Birth date: October 15, 1953 URS date: July 28, 2012
Sharif Robert Reuter
Renaissance Man
Adventurer: Climbing, Ski Touring (why go around when you can go over?)
Kayaker, Bicyclist
Non Dual Philosopher
Building his own cabin
Hospice Nurse
Libra Balancer, Mediator
Lover of Life and Laughter
The man was a true dervish and Mevlevi Sheihk, standing in the doorways of opportunity for life lessons, many of which are opening for me now. As ever leading the way home to Love. His deep inner work was reflected by the Tarot cards he chose in healing sessions over the last months — Courage, The Star, The Fool and Resurrection. Each one brought him through another station of understanding on his path. Intentionally, he had been clearing and completing with people in the last few weeks as well as resolving the moral dilemma of using Physician Aided Dying. In the end he explained it as, “Why go over when you can go around?” for once taking the easy (???) path.
We shared 15 years and a real spiritual journey.
Sharif passed on Saturday morning, July 28, in a circle of his closest friends. He made room for final words from us, then shared Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Beyond my Wildest Dreams’ and Neil Young’s ‘Comes a Time’ and then accepted the cup. He had time to look around the circle and end with me – a finger kiss and into slumber. He heard the Mevlevi Naat and then left us during the Ney (flute) solo. The Bismillah was spoken
The final words of blessing were my rendition of the Unity prayer. “The Light of God surrounds you. The Love of God enfolds you. The Presence of God is what you are. And so it is.”
His son, Max, was able to pick out a tombstone from local Columbia basalt, haul it out a quarter of a mile and help build his cremation box. What a blessing to have had him near this summer.
So blessed,
Kalama Reuter
Dearest Kalama,
We have not met but we did share in knowing Bob. He was my first boyfriend way back then. A young man that shared so much with me, skiing, hiking, climbing, biking and life. Little did I really know the of the man.
We spoke in January but he did not reveal that he was not in such good health himself. He was sharing his condolences of my mothers passing. I so appreciated that. Now I know he was probably saying farewell to me too. What a gift. A little laughter and a lot knowing what my family was going through.
As I drove down the Columbia Gorge on July 29th , I looked over to White Salmon and thought “I wonder how Bob is?” Well he had already flown the coop and I somehow missed the message.
My prayers are with you and your journey forward, to his son Max and your loving community. Thank you for providing this opportunity to share grief, love and ultimately peace for Bob.