URS: April 21, 2018
Obituary:
“David (Daud) Strawn passed away Saturday, April 21, 2018. Universal man, beloved husband of Victoria (Monsourah), father of Donna (Lupinski), Katherine (Strawn-Ford) and Heather (Messer); numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; friend to all, brother and son to many. Rejoice with us in celebrating his journey. A memorial service will be held at the residence, 10570 West Ridge Rd., Elyria, Ohio 44035 on Sunday, may 13th from 4pm – 6 pm followed by a potluck and potlatch giveaway.”
Post From Monsourah Strawn:
Daud was initiated a member of the Fraternity of Light by Murshida mother Mary Inayat Rhodes before joining the Ruhuniat initiated by Sheikh Firdousi, then continuing in Ziraat through the Inayati Order, receiving the Farmer initiation from Shahabaddin David Less.
David walked a spiritual path as a past master in his masonic blue lodge, as well as past high priest in the Masonic York Rite, applying the lessons of using masonry tools to his life. In the Sufi Ziraat he learned to us the symbols of farming on his journey. He was a member of parish council of Sacred Heart Parish then moved on to obtain his ministry license in the state of Ohio.
As he walked through life he applied many lessons learned on our travels and studies, including incorporating the council of elders of various traditions and potlatch, or give away. His gentle kindness of others created friendships with people worldwide, including during his service to his country in the navy, including two tours of duty in Vietnam.
His love for me as my spouse brought me a joy and sense of security and inner happiness because he chose to join his life with mine, growing together. He needed me as I needed him, communication our deepest selves, learning tenderness and patience through his loving nature. We have had busy moments, but he still found time to hear my hopes, dreams and deepest longings as well as share his with me. He was truly a gift of God to me, for the joy alone I found walking together with him for 50 years, as we grew in faith, knowledge and love was truly a blessing and manifestation of God’s love for us. I miss him deeply, but rejoice that he has been able to lay aside the earthly garment of his body in order to cross the rainbow bridge to be welcome by so many friends who gathered to greet him, then escort him to rest in the embrace of his beloved Lord.
David Duad will always remain in my heart. His quiet loving strength is an inspiration. Generosity and kindness also were in constant flow through his spirit . I am also very grateful for the wisdom he had acquired through his life and how willing he was to share with all of us. We were all blessed to have known him and I am sure that loving attitude that he expressed is now marked by a brilliant light in the heavens.
Remembering all the times sitting in meditation and sharing thoughts and ideas is a joy to me. I am grateful to have his being light our way.
inna allahi wa inna allahi rajayun.
I did not know this until this very moment. I always enjoyed seeing him and talking with the both of you whenever we would be at an event together. He had a certain impish way about him that appealed to a little boy in me somewhere. I have no doubt that if we had known each other as kids we would have been best friends. My sympathy and condolences to Monsourah and to the family and wish you all the grace and mercy of Allah (swt). You will meet him once again, insha’allah!
Dearest Monsourah, Daud is so vivid to me, as are you from our times together. He stood as a rock with a wonderfully understated sense of humor. Your common deep esoteric interests were beautiful to hear about. Few people I know shared so consciously the way in which you and Daud shared the adventurous path of life together. My heart is with you. I have such confidence in the sustained sharing for both of you across the bridge. With love and deep caring, Rahimah