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Alan Shafer Obituary
1/7/51-4/15-14
Felix Shafer passed away on Tuesday, April 15th, after an 11-month struggle with lung cancer.
He leaves his long-time partner, Miranda Bergman, his children, Ona, Gemma, Max and Jack, his sisters Uma, Stephanie and Jessica, and his extended family and friends.
Felix was a revolutionary activist and internationalist, a writer and poet, a musician and a psychotherapist. He was an avid reader, a lover of film, art and every aspect of culture and counterculture. He was forever curious about the cosmos. He valued making good food in good company.
Felix was born in Brooklyn and, even after decades in the San Francisco Bay Area, always considered himself a New Yorker. His life of activism was fuelled by a passion for peace and justice for all people. He was part of the anti-Vietnam War movement and an ally of Black Liberation and Puerto Rican independence. Felix maintained a decades-long commitment to supporting and freeing political prisoners like Marilyn Buck, Geronimo Pratt, Bashir Hameed, and the SF 8. They were among his closest friends and comrades.
Felix fervently believed in the transformative power of people, both politically and personally. He brought this spirit into his work as a therapist, and continued his practice until the last days of his life.
Felix never lost his dignity, his intellect or his sharp sense of humor. The last months of his life were marked by great tenderness and love. We will always remember his strength, his humanity and his capacity to think of others, even while facing his own death.
We love you Felix.
A memorial is being planned: [email protected]
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Alan Shafer
Do you remember when?
October 13, 2014
dozie McFadden
October 12, 2014
I am so sorry I will not be there today. Alan was a very good man.
October 6, 2014
Felix was our couple therapist. Very saddened by his death.
Tristan
September 23, 2014
A truly caring, insightful and compassionate man who touched the lives of many. He will be missed.
Margaret Randall
May 7, 2014
Felix was a great fighter for justice: curious, committed and always generous with his brilliance and his love. He was also an amazing writer. I hope his poetry and short stories will be made broadly available. I knew Felix through his long time partner, Miranda, and came to know him more individually toward the end of his life. Facing death with sorrow and balance, he still had time for others. He taught me a lot. I will miss him.
Jeremy Ritter
April 29, 2014
I was deeply saddened to hear of Felix's passing...
He has touched countless people's lives in many positive ways.
I will always remember him as smiling in that wonderful way that he did.
The world has lost another amazing generous spirit and hopefully he will grace it again soon with his presence.
Lesley "Tiyesha" Phillips
April 29, 2014
Felix was a stand up comrade. He will be missed. Another soldier for the people gone, but not forgotten. One Love.
Jonny Moore
April 29, 2014
yisgadol v'yisgadash... a brother and, at the beginning and at the end, a friend.
Together on the other side of now my brother
Uma Chernoff aka J.Shafer
April 28, 2014
Felix is my brother. When I heard of his passing I was relieved that he was safely beyond the pain and terror, the anguish of his coming departure from all those he loved with all his heart. I am so proud of the life he lived, that he created. He was always true and lived his commitment to the world he wanted to leave in beauty and grace and courage. When I heard he had passed beyond time I lit a white candle for him, reaching out to send my love with him to the other side of now. Then I felt his presence, very gently, softly softly, a happiness and I knew that he had passed into peace. Now I wish him great pleasure and celebration of his triumphs of love in this life. I believe that the true love we live, he lived, transcends time and space and goes with him beyond time. My brother take your pleasure and know that you have achieved what you set out to do in this life and that now,in the hurry-less heart of the dream, as you discard the old garments of this life , as that old song we used to shout said "schools out for summer...schools out fo evah!" Yes. Freedom and fun. Vacation, Peace and Love my Brother. Umi
Hans Peters
April 28, 2014
My heart is with you Miranda.
Deak E
April 28, 2014
I had the honor of knowing Felix. He impacted the lives of so many people,and now I have the honor of watching his daughters and sons do the same. Thank you Felix. Thank you for being you, and thank you for the family you helped build. Your greatest achievments live on thru the hearts and souls of Ona, Gemma, Max, and Jack.
Kamal Hassan
April 28, 2014
A good and committed friend and comrade. Happy to have worked and walked with him and his lovely family.
Mama Ayanna
April 27, 2014
A powerful revolutionary activist and ally. Now he walks with the Ancestars. Felix Shafer presente!
Jennifer Beach
April 26, 2014
A great friend and comrade, certainly not a saint, but absolutely a loss that reverberates far and wide. We stand with his family and friends in this catastrophic loss.
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