On Saturday, October 13, Meril's friends and family will gather for a memorial in Seattle.
Meril, we love and miss you. Feel free to share your memories.
From: Rasta J <lglizeit at yahoo.com>
Date: April 1, 2008
Still missing you buddy! When all you got organized after I was I was in need, you got Viv, Kevin, Lee and of course Meril, who calls me out of the blue... "We are coming down to Portland, we just wanted to know if we could come by and say hello..." Of course, Visitors and family are always invited and welcomed! Never will you be forgotten and we always miss you!
From: Chuck McIntosh
Date: February 10, 2008
When i arrived in Seattle in 2006 to volunteer Merl was my main contact I will miss him till we meet again.
Cannabis Chuck
From: Paul Stanford <crrh97286 at yahoo.com>
Date: February 9, 2008
Travel safely friend. Your work, family and spirit live on. I wish you had lived to see the end of marijuana prohibition. I know your spirit will be there as your work has paved the way. It is good to know you are a spirit helper in the continuing struggle and we continue to call for your assistance. With much respect, gratitude and condolences to all your loved ones.
Paul
From: Anonymous <Ric at hemp.net>
Date: December 23, 2007
HEMPy B-Day Meril!!
My hero, My FRIEND
Miss you more than ever, but I'll wait til I see you again to give you grief about it.
Munchies Save Lives!
peas and lovage
Ric
From: i d;do;t god i miss you bro\\\\ <matt he;s n i miss him too still to>
Date: December 20, 2007
hempfested n famly mel go i here my sec famly n nohearted rhere matt much
From: Vivian <vivian at hemp.net>
Date: December 19, 2007
Meril, I miss you, bro. There are no words to express how much you are missed and loved. Hard core to the backbone.
Peace, V-
From: RoRRaileVaw <mikt9 at ua.fm>
Date: December 9, 2007
hey.. thank you
From: Skivee <ssbn616nuke at yahoo.com>
Date: November 20, 2007
11/20/2007: Today I Lost A Best Friend And A Dream
It is now 3:38 p.m. ET, and approximately thirty minutes ago I learned of Meril’s death, and I am totally devastated! I feel like someone just shot a cannonball through my heart, and there’s a hole there now that will never mend!!!
Because, you see, Meril was my best friend… my brother… for the four year period that I had the privilege and honor to serve with him aboard the U.S.S. Lafayette (SSBN616); a ballistic, nuclear submarine.
It is has been said that 150 men go to sea aboard a submarine, and that 75 couples return, but I am here to tell you that is simply just a rumor. What I will say is that in all of those submerged months… Yes, I said, “Months!”… One gets a purely unique opportunity to let someone into their life, befriend them, by solely being able to verbally relate what one’s life was like on the “outside.”
In our times together, he gave me that and SO MUCH MORE!!!
Firstly, while I have never had the opportunity yet to experience the Coastal Route 1 Highway through the Cascade Mountains on a motorcycle, I know from Meril’s descriptions that my life will not be complete until I do!
Heck, I got my first and only tattoo with the SOB, and if you could see the tears that are now streaming done my face, you would all know just how much this news about the passing of the “Gentlest of All Bears” [His hugs were awesome!] has hurt my heart!!!
Meril and I made contact a couple of years ago, after a long period apart, and we vowed then that one day we would get together and reminisce about those Navy days… I’m certain that you all have had those friends for whom the passage of time and distance would, or could, never diminish your friendship… well… that was Meril and me… today that dream vanished for me, and my heart is broken!
For those of you privy to some of Meril’s Navy stories, I am “Skivee”… know I speak true!
To Meril’s family, especially, and to all those who read and post here… my sincerest sympathy, and know that I pay no greater compliment to any man’s life that I have yet to personally know than to Meril’s. His outlook on life changed mine forever… I could never be more grateful, and from what I have read here, thus far, I am not alone.
Lastly, I thank the Lord that he let me know Meril, and I can only assume that He took him so early because He missed that contagious smile, infectious laughter, and accepting heart!
Meril’s memory will live in mine until I see him again! RIP, Mon Frere, Mon Ami!
Mike Skivington
“Skivee”
ssbn616nuke@yahoo.com
From: lex <none-ya>
Date: November 19, 2007
you are still not forgotten, brother Meril.
From: Steve AKA Lee Roy Wilson editor of Heads Magazine
Date: October 24, 2007
Meril was in effect a member of the Heads staff. We never would have been capable of achieving what we did in Seattle over the last three Hempfests without his non-stop help, hard work and encouragement.
Having a presence at the Seattle Hempfest was important to us but not easy. Heads being based in Montreal meant a great deal of organizing and expense in order to make it happen. If it wasn't for Meril's help it never would have happened. Every year we would ship over 50 boxes of magazines to Meril's house a month before the event. Meril would personnaly see to it that our boxes were taken care of. As the event grew near he would load the boxes into his truck and personally drive them down to Seattle fo us. This is the kind of guy Meril was. He would give you the shirt off his back to help you out. The Hemfest is the result of many people coming together and working tirelessly for a common goal. This is true, but when we think about Hempfest, the first thing that comes to mind is Meril and his generous smile and welcoming hand. We were truly lucky to have had the honour of spending time with a great man. He will be missed. Our heart goes out to all of Meril's friends and family. We will never forget him.
Steve AKA Lee Roy Wilson, Editor Heads Magazine
From: Leonardo Calcagno <calcagno.l at gmail.com>
Date: October 24, 2007
It's a sad day! I remember the first time I met him (working for Heads Magazine) driving its golf cart and smiling at everyone. As he stopped to greet us, he had this amazing aura of good living and love for his fellow man and you just wanted to hugh him. Even if he was busy or tired, he will help you out and make sure that you had a great time at the Hemp Fest.
I had the chance to spend some time talking with him and talk about politics and I was always amazed how much compasion and love he had for everyone. That always kept you grounded.
The Seattle Hemp Fest and the cause has lost a great man but I'm sure he's spirit will carry on.
You will be missed, I never got the chance to go fishing with you but at least I had the privilege to meet you and share beers + seafood with you. My love goes to the family
Thank you for everything
Leonardo Calcagno - Heads Magazine
From: Sunil <sunila at u.washington.edu>
Date: October 22, 2007
My interaction with Meril with mainly through email. Here's an email he sent to me that I never did get a chance to reply back to or to hear back from him on. I post it here so that all may see that last words he wrote to me. He gave me support in the e-universe, and for that I am grateful. You can also see where he stood on "the issues".
I wish Meril's family and friends strength to cope with this loss.
Respectfully,
Sunil
-----Original Message-----
From: Meril [mailto:Meril@olypen.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2007 7:41 AM
To: 'Sunil Aggarwal'
Subject: RE: Good Job
Hi Sunil,
My wife hasn't had the time to be as involved as I am. She feels letting me fight the drug war full time is her contribution. lol
I will ask her now that it is law and pass on what she says.
She is studying to become upper management right now and that includes about
6 collage classes, 4 of which she can challenge.
When I get a chance, I'll ask her to take a look.
Peace,
Meril Draper
[LINK]
[LINK]
[LINK]
Munchies Save Lives
Prohibition Funds Terrorism
-----Original Message-----
From: Sunil Aggarwal [mailto:sunila@u.washington.edu]
Sent: Monday, May 14, 2007 4:38 PM
To: 'Meril'
Subject: RE: Good Job
Hi Meril, what does your wife think now that the bill has become law?
-Sunil
-----Original Message-----
From: Meril [mailto:Meril@olypen.com]
Sent: Friday, March 23, 2007 6:02 AM
To: 'Sunil Aggarwal'
Subject: Good Job
Good Job! Excellent post. My wife is a Nationally certified medical records coder. You hit the nail on the head.
Peace,
Meril Draper
[LINK]
[LINK]
Munchies Save Lives
Prohibition Funds Terrorism
-----Original Message-----
From: Sunil Aggarwal [mailto:sunila@u.washington.edu]
Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2007 10:47 AM
To: hemp-talk@hemp.net
Subject: HT: washington's med mj law--respecting privacy and health
information
Dear list,
Washington state is the only state in the Medical Marijuana United States (all 12 of them) that uses the phrase "60 day supply" to describe the amount of hempen cannabinergic botanical medicine (i.e. medical marijuana) that the people demanded be accommodated for those with physician authorizations.
Unlike other states, we do not set an upper limit quantity of botanical medicine. Instead, what we do is respect the privacy of health information between a doctor and a patient. It's not really public business what supply
amount satisfies a qualifying patient's dosing regimen over the course of 60 days. (Can you think of ANY OTHER MEDICINE in which supply amounts are not ultimately left to physician-patient discretion, schedule II 'controlled
substances' included?) I believe the framers of I-692 had the wisdom and foresight to respect the confidentiality of health information. When you recognize resinous herbal cannabis as a medicine, which the people of Washington do, then what is most important to the people is that a qualifying patient gets access and delivery to a supply that is adequate to her or his needs. That is all that the people cared about. Those who have vested interests in enforcing 'marijuana prohibition' are the only ones who
would be interested in knowing/spelling out the limits of a 60-day-supply. It makes it easier to enforce prohibition that way. But in order to satisfy their desire to enforce this harmful and destructive policy, we have to agree to give up our right to health information privacy, and to some extent, physicians' absolute discretion in treating the myriad of highly
variable qualifying diagnoses and health states that respond to hempen cannabinergic botanical medicine therapy.
If you don't flex or assert your rights, you lose them. If you willingly give them up to those who have a vested socioeconomic interest, you definitely lose them and then some.
[LINK]
In solidarity,
Sunil Aggarwal
University of Washington
3rd year medical student
doctoral candidate, medical geography
From: o goded brother meril <iam still crying here too>
Date: September 30, 2007
fuck no no noted your dad bro , no no not mel thas a have n crryng here vin knowning i have for meril n feeling the losted here too
From: ToB <tiredofbuyin at hotmail.com>
Date: September 27, 2007
I met HeyDan in a chat room quite a few years ago. He was always like the sunlight playing on a cloudy day. Bringing laughter and smiles to people that didn't feel like smiling. He will be greatly missed.
Safe journey my friend!
MUNCHIES SAVE LIVES!!!!!!!
From: Jennifer Halverson <Jennfagan81 at yahoo.com>
Date: September 24, 2007
I have known Merils family for a long time, being friends with his son Mike. Meril was a great guy, always had a smile. I was one of the lucky ones that got to go to the funeral and see how many people truly loved him. Cried like a baby watching the kids and Melody being so strong. He will always be missed, and always loved.
From: Ray Sadlik <sadlik7118 at oh.rr.com>
Date: September 18, 2007
I too served with Meril on board the USS Lafayette in the late 70's. He was a great shipmate and an even better friend. I was looking forward to seeing him in Charleston, S.C. in October. He served his country well and he will be missed.
From: Gary <gstrench at aol.com>
Date: September 17, 2007
I am deeply shocked and saddened to learn of my old friend
Meril's death. I met Meril in the late 70's on the USS Lafayette while serving in the Navy and we became instant friends. We had some great times on the east coast and party'ed in places like Scotland and England.
Lost touch with Meril in the early 80's and after 25 years
just this spring I get a big ole "HOWDY" email from Meril!
I was thrilled to say the least! We did alot of catching up and were making plans to meet in Charleston for our ships reunion just next month in Oct! I am heartbroken that now I will not see my dear old friend Meril, and I know that I can speak for all of Meril's shipmates when I say he will be greatly missed and remembered always.
My condolences to Meril's family,I know he was very proud of you as was evident in our recent conversations.
Well, God bless you Meril, R.I.P.
From: Jo-D <jo-d at mapinc.org>
Date: September 13, 2007
i met this wonderful soul in our chat room and finally in person at norml san fran 2002 – high times were had there to be sure.
he and his wonderful family hosted me on my journey from cali to canada to which i prolly wouldn't have made w/o this much needed pitstop.
i landed at their lovely abode very late one nite and on my very last thread of sanity. meril had waited up for me and i was thrilled to see his happy, smilin' face. later that first nite i sat on his porch smokin' a cig, watchin' their cats attempt to scare off the raccoons and trying to shake the road dust from my head...glanced to my left to see a fresh deer carcass strung up in the garage - ahhhhh - was a good freak, fersure! The fantastic venison burgers the following day were worth every bit of that freak.
i could tell many more stories but, for now, i’ll close with...if he had to go so soon...at least he was on "da bike" and i hope it as painless as possible.
R.I.P. meril, you left major and loving footprints on all of our hearts!!
From: PhinFan <feggitt at tampabay.rr.com>
Date: September 12, 2007
My long lost Brother... For years I wondered where you were. searching the net just to say what the "F" is up...
And today I find out that you have reached the end of your journey here on earth,,, I hope heaven is ready for the party you are bringing...
I will alway remember the dive's off the rocks at Chimney Beach and the Wild Turkey that went down in the process...
Gods Speed Brother Meril... You will be missed, But never Forgotten...
From: bull <pit at zoomtown.com>
Date: September 11, 2007
i knew meril as HEYDAN from truestoners chat i offer my sorrows and prayers to him and his family.he is greatly missed.
From: Paulette <paulette at thegusts.com>
Date: September 6, 2007
What a good soul! I am honored to have met him. Meril is deeply missed. Condolences to his loved ones.
From: Eric Widener <egwidener at hotmail.com>
Date: September 6, 2007
Even though I only spent a year working around Meril, I came to know how great a man he was. Few are like him (I have yet to meet another like him) and we'll never forget.
Here's to you Meril! You're missed on every side of earth!
From: Osch <jfosch at earthlink.net>
Date: September 4, 2007
Shock is the state that I come from at this time. Meril was the HF big brother that made me feel good after driving all the way from La. to work security..taking care of my needs seemed important to him..My sympathy to His family and all that knew him..take comfort that he is in a better place and doesn't have to be the gatekeeper. Security is not his job anymore..Thank U Meril Luv-OSCH
From: Kanti <kanti at hemp.net>
Date: September 2, 2007
Haribol brother Meril, the best traffic director man, with a big smile and personal greeting during one of the most intense situations of the year for vendorville folk..come on into Hemp Heaven and give us your blessings brother...
Peace and Love be with you and your family..
Hare Krsna Hare Rama
From: Julia Miller <bagpipesrool at yahoo.com>
Date: September 2, 2007
I came here today, to show my youngest son what I volunteered my time to the last two years, and to share with him the Hemp Facts on the main page. I was slammed with the biggest shock of my life when I saw this. I am not core staff, so I was not blessed with knowing Merle as well as the rest of you. I am in total shock. I will always remember his ear to ear grin that lit up his entire face. I have a an image of him on my phone - two years ago, he had a motorized foot scooter he was zippin' around on, and I got a shot of him on it. Someone told me over 20 years ago, that "A person doesn't really die, unless everyone forgets about him." I truly believe that. Smokin' a bowl will have a special meaning from now on. My love and support is being sent to Merle's entire family. You ROOL, Merle!
From: Gary K. \"Doc\" Leong <dockygref1 at yahoo.com>
Date: September 1, 2007
EVERYBODY:
It is so comforting that everybody is coming together in this time of need...I am so much in a loss that I do not know what to do...You others that know Meril more than I do, I am envious of all of you that have known him longer than I have...I am serving Seattle Hempfest... Please talk to me regarding how many comments that the "No fishin' Fat Boy said to my not worthy as I am...
Tanx Alot
Gary K. "Doc" Leong
From: Tracee <tt at surlaw.com>
Date: September 1, 2007
I'll always remember your charm, your smile, your laugh,your twinklin' blue eyes and the way you lit up every room you entered. I believe I speak for many when I say that I feel blessed to have known you. To Melody and the kids - please know that we are here to help in any we can and are sorry for your extraordinary loss.
From: stevephun@hemp.net <stevephun at hemp.net>
Date: September 1, 2007
The last thing I remember him saying to me was at Oly Hempfest. He saw someone wearing a 'Hempfest SSupporter' button he made a few years back. Merrill said it reminded him that he had done something well that did something good. That is not what he said but that is the best I remember. Anyway. He definately left alot of good work behind, and changed the world because of it.
Later Bro,
Steve Phun
From: mikewalker46@yahoo.com <no no he;s gone here iam crying still o>
Date: August 31, 2007
matt my o matt to you he;s your dad n to me a bro , matt my hopes n prayers here too
From: Ric <ric at hemp.net>
Date: August 31, 2007
... and, when he shall die,
Take him and cut him out in little stars,
And he will make the face of heaven so fine
That all the world will be in love with night
And pay no worship to the garish sun.
I look fwd to seeing you again Meril, you'll always be my hero.
Munchies Save Lives
From: kevin <kevin at hemp.net>
Date: August 31, 2007
Where do I begin? Meril was one of my best friends ever, someone who's passing has left a tremendous void in my soul. His passing blindsided us all, and the reality of it still hasn't sunk in.
I had many adventures with Meril, shared many smiles. I'll always cherish our trip to Reggae on the River, stopping to blaze on the Eel River in the Redwoods. Working together on the Hell Gate, Meril laughing his ass off as he made me the asshole. Riding in a limo in San Francisco after determining that smoking in it was okay.
He was my Deputy Security Director at the Hempfest this year, allowing me the peace of mind that everything was in the right hands if anything happened to me. I put him there because he was the one I turned to for advise. He was my friend, my brother, my confidante, my trusted comrade. He was the best of us.
I love you and will miss you terribly.
From: Rasta J <LGLIZEIT at yahoo.com>
Date: August 31, 2007
Saturday at hempfest, I got to work with Meril from 2:00 pm till before 8:00 pm.
I am beyond saddened of this news.
Our hearts go out to his family, he was a very awesome person and will never be forgotten. If there is anything we can do PLEASE feel free to contact us!
"Rasta J"
J. Thomas Wilcox, and family
Beaverton, Oregon
From: Yvonne <snyderygirl at yahoo>
Date: August 31, 2007
Ah....Meril,
That damn smile of yours is forever burned upon my brain! The laugh will forever resonate within my ears. And the remeberance of hugs will leave me feeling warm on the coldest of winter days.
The memories of the Emerald Empire "narc" fest in 2003 and sleeping in that unique gentlemans yard is just one of the many highlights of knowing you. Oh, and Katie's birthday when you cooked meat (gasp) in our vegetarian friends kitchen. :p She and I cried today for we miss you. There shall never be anyone who makes me stick out my tounge when they take pictures of me the way you do. I'm sorry we never had time for that bike ride.
Please know your alternative families will do everything we can to take can of the entire MD clan. As always we love you and yours!!
Safe travels my dear friend.
Love Always-
Yvonne
From: Wardell Henderson <wardell98841 at peoplepc.com>
Date: August 30, 2007
So sorry to hear of your passing. You will be greatly missed.
From: Tobias Rowe <saibot4_20 at yahoo.com>
Date: August 30, 2007
Meril was one of those people who could enter a bad situation and turn it into a good one just by being there. I was having some major emotional problems on monday of the fest. Meril knew about my problems but didn't judge me based on my actions. He came up to me, asked if we could chat in private for a second and proceed to hug me until I couldn't help but smile. He then said " Toby, if you ever need someone to talk to or confide in, I've got big shoulders and they can handle it!" How could you not help but smile and feel better just knowing Meril is there for you? We will miss your strong shoulders that are capable of holding up the world, Meril.
From: Trish Curry <PCurry2004 at comcast.net>
Date: August 30, 2007
Meril,
You will be sorely missed although I find relief knowing that you are in a better place. Not meaning to be selfish but, I'm glad to know you are with Smokey. The two of you were sooo close before he died a few years ago.
You were always a light in our families lives. I knew you for about 25 years and you were always a "kick" to be around. THAT LAUGH... I will always love you! The earth truly has lost a great man. The Heaven's has gained even more. Love to Melody and the children. You have lost more than any of use.
Please contact us if there is anything we can do.
Trish & Jeff Curry - Aloha, Oregon
From: Nora Callahan <nora at november.org>
Date: August 30, 2007
Another light has gone out in the world. I'm sad, glad to say that I knew him though...
From: Anonymous
Date: August 30, 2007
Last night , Cruel Tuesday August 28th, as it will forever be to ME. My Big Bro', Meril Draper, the "Elder Ogre", was cruelly ripped away from our circle of life. I spent the better part of my first year in the Core getting to know him, and then his Beautiful children. Ya' see, after only a couple months in the Core, ( he and I had known each other for about 8 or 9 years.) He hand picked me to be his replacement as "Traffic Ogre" so he could move on to do other things. I accepted,(wondering why, He and Viv, were grinning like that,saying, Oh Yeah, He'll be PERFECT...) having NO idea what big shoes His were to fill. He spent a lot of time this Fest making certain that I became close with His children, so that they could help me be an "Ogre". His Lil' Goddess Megan and I had some awesome conversations about "Big Surly Sensitive Dudes", and it helps me understand, his children KNEW their Pa'. His "Boys" Mitchel, and Mathew, helped this "Ogre in Training" through the CRAZIEST initiation I've ever been through. (Mitchel even bailing me out with Mrs. Angel, HE knows what I mean!). We laughed and talked about my new, "Niece and Nephews" and how they were on MY crew now! We got to have one of the BEST SESSIONS of my life Sunday after the Fest. Me revelling in the success of having pulled it off, He BEAMING that He was FREE of the "Traffic Ogre" gig! We laughed so hard we rolled on the ground, (Ric, remember the "pedophile" joke off?).The next day at clean up He hugged me, and shook me, asking, "Are you still speaking to me? I bet you wanna' slug me huh?" knowing full well, what He had passed along to me! We then hung out in Olympia, giggling about what we had just pulled off, in comparison. He, signing autographs like a "Rock Star"! And NOW He's gone, and we're here to miss Him. I FEEL SO RIPPED OFF!!! We had more stories to tell. My only solace is that He took the time to let me know Him, and his Beautiful Family, a Family with a new "Tio' Angel", I'll try to watch out for them, like He watched out for me. PEACE BRUDDAH, MUNCHIES, DO SAVE LIVES!!! AngelFish, the "Ogre".
From: kyle smith <reverendstonie at gmail.com>
Date: August 30, 2007
i miss you! So much! I'll never forget you! Meril & I were the last ones to leave the park tuesday night. Meril was the definition of hardcore! You will not be forgotten!!!!!
From: Kris <kris at ssdp.org>
Date: August 30, 2007
I wish I had gotten to know Meril more than the few minutes we chatted each year at Hempfest, but even in our brief exchanges it was clear he was a man with big heart. Truly dedicated to the cause for all the right reasons.
It feels like the Hempfest family has lost too many members the last few years. It is unfair and unjust that such a wonderful group of people should have to suffer such grief. But I guess Hempfest is all about overcoming injustice. So if there was ever a group strong enough to overcome these difficult times, it is the wonderful people like Merle who make Hempfest a reality year after year.
The world has lost a great activist. My heart goes out to both Merle's blood family and his Hempfest family.
From: Denny <dennyd1us at yahoo.com>
Date: August 30, 2007
I just can't get my head around the fact that this wonderful man is no longer with us. This guy truly was my hero. When i first became involved in protests about the drug war, i was so impressed with his ability to step up, lift that bullhorn and let the world know. I will never forget him. As we move forward, he will always be on my mind. When things get tough for us.....What Would Meril Do........Munchies Save Lives....... Thats with me for the rest of my life. Rest you oars, sailor, rest you oars.
With much respect
Denopy
From: Charlie Commeree
Date: August 30, 2007
The Afterworld is having the ultimate gathering and they needed the world's greatest traffic ogre. Biggest, warmest bear of a man, he's memory already seems legendary.
Will sadly miss your welcoming smile.
Charlie
From: Carl Prothman <carl at prothman.org>
Date: August 30, 2007
RIP Meril. Love you bro!
www.onetruemedia.com/otm_site/view_shared?p=21fb58035926207dcbc84c&skin_id=0&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=text_url
From: Rich
Date: August 30, 2007
Damn! Only got to know you the last two years at Hempfest.
Was a honor and pleasure to meet you. Today's a little dimmer for us, but your light will shine on us forever. Rest In Peace Brother.
From: Muraco <muraco at surlaw.com>
Date: August 30, 2007
Meril, I will so miss you and your big smiling face doing security at Hempfest! I will miss your visits to our office always accompanied by a lot of laughter. You knew how to live man and I am just so very very sorry that life went so quick. We all will miss you, love, Muraco
From: Moose <jnurse420 at aol.com>
Date: August 30, 2007
IN LOVING MEMORY
Do not stand by his grave and weep
He is not there, he does not sleep.
Do not stand by his grave and cry,
He is not there, He did not die...
From: Jody <JODYS419 at msn.com>
Date: August 30, 2007
You are the kindest, most loving and generous friend I have ever met. I am a better person for having you as my friend. You will be missed for all my life!
Thank you Meril for everything!
Rest in peace my friend.
Heaven will be a better place having you in it.
See you there.
Love,
Jody
From: Sunil <sunila at u.washington.edu>
Date: August 30, 2007
I only knew you by email, but I really valued the info we exchanged. I want to know how this accident happened. I am saddened at the loss, but happy to hear that you were with loved ones when you passed away, and that your suffering was not long lasting. Rest in peace.
From: moose/ mondo <mondo419 at yahoo.com>
Date: August 30, 2007
over 25 years that man has touched my life and i thank him for every min. of it love ya bro R.I.P
From: katie <katie at hemp.net>
Date: August 29, 2007
Oh Meril.
Damn I miss you so much. I regret missing Oly Hempfest for work, I could have seen you there last weekend. The last time I saw you was Tuesday after Hempfest, you were of course Hard Core helping to the end to load out the last of the equipment and clean the park. Always. We really counted on you and you always came through in a big way, taking on more responsibilities than you had time for, helping out everywhere. I regret so much not being able to "fix" the issues you had, justified issues that deserved much more of our attention. But you took it all in stride, grinned and bore it, and gave us so much. You gave so much help and compassion so many people, I have no idea when you found time to sleep! There is a giant hole in our universe, a hole in our hearts. We are lost without you, but we will remember to hold tight to eachother in the storm, and honor you with our deeds.
Love you so much Big Bro!
From: margaret
Date: August 29, 2007
i am so at a loss for words he was just helping at oly hempfest. joking as the tent came down he was such a unique person always guick with that smile. he knew how to diffuse a touchy situation he was such a presence at protests and court appearanes he is trully one who make a difference
From: rachel
Date: August 29, 2007
this was the first year i really got to know meril. once i knew him, he became the brightest spot in my hempfest experience. after cleaning up all day tuesday, i made sure to get a hug from meril before we each left the park. meril's hugs were special. he will be missed. it is an incredibly sad day, but i feel as incredibly blessed that i got to know such an amazing man. his spirit shines on through everyone he touched.
From: Eve < eve at hemp.net>
Date: August 29, 2007
Sweet soul, thank-you for showing us the
importance of LTE's, of how to stand up
for what we believe, and how to raise our
children to work to spread the truth. How
proud you must be for your accomplishments
and your wonderful, sweet children! Amidst
my choking cries, I cannot believe you are
gone! You are too real and precious and my
mind cannot fathom this awful thing. Sweet one,
shine your love light down on us all, and we
will see you everywhere!
From: Anonymous
Date: August 29, 2007
sorry to see you go friend.. awlays a positive person always adding a needed smile , I will never forget you heydan .. just sad the kindest people somtimes seems like ones we lose the most. =/ rip meril
From: BabyBD <soontoobeasoutherngirl at yahoo.com>
Date: August 29, 2007
I will always remember when Meril came too Michigan and stayed with my family... I will always miss the times when we would chat.. I've been chatting with Meril since yahooka was popular. I will miss the times when he would come into chat and be so excited to see me in there, Last thing Meril (heydan) were talking about was me working for him at hempfest in 2008. Rest In Peace Heydan We will all miss you. *muchies save lives*
Love you always- Billi aka BabyBD
From: Ronnie Jo AKA Sweet_Buds <karmagurl at rainierconnect.com>
Date: August 29, 2007
My first memories of Meril, were before we even moved out to WA state- he encouraged us to move here and even helped me to get "legal". Thanks Meril- you were definitely an inspiration!
Too, you were among a very small group of friends who made us feel welcome here in this state when we first moved out here ( you all know who you are), and gave us a home so to speak, where there wasn't one before. You gave from the heart....I'm gonna miss you from my heart. I'm gonna miss your spirit and life- the BBQ's and seeing you every year at Hempfest.
You even helped me get into medical marijuana activism, and encouraged me along the way....you were just an all around amazing person-- thanks for everything you did for me, and for us.
Above all, thanks for being a friend. I'm gonna miss you more than words can possibly say. Rest in peace friend, and may they smoke the biggest fattest buds wherever you are now. Rest in peace bro....rest in peace.
Ronnie Jo
From: allman <allybroskif at yahoo.com>
Date: August 29, 2007
RIP borther, glad u had a good time in Austin, n hope you are having a good time where ever this mystery of life takes ya
your homie,
D aka allman
From: Bob Owen <when at olywa.us>
Date: August 29, 2007
I can't stop crying. I'm stunned.
From: Bryan Punyon <bryan_punyon at yahoo.com>
Date: August 29, 2007
One of the wisest men I have known,
that I did not get to know for long enough.
R.I.P. Meril.
From: BakedAphrodite <BakedAphrodite at hotmail.com>
Date: August 29, 2007
well, i'd like to say
thank you
for helping and teaching
and ty most of all for being a great
friend :)
you will be missed always
and never forgotten
much love
Baked
From: BakedAphrodite <BakedAphrodite at hotmail.com>
Date: August 29, 2007
well, i'd like to say
thank you
for helping and teaching
and ty most of all for being a great
friend :)
you will be missed always
and never forgotten
much love
Baked
From: Todd Peterson (+toad-) <gimmebackmyliberty at yahoo.com>
Date: August 29, 2007
I love Meril. I know he isn't really gone because energy can't be destroyed and his Spirit is just moving on to his next adventures. He has been an inspiration to me, he was never ashamed to voice him views on pot prohibition and a lot of other bullshit that is going on in the world. This world was not enough challenge for him so the Great Spirit has moved him on to greener pastures.
He did me favors out of the blue whenever I needed some help. He put on a seafood feast for us like will never see again while our friends Saffy and her husband were down here from Canada in the summer of '05.He was an honorary member of the Skokomish tribe here on Hood Canal, so that says a lot about his character. I have lots of good memories of him meeting Sunshine, Bud_,(who became Meril's best friend) and others at my house one day for a big smokeout with us. I even went hunting deer with him once, he was a scary driver especially with a cell phone in hand, but it was always fun, haha. I have a lot of good,no, excellent memories of Meril, but the clearest ones are of the last times I saw him, at Olympia Hempfest on August 25. He was the first person I knew that I saw, watching the band playing at the main stage there. Same thing at Seattle Hempfest, we saw a straw hat with a beard under it walking along, figured it could be Meril, but then thought not, but later on we met up and found out that was him! I will never forget his energy, his constant go go go attitude, nothing ever seemed to slow him down. I admire his spirit, and I hope it has moved on comfortably to the next planet or wherever it has gone to. Munchies Saves Lives!!! Thankyou Meril for Being. I'll see ya on the other side brother, I really feel you are my brother for we are all One and as hempfesters we are a family for sure.
From: bact <bact at ts.com>
Date: August 29, 2007
Didnt know heydan chatted few times, cool as man, spark 1 for him
From: T.S.Ranger
Date: August 29, 2007
may your journey be in peace my friend
From: sunshine quicksilvergirl <sun1true at yahoo.com>
Date: August 29, 2007
here are a few choice moments with heydan for me.....
the very first time i met heydan (meril) in person, was at his good friend toad's house (todd & jackie's). i was coming back from a trip up to canada with bud_ (ric) to visit with the bc crew. i had been chatting with these guys on the now defunct YAHOOKA.
anyway, we stopped in before heading back to seattle for ric and oregon for me. meril comes into todd's with this beautiful wooden box full of the biggest buds i had ever seen in person.
my second meeting with meril was when i volunteered for my first time at hempfest. that time, meril had some purple kush. some of the best pot i've ever smoked.
i don't know how it will be at hempfest without those great big bear hugs from meril. it won't be the same, that i do know.
peace n love, heydan xoxoxoxoxo
suns
From: Ian Cliff <Icliff at btinternet.com>
Date: August 29, 2007
Just heard the news.Can't believe it.My thoughts go out to his family and friends.The man was a one off.The work he did for his cause was immense.I spent many a hazy night with Meril in chatrooms and he was a man I respected and laughed with on many occasions.RIP Meril.I'll see you up there mate