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.

Comments

[Jérémie Godet (french admirator)]

Nice paint!

[David Walker]

Your words about your father and the relationship you had with him are as touching as your art!

[Brandon]

So beautiful that you said your relationship with your dad felt “complete and healed”! I would love to know what its like to experience an infinite bond between the hearts of my loved ones and I.
Interesting and true about how you said that we “yearn for the approval of our parents even into adulthood” I wonder why.
Your dad sounds like a wonderful man and the world must be grateful for him teaching you how to draw.
Your art is amazing! I have never seen art that has made me think or feel as much as yours does. Thank you!

[Flakey]

Hey Alex,

I'm terribly sorry to hear about your father's passing. I lost my own father just a few years ago, and still feel the loss keenly. Hardly a day goes by when I don't think of him. Your father must have been very proud of you.

Love and light, -d

[joseph brumfield]

dear Alex, my father passed on thanksgiving day of 2002 in columbus of a stroke battle that left him with "lock in syndrome" for 3 years. I was 22. during through those years it was your artwork that helped me through that time of loss without him and has given me hope about the condition of the human soul. even now i am dealing with a disability that will follow me for life. it is your work that has without a doubt made me a healthier person and probably even saved my life once or twice.
while im sure the passing of your father was not an easy event i do know that in the event of losing someone so close can and has a real sense of peace about it and its a peace i wouldnt have without your work and our shared vision of the beauty of our exsistance on this plane. your father has been lucky and i am greatful for his influence on you. it is what shapes us as we age.
the thing that means most to me in life is my relationship with my wife, my art and helping in any and everyway to realize the future of CoSM with you, allyson, zena and the rest of those who are waking up to the beauty that is our being. my wife Sara and I love you and pray for you.
namaste and many blessings!!!

[Eric Rogers]

Alex, I'm offering my deepest condolences too. My mom in her laater years took up painting also. I have kept her paintings as a personal reminder of her life. Good luck in the new venture

Eric

[Juan Ramón Cuadros Soler]

My condolences more sense.

A big hug.

(Malagá)-España.

J.R.C.S.

[Tina Grecchi]

Dear Alex and Allyson,

You are always in my prayers, and now more than ever.

He loves on in you!

My deepest love to you all,

Tina

[Brian S.]

Dear Alex,
My condolences on the passing of your dad to you and your family.
He seemed like a nice person, and seeing that he taught you how to draw, all us fans of your art should thank him.
I lost my dad in 1982, when I was thirteen, and in addition to my fond memories of him as a great guy, I will always be thankful that he encouraged my artistic side from as early on as I can remember-bringing lots of pens and big sheets of paper home from work for me to draw on, drawing contests, and prizing the "Mr. Bill" sculpture I made for him one holiday.
It is truly a blessing when one's folks are supportive of a person's creativity.
Peace,
-Brian

[Catalina Kalkan]

My prayers are with you and your family,

Arena

[marion]

I'm sorry for your loss...
Love and strenghth.

[Samantha Antone]

Alex, I am sorry to hear of your loss. I am comforted by your description of your relationship with your father. My father died on December 31, 2006, and was closest, most loving, most important person in my life. Healing is a sense we pass on to one another; please know that you have done that by sharing. Much love and respect, Samantha.

[Eric]

90 years!!!! Wow! That's amazing!

I'm so glad that you were able to make amends with your father. It can be less intimidating to make amends to the cosmos than the intimacy and inhibitions of a father. My father had the joy of repeatedly taking me to lawyers, court, jail, doctors, and rehabs. It's funny how a great wife and grandchildren can bring a father closer together to a son 8-)

Havig lost my mother this past XMAS..I feel your loss. See you at April full moon!

[Kevin]

Alex,
Thank you for talking so openly about your father to all of us. It is amazing to me sometimes how art has the ability to mend and heal. I think that it's great that you are treating your falther's death as a celebration of his life. I hope that in this celebration, your soul will be soothed. May your father pass peacefully into the abyss.