Many Calontir will know Liam from Pennsic especially. We are re-posting his obituary from The East Kingdom Gazette:

 

There is a game called Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon, claiming everyone in Hollywood can be linked to Kevin Bacon through co-stars in 6 jumps or less. We once tried to play “Six Degrees of Liam”. We couldn’t make it past two. It would be impossible to encompass all that was Liam in one short missive, but we must try.

Baron William O Donovan of Monmouth, OP, OSC, 12th Tyger of the East, schmoozer-extraordinaire, passed away on May 13, 2020 from the COVID-19 virus.

Known far and wide as Liam St. Liam, he and his family joined the SCA during the second reign of Lucan and Jana in the Barony Beyond the Mountain. The family joined so that his wife could participate in rapier, but Liam soon became a mainstay next to the fencing field, feeding the fencers, learning the skills of running a list table in order to support them, and doing what needed to be done. He was quickly recognized for his service to his home Barony with induction to BBM’s Order of the White Oak by Baron Salaamallah the Corpulent. That same month, his service was recognized by his neighboring barony, Bridge, who awarded him the Freedom of the Bridge.

Liam, as most would see him at events

Queen Morgan gave him the Consort’s Order of Courtesy and the same day, together with King Bjorn, awarded him Arms. Shortly thereafter, Lucan and Caitlin recognized his service to the Kingdom by making him a Companion of the Order of the Silver Crescent, and Darius II and Roxane II elevated him to the peerage by making him a Companion of the Order of the Pelican. Prior to his elevation to the Peerage, he was protege to Baron Steffan ap Kennydd, OL, OP.

A faithful servant of the Crown who was active in the Royal Households for many reigns, he was awarded the Queen’s Honor of Distinction by Queen Gabriella and by Brenwen II, and the Consort’s Award of Esteem from Etheldreda IV. He also held Royal Cyphers from Brenwen, Andreas III, and Konrad II. Darius IV and Alethea made him a Baron of the Eastern Court, and Konrad II and Brenwen II recognized him as the 12th Tyger of the East at their final court.

His service to the Kingdom and Society was broad and far reaching. He served as the Seneschal of the Barony Beyond the Mountain, and the Shire of Glenn Linn and was a familiar and well-loved face at the list table across multiple Kingdoms. He was also a talented photographer, who was generous in sharing his images and who had a special knack for taking photos that were flattering and captured special moments. He ran many auctions for the royal travel fund, and taught many classes. He used his modern teaching knowledge for a “How to Teach in the SCA” class. He also taught many classes on SCA music, Interkingdom Anthropology, and SCA history. A favorite for him was the newcomers class he would teach with Master Ernst Nuss von Kitzingen, lovingly referred to as the “Liam and Ernie Show.”

Liam reads the scroll for his younger daughter’s Tyger’s Cub

Liam’s fundraising efforts throughout the years supported the kingdom in many ways, and he was not afraid to embarrass himself to do it. Mistress Aelfgifu of the Hazel Thicket shared: “At a Barony Beyond the Mountain Yule, many years ago, he participated in a fundraising auction. His offering? He would sing and act out “I’m A Little Teapot” for the person who offered the most money to the fundraiser. I have no recollection of how much money was paid, but I will never forget him with one hand on his head and the other as the “spout” as he “tipped” himself over…and that’s my favorite Liam story.”

Liam may have lived in the East Kingdom his entire SCA career, but he touched those throughout the Known World. As the internet became a place of SCAdian connection, “The Liamverse” was coined as Liam connected those far and wide with others of similar interests. Liam was a longtime reporter for the Pennsic Independent, and many rapier fighters credit him with making sure that rapier events and battles were included in the news. A trip to Calontir for Lilies’ War in 1999 netted him life-long friends and connections across the known world, even before the internet made such wide-ranging connections possible. He collected stories from people and places wherever he traveled. His pilgrimage to Lilies’ War and ties to Calontir provided him with one of his most popular stories, “Pavel and The Traffic Cone.”Liam’s fundraising efforts throughout the years supported the kingdom in many ways, and he was not afraid to embarrass himself to do it. Mistress Aelfgifu of the Hazel Thicket shared: “At a Barony Beyond the Mountain Yule, many years ago, he participated in a fundraising auction. His offering? He would sing and act out “I’m A Little Teapot” for the person who offered the most money to the fundraiser. I have no recollection of how much money was paid, but I will never forget him with one hand on his head and the other as the “spout” as he “tipped” himself over…and that’s my favorite Liam story.”

Liam. Liaming.

One of Liam’s favorite sayings was, “If you can’t sing well, sing loudly.” And sing loudly he did. A connoisseur of SCA Filk and Bardic, Liam could often be found at Calontir Bardic Nights at Pennsic. He taught classes, shared lists of important SCA songs, and supported SCA musical creators whenever possible.

Baroness Aline Swynbroke, OL, currently in An Tir, formerly of Ansteorra, shared: “Liam was the sort of peer who welcomed others to the fire, made them comfortable, and shared the SCA’s history in a way that was accessible, but never stuffy. Never ‘Well, I was there, so this is THE way…’ He was the kind of peer that put people at ease. And the kind who, when he saw me completely shell shocked after my [vigil announcement] on Friday morning, smiled and told me to relax and just keep having fun. That was the secret.”

In his own words, “ I have, umm, a bubbly personality. I am friendly and loud and round. If I am around, people know. Hard to miss. Kind of like, say, a hurricane.” Liam was, in fact, a force of nature.

Liam apologizes to the King at the conclusion of one of his many quests.

Liam had a big heart and a big mouth, along with a wicked sense of humor that often got him into and out of trouble. He once bragged to the then Queen Marguerite inghean Lachlainn that “he knew everybody” and got himself a quest to make 1,000 introductions. “This is exactly the kind of quest he lived for. It wasn’t punishing him, by any means – it wasn’t really even keeping him out of trouble,” says Countess Marguerite. “But it was keeping him busy and on topic.” This set off a hilarious cascade of events, including Liam trying to introduce the king to his own wife, and his proteges running ahead of him to make introductions before he could. He completed the quest, though, and presented her Majesty with a book of 1,000 connections.

Liam took great joy in the accomplishments of others, and would often be heard bragging about the accomplishments of those around him. Of particular pride were his wife Alethea’s reign as queen of the East, and his daughters’ accomplishments and eventual peerages. “‘Lay-um’ St. Liam was a magnet. He knew everyone and everyone knew him. His kindness and friendship could be felt radiating out from him and through every other person he touched,” Mistress Naomi Bat Avraham shared.

He is survived by his wife, Countess Alethea Eastriding, best friend Lady Serafina Della Torre, his daughters, Mistress Tola knitýr and Mistress Leonete D’Angely, with their spouses Lord Arngrimr Meinfretr and Lord Ulfr Steinsson and his two beloved grandchildren, as well as by the girls’ mother, Master Nataliia Anastasiia Evgenova Sviatoslavina vnuchka. He leaves behind multiple proteges, households – especially Sharc Pit and Maguire’s Marauders – and a devastated kingdom.

An in-person memorial service will be held in March 2021, sometime after COVID-19 stops threatening to take away the people we love. If you would like to make a donation in his honor, we recommend the Special Olympics, GLSEN, or 100KfromtheSCA.

If Liam had been writing this obit, he would have done so with a beer in one hand, the Kenneth Branaugh Henry V playing in the background and his Red Sox themed coronet jammed down on his head. He is deeply, deeply missed.

 

photos provided by Liam’s family.

Word comes to us this day of the passing of Master Charles of Westermark

Charles was a stalwart of the Fourth Company of Calontir, aka “The Soup Kitchen”, for many years. He was a true servant of Calontir, a brother Pelican. A kind and gentle man who brought love and light to the world. He will be sorely missed.

Duchess Catalina de Arazuri remembers: “He was always kind and genuinely caring. I worked with him for countless wars. He greeted me with a smile every morning. I am very very sorry for your loss, and our loss.”

Honorable Lady Vǫlu-Ingibiǫrg says:  “Charles of Westermark has long been to me an exemplar of Pelican-hood. Even with his age, he was on site early six months ago to help with Lilies setup, he and Margaret also providing lunch to others who’d come to help.

But it wasn’t only the fact of his long service to Calontir; what made Charles an example to me was his manner. At the time of his vigil for Pelican, I had just learned “Song of the Slow Hound,” Mikal the Ram’s Norse-style poem-story about service. I went into the vigil tent and offered to share it. Charles agreed, and I of course forgot the words halfway through, stumbling to a halt in confused embarrassment. “That’s alright,” he encouraged, “take your time.” After a few frantic seconds longer, I remembered the next stanza and resumed. When I finished, he game me one of his joyful smiles, the kind that let you know it was okay if you flubbed the words or your delivery was rushed, because somehow, this wonderful person understood you were trying to express your admiration.

I will never forget his gentle smiles.”

Sing Non Nobis!

Her Grace Issabell St. Charles announced the sad news that Lord Gavin de Haga has passed after a long illness.

Gavin was a Boga Fyrd brother and one of the founding members of the Shire of Deodar. Gavin was, mundanely, the father of His Grace Damien MacGavin. Gavin is also survived by his lady wife Mistress Alina Meraud Bryte and grandchildren Lady Elizabeth St. Phillipe, Milady Gretel MacGavin and Milady Meg MacGavin.

Sing Non Nobis!

Sad news comes this week of the passing of Countess Morgana of Raglan.

Morgana loved this Kingdom and served as its 17th Queen. She also served as Baroness of Lonely Tower, among many other services she did for Calontir.

I remember Morgana as a vibrant, enthusiastic, encouraging and kind woman. Her presence was a constant of my earlier SCA career, and always a welcome one. She will be sorely missed.

Master Mathurin

Calontir has suffered another devastating loss. My friend Countess Morgana of Raglan has departed this world. My heart is heavy. I served the Kingdom as Waterbearing Coordinator when she was Queen. She was one of those who encouraged me when I was first learning how to make beads. I will miss this lady.

Master Mellitus

Morgana loved cats.  She would pick up and try to save any stray cat or kitten that came her way.  We were friends for over 30 years and had lots talks about cats, fiber and just about any thing else.  Moving back to Mag Mor I was looking forward to spending time with her.  I will miss her, she will be missed many.

Countess Salamandra

Sing Non Nobis!

Unknown Artist. Minstrels with a Rebec & a Lute.
13th c. Manasseh Codex. El Escorial, Madrid. Public domain in the US

News that Vortimir Fire-Tender had passed from this world came to us on October 20, 2019.

These are a few memories from those who remember him well. Vortimir had not registered name or device, and the following remembrances have been lightly edited, so names may appear in different spellings as each person recalls them.

Sing Non Nobis!

Vortimir Fire-tender was for many years a fixture at the Bardic Encampment at Lilies. His mobility problems kept him close to camp and in his wheeled chariot, but he was a bright presence among the bards nonetheless. He and his lady wife Dis, also known as Mama Bard, would regale the camp with songs and stories. They welcomed all vagabonds and wayfairers with food, drink and fellowship. Many an afternoon was whiled away with Vortimeer and Mikal the Ram trading stories and lies.

Vortimir and Dis have not been at Lilies for some years, but all the bards who wandered in and out of the Encampment when they were there remember them well and with fondness. May he sit in Odin’s hall with Mikal and trade stories and lies for all time.

Master Mathurin Kerbusso

Because Rendell was known to many in the Calontir archery community who traveled to Pennsic, the Falcon Banner is re-printing this “In Memoriam” from the Æthelmearc Gazette

On Saturday, September 28, THLord Cynwulf Rendell was too ill to travel to the Harvest Raid event in the Shire of Heronter, where he was scheduled to be elevated to the Order of the Pelican for his work in the thrown weapons and archery communities. So that morning King Timothy, together with a group of Rendell’s friends and peers, instead drove over an hour to Rendell’s home in the Barony of the Rhydderich Hael to bestow the Pelican upon him there, and also to induct Rendell’s lady, Eleanore Godwin, into the Order of the Millrind. There were tears and laughter and many words of praise for Rendell’s kindness, generosity, and service.

The following day, Master Rendell’s son, Lord Gawin Hawkseye, posted this announcement to Facebook:

Dear friends, family, and supporters of our house. Last evening at 4:30pm Master Cynwulf Rendell passed on from this world to the next. His day was filled with words from his friends and gifts from his loved ones. It was a day of a house full of people that have supported the love of his art and strength and goodness of his character, and in turn he showed his devotion to the group. We thank you for making his final day so special.

Master Rendell and his family joined the SCA in the Shire of Heronter in 1994. He was immediately interested in archery and thrown weapons, becoming a marshal in short order, eventually taking on the role of Kingdom Thrown Weapons Marshal. He traveled around the Kingdom, organizing and running lines and training

Duchess Dorinda Courtenay:

Rendell served as the Heronter archery marshal from the time he joined us until they moved. Every week he brought all the targets and loaner equipment for a half dozen people. He spent so much time teaching during the practice that he had to come early to get in a round for himself. He and his lady and his son also helped during the reigns of Cygnus and Dorinda. They took some time off, but for the last 5 or so years, he came back to run archery at Harvest Raid. Each year he created unique and fun shoots for people of all skill levels. He worked to train others, and even agreed to serve as our archery marshal, but his health did not allow it. We will miss him very much.

Lady Simonetta d’Alfasi:

I only met Rendell a few years ago; he and his lady wife joined about the time I took my extended break. When Siobhan and I came back to the SCA in 2016, our first event was Baronial Champs. Rendell was running thrown weapons and archery. He was very kind to Siobhan’s child, showing them how to hold the axe and where to stand to throw it. I was impressed with his patience. The following week we all went off to archery, and once again Rendell was patient with me and showed me how to get most of the arrows down range and not into my feet. Time passed, I got better and Rendell began to teach me how to make targets, how to run a range, how to inspect bows, and how to marshal. I think he was as proud as I was surprised when I was awarded my Golden Alce. Every milestone reached by any of his Hounds made him as proud as if we were all his children. It’s why we all called him Papa Hound.

Mistress Anna Eisenkopf:

When he was Kingdom Thrown Weapons Marshall almost 20 years ago, he traveled everywhere and was pivotal in the growth of thrown weapons at that time.

Master Jacopo di Niccolo:

We often sat and shared information about our ranges and frequently this developed into new and fun ranges. He loved to challenge himself and others.

Baron Rhiannon Elandris of Glyndyfrdwy on the Rhydderich Hael Facebook group:

My heart is torn in half. He was a kind and gentle man who was a great teacher, a role model for us all. He will be sorely missed. We have lost a great light, so we must shine all the brighter ….all of us…Together. I see where some now doubt that they have a place. Everyone in the Hael has a place. Do not doubt. Do not let the weasels overcome the promise that He saw in each and every one of us (yes Rendell, you were right). I know we can strive to fulfill those beliefs…Together.

Fair skies, Rendell. Soft winds to you and a stout string to your bow.

Baron Edward Harbinger:

I remember his fun side. At one event we were sitting together and decided that Lady Simonetta’s stuffed rabbit needed a bow. We set about looking for materials and came up with a wooden coffee stir stick and a piece of string. We next needed to see if the bow would actually work, so we broke some toothpicks in half and tried to shoot them, at objects around the hall. Our wives found us doing this and told us we were not allowed to sit together anymore (especially during court). The stuffed rabbit still carries that bow, if I’m not mistaken.

TH Lady Máirghréad Stíobhard inghean uí Choinne:

It was my greater pleasure to benefit from his sage and ever humorous instruction in thrown weapons. This goes back to about 2009. Not only were his tips clear and true and simple, but his declaration to my sister to “just throw like you are aiming at your husband” has given us many belly laughs!

Master Juan Miguel Cezar:

Due to his health the elevation was not able to happen at Harvest Raid and His Majesty along with a small entourage went to his house. When they came back one of them brought me a small beanie baby that Rendell wanted to give to my daughter. Sadly she was not with me since she was on her way back from Myrtle Beach with my parents and by the time she got home Sunday evening he had already passed. I wanted so bad to take a photo of her with it and send it to him as thanks. His last thoughts were of others, just like he was in life.”

Mistress Sadira spoke at Rendell’s Pelican ceremony on behalf of the Order of the Laurel, She graciously shared her words:

I am Sadira bint Wassouf, Mistress of the Laurel and Pelican, 6th Jewel of Æthelmearc, Second and Eighth Baroness of Thescorre. But today I would speak about Rendell for the Laurels. Sort of…

Rendell is unquestionably an artist. Martial arts are called arts for a reason. The flight of an arrow or a throwing knife is art in motion with a satisfying THUNK at the end. And when Rendell shoots, there is joy in his eyes. Whether designing ranges and targets, whether shooting or watching others, the passion of youth has never left him. And the true heart of art is passion.

But where does art end and service begin?

I suspect that Rendell was born with service in his very soul. Some people do service, but Rendell is service. I only became fully aware of his service when I stepped up as Baroness the second time. Now, if you are ever stupid enough (I mean, lucky enough) to become a landed Baron or Baroness, you need to know that about 45 seconds after you don the coronet, a “thing” happens. The “thing” makes you want to say “REALLY??? NOW???”

But this time the “thing” impacted archery and even with all of my skills as a counselor and teacher, I could not even figure out what the “thing” was – much less untangle it. Archery in Thescorre was at a complete impasse.

Finally, in desperation I crashed a meeting of Kingdom archery marshals at a winter event and explained the “thing” as best I could. I asked bluntly, “What can you do for me?”

Without hesitation, Rendell said, “I will help you.” Now, we hear these words all the time, but something in his tone made me believe.

That spring, Rendell showed up at the first archery practice, and he kept coming back for months and months.

We have only one truly precious possession in this life and that is TIME. Rendell showered us with his time, poured out with reckless abandon, with patience and joy in his eyes.

So where does service end and art begin?

It is an art to bring people together, to teach your art and see the joy of a child bloom in their eyes – then set them free to pass it on.

In Rendell art and service meld seamlessly and when that happens, the Great Dream we all hope to live in the SCA comes true.

My peer? I suspect we would all have to work very hard to become his peer.

In addition to the Pelican, Master Rendell was recognized with many Kingdom and Baronial awards for excellence and skill, including the White Horn for thrown weapons, the Scarlet Guard for archery, the Cornelian for courtesy, and awards from three baronies in recognition of his service including to groups in which he did not live.

Ralph Spencer was a copy machine repairman. He is survived by his wife, TH Lady Eleanore Godwin, and his son, Lord Gawin Hawkseye. No funeral services will be held; TH Lady ELeanore announced there will be a Celebration of Life for Rendell on November 10 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the Wrights Corners Firehall, 4043 Lake Avenue, Lockport, NY 14094. Doors open at 12:30pm for set up. Pastor Tom will speak at 1:15pm and there will be an open mic after for folks to share stories, laughs, and love.
Food will be pot luck, no kitchen use, just the sink. Bring your own dishes.

Memorial information is available here: https://www.amigone.com/obituary/Ralph-E.-Spencer/Amherst-New-York/1858926

Donations may be made in Ralph’s memory to the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History, 311 Citrus Street, Jamestown, NY 14701.

Courtesy The Knowne World Memorial Shield Project

Word came to us this week of the passing of Master Eadward Boicewright

Memorial services are being planned for the Kingdom and Society at large. Arrangements have also been made for a memento on the Memorial Ship at Pennsic this year.

Come gather ye pipers and long chanters blow
Fetch drum and a tabor and play a march slow.
I raise up my cup and I share drink with thee,
A cup of our tears to quench the dark sea.

• Master Mikal Hrarfsna, called the Ram

I grieve with my cousins of Calontir and the Known World at the passing of Master Eadweard Boicewright, who has touched so many of us. I mourn with his lady wife Marcella, his family, and his household. I feel most keenly the loss of one of my dearest friends.

Courtesy The Calontiri Wiki

There was a time long ago when Queen Alethea asked me to make a strand of beads that would be given as Her Majesty’s token at the upcoming Queen’s Prize Tourney. I made the beads as Her Majesty asked and waited to see who would win them. When the beads were presented, I made it a point to meet the recipient after Court that evening. I’d wanted to know who would be wearing my art.

When I introduced myself to Lord Eadweard Boicewright that evening, I did not know that one day he would be a laurel, a Calontir legend, and one of my best friends. On that day, he was fairly new to the SCA and had just completed his second Queen’s Prize entry. I still hear people talk about the lathe that he entered that year. That day seems so long ago now, yet I still remember it clearly.

In the fullness of time, both of our roles in Calontir grew. Our friendship grew as well. Eadweard Boicewright brought his talent, his knowledge, his generosity, and his hospitality to the realm. He taught any would ask and he welcomed all to his camp. As a merchant, he sold practical wood wares and weaving tools. I have heard of many weavers who got their first loom from Eadweard. Many weaving instructors tell of how he would provide tools for their classes, often by donation. I couldn’t count the times when I would I be sitting in his camp at Lilies and someone would come in with a broken tent pole or other problem and ask “Eadward, can you fix this?” And he could and did.

Courtesy Johann Steinarsson

I spoke for the Order of the Laurel when Eadweard was elevated to the peerage. I spoke of ideals like courtesy and hospitality and how it was a Laurel’s duty to enrich the Kingdom. Eadweard would come to embody those ideals. There was always shade and refreshment at his camp. Many of our folk talk of  how Eadweard welcomed them when they were new to SCA, how he encouraged them, and how he helped them find their path. He was an inspiration to many and example to us all.

I often hear people speak of how the world is a little darker when someone who has touched us like Eadweard has pass. However, it is not. Grief makes us feel this way. When the grief fades and the loss is less keenly felt, we will see that the light has not dimmed. It glows in our memory and in the legacy of our lost friend. Eadweard’s light and legacy will live on in everyone whose life he touched, in Calontir and beyond. When we share that light with those around us, Eadward’s gift to us grows.

It is right and fitting that we mourn. Let Non-Nobis resound through the land. Let glasses be raised in honor and sorrow. Let us cry and feel our loss. Let us comfort one another and support our friends. But let us not forget that while we sorrow, we carry Master Eadweard in our hearts. Let us all strive to keep his example of courtesy, friendship, hospitality, and honor alive in the days and years ahead.

Master Mellitus of Rouncivale

Sing Non Nobis!