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Sheldon Carnes Obituary

Carnes, Sheldon TROY After a joyful celebration of his life with family and friends, Sheldon "Rusty" Carnes paddled peacefully to the Pearly Gates around 3:30 a.m. on March 26, 2018. He left behind his sisters, Katy, Roxy, and Sandy; brother Terry; multiple masks, puppets and flutes; and a wide diversified circle of loving friends. For comments and memories go to legacy.com.

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Published by Albany Times Union on Apr. 1, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Sheldon Carnes

Sponsored by His Loving Siblings.

24 Entries

Donna

November 17, 2019

I met Rusty and Keli puppy dog on Nantucket in 1975. He was living in his teepee, and always an entity on his bench on Main Street, long hair and a braided beard. Years later a voice showed up at my apartment in Fitchburg which I instantly recognized. Now, short hair, no beard and Sheldon the IA student, but still Rusty. I've thought of him often over the years...

February 12, 2019

Dear Katy, Roxy, Sandy, & Terry .... Condolences on your loss. Rusty & I met at Heathcote in Freeland, MD in 1969 and corresponded for a while. Those were the "loin cloth" years. The world is a less colorful place now. Mary Pat

Donald Hyman

April 29, 2018

Sheldon and I worked at City School District-He was in several plays with me "Freedom Summer" and he did re-enactments as John Brown. He was excellent and I visited him November and have one of his mask. What a treasure and friend...

Paul Rosenberg

April 15, 2018

Sheldon was always showing up reminding me to stay light and think outside the box. I met him when I was organizing the First Honest Weight Coop Family Contra Dance Potluck, puppet show, story telling event at St Patrick's Church in 1986 or maybe 1987. I will miss him!

Jessica Rae

April 14, 2018

There is much that I would like to say about Sheldon. I will return when I have time to share my thoughts about what a wonderful and talented man he was. I am sorry the world is missing him.

Rusty "Sheldon" and boomerang Seattle

Katy Carnes

April 11, 2018

Rusty "Sheldon" and Sharron

Katy Carnes

April 11, 2018

Katy Carnes

April 11, 2018

The first is a picture is Rusty "Sheldon" at a demonstration with his then girlfriend Sharron.
The second is him in Seattle with his new boomerang.

And his back-cover commentary on it!

Ned Depew

April 9, 2018

Sheldon's work...

Ned Depew

April 9, 2018

Ned Depew

April 9, 2018

I got to know Sheldon at the Co--op where he was always a noteworthy presence. Over time we talked, and he shared with me a copy of his memoir/philosophical tract/manifesto, "The Salamander Papers." His reflections and observations on his own experiences and our world are unique and provocative. His skeptical, critical, but ultimately optimistic spirit will be missed. A joyful eccentric!

Dennis Willard

April 9, 2018

I first got to know Sheldon on the Two Row Treaty Renewal Campaign when the flotilla left the capital region and proceeded on to NYC. He was always kind, and it was good to know him.

Buffy Curtid

April 8, 2018

Sheldon was a magical, joyful paddle Friend whose grit and glory helped carry us all down the Two Row River of Life

Katy Carnes

April 8, 2018

Katy Carnes

April 8, 2018

Katy Carnes

April 8, 2018

We spent our youth together and touched in through out the years whenever one of us would travel to the opposite coast. I must say that was the most brilliantly orchestrated exit I have ever seen! Am so grateful to have been present for the celebration and that our sister Sandy documented it so well! Love you, Rusty!

D. Polly Pedersen

April 8, 2018

Sheldon was a part of our family for some years and added a lot of color! He had a positive impact on my nieces and nephew which continues on in their lives. My mom used to laugh and say she saw a Sheldon sighting in some random place where their paths collided! I can say the same.. A Monsanto rally or a play at the Albany Art Institute, Sheldon was sure to pop up! Condolences to his family.

Sincerely,

Rick Levins

April 8, 2018

Blessings to You My Brother... You left an indelible Mark on My Soul for which I will be Eternally Grateful... May Creator Rest Your Mortal Soul

On the Hudson for Two Row just before we passed beneath the GW....Love you Brother

Rick Levins

April 8, 2018

You will always be a part of me my Brother. Paddle on....

Rev. Timothy Lake

April 8, 2018

Sheldon was a powerful voice for the voiceless folks of the world. He saw the world as a place of play and danced through it helping folks to move beyond barriers that held them back from their full potentials. As a masterful fool, he played a role bigger than himself and in so doing wove many subgroups of people together. Sometimes overwitty and grinding, he was capable of lightening a space that may have become dreary. Hail the traveler! Bright lights to the Mound.

Sherri Kramerson

April 2, 2018

Sheldon often attended the local YMCA where I go, and enjoyed playing on the "pickle-ball teams" there. He also was involved in many "peaceful demonstrations" and organizations that a mutual friend participated in. He was always pleasant, funny, and a "colorful" man in good spirits. His loss will be felt in many places including the East Greenbush YMCA. Rest in peace, Sheldon.

Susan Mattice

April 2, 2018

I admired Sheldon for remaining so upbeat during his final months, just as he always was throughout the years I knew him. I'm so glad I was able to attend the celebration of his life just hours before he passed. He clearly appreciated the party, and he may have known that he could depart peacefully after this final gathering of friends and family!

Susan Weber

April 2, 2018

I've known Sheldon Carnes for years. We first met when he attended a protest or demo some years ago, and his wry and feisty spirit was always a delightful part of every event. That squirrel!!! A charming guy and a pleasure to know. I will miss Sheldon.

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