across the ocean of the years of friendship. Currents of alienation and then serene seas. And again we would wash up on each other's shores. You brought out the poet in us all...

Leanard was a dear brother and mentor to me. During his years on Maui we shared many joyful ans soul fulfilling days together. I just now discovered his passing. I will miss him and remember hhim with much gratitude.
Albert

Leaping Leonard joined our Maui circle in the late XX century and became an integral part of my mornings @ keawakapu beach...we were neighbors, confidants, singers, poets and laugh-a-lot buddies...with a smile in my heart...Adieu, querido amigo !

I met Leonard in 1974 at MPC where he helped me unchain my science-bound mind and deepen my journey in the Humanities. Later he helped me rekindle my spirit through the Society of Friends, and all through the decades he was there to shine his glorious Light. Dear Friend and friend, how I will miss you here. You gave me Harper Brown's poetry and now I send a snippet to you across the Universe: "But this soul of mine knows another time--/ whispers its hours, minutes, seconds,/ the unseen...

I met Leonard through my friends Kabba and Raje here on Maui we connected over a love of the work of John O'Donohue particularly his book Anam Cara which means soul friends, and I felt that indeed Leonard was one of my soul brothers. He joined our Men's Group for a time and shared his gentle presence and wisdom with us. I last visited him in his home in Carmel and shared a wonderful time with him. He gave me a stone that his teacher had given him which sits on my altar. I will light a candle...

We were good friends on Maui for many years. I recently moved back to California, and today I sent an email for his 80th birthday, with plans to visit him. I had not heard the news. Looks like I missed seeing him one last time. My condolences to the family.

What a joy Len was to me. I met him as his nurse and quickly knew this was my friend. His gentle way, kind spirit and wonderful laugh will stay in my heart forever. Oh what might have been, but oh what was !!! My heart is full and grateful.