Walter Velzy

Dear Friends, My dad, Walter Velzy died Saturday, March 15th.  Allyson, Zena and I went to Columbus, Ohio to unite with loved ones for his funeral.  It was a small family gathering where we shared stories about Walt, with his flag draped coffin was in the background.  This picture is from Walt's 90th birthday party last September.  Walt was married to my mom, Jane, for 58 years.  An example of a highly moral and caring husband and father, he showed me that love and family are of greatest importance.  An artist himself, Walt got a Master of Fine Arts degree from Ohio State University and worked as a graphic designer for 40 years.  My dad taught me to draw.  Although we struggled about the direction my art was taking in my early years as an artist, when the Sacred Mirrors book was published my dad expressed his appreciation of my work.  At our last visit together my dad looked deeply at images of my artwork and acknowledged it  so generously that my relationship with my Dad felt complete and healed.  Strange how we yearn for the approval of our parents even into adulthood.  At the National Cemetery in Dayton, Walt was honored with a military burial ceremony for his contribution in World War II where he participated in freeing the concentration camps in Germany.  A chaplain gave a very respectful eulogy, taps was played, and the flag was properly folded and presented to my mother.   Great way to send off a dear sweet soul to whom I owe my life.  I feel incredibly fortunate to have had such a long and rich relationship.

My Father passed away at 1pm on Saturday. An Entheocentric Salon, CoSM's all night painting gathering, was scheduled for that evening. As a memorial in his honor, I painted a portrait of us together .   Grateful thanks to Susan Buck for this photo and to everyone who stopped to share their condolences.