Stories about Tricia
Tricia loved a good story about as much as she loved a good hug! Please share yours.
From:
Martha McAfee
My dear aunt Tricia was an amazing person. She was my mom’s baby sister, and she never had her own children but she was always looking out for her nieces and nephews. She offered advice and support on every topic you can imagine. She had that “Willis” laugh that pierced your ears and sometimes there is a snort, but it was a beautiful sound! She had a good wit, a compassion for others and was always reaching out to see how she could help in every situation. We will miss her dearly!
From:
Wendy Wibbens
Our dearest, darlin’ Tricia B, you’re truly TSFW.
Any time Tricia and I were together, she’d tell anyone within earshot - shopkeepers, waitstaff – “Can you believe it? This girl and I have known each other forever!”
Although I'm no girl, it's true - we met in the mid-70s at Rogue Community College, where she was the Career Counselor, and I was 16, preparing to enroll in classes. She administered my GED! Not long afterwards, she hired me for a work-study position. How lucky was I?!
Tricia’s been ever-present in my life ever since, no matter how far apart we ventured, or how long we’d go between hugs, calls, cards and emails. A dear friend, a role model, as close as family.
She was there for the major milestones – hosting my baby shower in Grants Pass, visiting me in the hospital when my daughter was born, and thirty-some years later, coming to the Bay Area for Jasmine’s wedding.
I've followed her blogs for the past decade and a half, and enjoyed living vicariously through her amazing travel adventures with R.B.
I've been back in the Pacific Northwest for four years now, and whenever she was in town I had the joy and pleasure of meeting her for lunch, walks in NW Portland, antiquing - pre-pandemic, of course.
Back in July, she invited Jasmine and I to "bring-your-gloves-and-buckets" and dig irises that needed dividing in the front garden of the new abode. We then enjoyed a leisurely masked visit on the back patio, discussing her recovery, their backyard visions, and the world at large while my 2 ½ year old granddaughter, Marilla, gorged herself on blueberries from R & T’s lush bushes.
On a phone call a few weeks ago, I asked her to retell the story of her early courtship with R.B. – which she did with giddy delight and delicious detail! Their gushy romance and incredible bond has been untouched and unfazed by time. As she would say, "How lucky am I?"
Dearest lovely Tricia - your humor, kindness, sweet southern drawl, unending generosity, love of textiles, love of a good meal and a good deal, and your penchant for a warm hug – I’m so blessed to have you in my life, and so heartbroken to lose you.
WJW
From:
Sara Jenkins
Tricia was my best friend my last year of college. We met in an art class. She needed to declare a major but didn’t feel drawn to anything. Mulling it over aloud in class, she said, “I guess I could major in art. I’m weird enough, I’m just not talented enough.” She was so funny and so warm and so real, everybody loved her.
One day on my porch, she said, “Let’s go to Europe.” We were both at loose ends and hungry to experience more of the world, and I immediately said yes. We worked in Atlanta for a few months, living with her mother to save money for our trip. We had no idea where we would go in Europe, hardly knew what country was what, gave no thought to what we would do there—and all those unknowns were part of the attraction.
We sailed from Portsmouth, Virginia, to north Germany on a coal freighter that carried twelve passengers. It took two weeks and cost us $120 for a first-class cabin. We had outfitted ourselves at an army surplus store with huge backpacks, and we wore army jackets with fake-fur-lined hoods.
I can’t imagine anyone else with whom I could have had such an adventure. We went through a lot together, as people do at that age, and Tricia was unfailingly kind and wise and, yes, funny. A wonderful, wonderful friend.
Tricia’s taste for travel found much greater scope, of course, with Ron. I loved the ongoing adventures described in her blogs. But it was their travel back to the South that meant so much to me—on visits to Tricia’s family in South Carolina, they would come see me not far away in North Carolina. Although we hadn’t seen each other in decades, we’d kept in touch, and being together, it was as if no time had passed.
I treasure those times. It was such joy to relive our youthful memories and especially to witness the beauty of Tricia and Ron’s marriage. Now it is a comfort to know how Ron was there for her all the way and the happiness they brought to each other’s lives.
From:
Mark Elliot Bergman
The Wyoming Bergmans have such fond memories of Tricia (or "Nona" as my kids called her). Our family trip to Jackson in 2019 was amazing! This week, we've reminisced about some of her colorful aphorisms. One of my favorites was "You can lead a horse to water, but if you can get him to float on his back, then you've really got something!"
I'll never hear the words "July" or "theater" the same way. I'll always be grateful for the way she advised me about helping someone close to me who I was convinced had joined a cult. They hadn't. She was right, and usually was.
From:
Kim Hutchinson
Tricia and I used to go to lunch every month when I worked at Our House. These lunches were so special for me. We swapped stories about traveling, kids and life. She talked about her beautiful relationship with Ron. Her gratitude and positive life perspective was a joy to be around. I treasure her.
From:
Nuun Chotika
I met Ron and Tricia 13 years ago when i was an exchange student from Thailand to U.S. i can barely speak english and understand American culture. Ron and Tricia took a great care of me over the weekend. Tricia would cooked her delicious breakfast and taught me to how to do the handmade bracelets from her beautiful beads that she got from many places. I had such a great time with her.
We would met here and there in Thailand or in U.S. I have learned new things every time that i met them and They always give me good advice . Tricia always told me how good Ron is and how happy she is with him. She is lucky to have Ron by her side ,every where she goes till the end. I will see you again on the other side. ️
From:
Dana Lynn Greyson
More than anything, Tricia was my husband Wayne's surrogate mom, though she wasn't really old enough to be, but so wise and kind beyond her years. Wayne melted Tricia's heart as she saw he did all he could to be there for his first wife, Mandy, who died way too early. He's a guy who doesn't let many people "in," but Tricia was there for Wayne through all of it.
Despite Wayne's move after Mandy's passing, the friendship he and Tricia forged remained strong, and Wayne happily moved into the "treehouse" Ron designed and Wayne helped Ron build.
Even before Wayne and I met, I met Tricia as a Northwest Earth Institute mentor, one of so many ways Tricia made a difference through volunteer groups. I guess I must've "passed" since Wayne and I got together and I'm sure Tricia vetted me.
She also "adopted" Wayne's Dad and his wife when they came to town, even put them up in "Wayne's" former treehouse.
When we sold our house for essentially nothing in the '09 recession, Tricia and Ron tapped us to housesit for them while they were in the Republic of Georgia. We house-sat for a year; we're not sure what we would've done if that hadn't happened. And Ron and Tricia made us feel like we were doing them the favor!
One of our proudest moments was when Ron and Tricia were scoping out Panama for a potential ex-Pat home when we went through the Panama Canal by sailboat. It was finally our turn to
tap them—for crew. There were 6 of us aboard for an overnighter on a boat that slept two comfortably. Ron slept in the cockpit—and got rained on. Tricia has a cold but was incredibly gracious and delighted to be part of the adventure.
When we finally returned from our travels and weren't sure what our "what next" would be, Tricia sat down with us to walk us through how she and Ron went about their decision-making process on where to call home. We're still working on that, and are definitely keeping Tricia's process in mind.
The last time we saw Tricia and Ron was early September 2020, as we headed off for our next adventure. We were all masked because of COVID, and elbow-bumped instead of hugged. Tricia was rapidly recovering from a recent small stroke, showing us her home exercises that were reconnecting the dots for her . We were counting on meeting again somewhere awesome and getting in our usual full-body hugs, swapping stories, and laughter.
Tricia made such a huge impact on our lives in so many ways. We still can't believe she's gone, though we believe she will be with us in spirit, still guiding us. We'll take it all in, thank her, give her a hug (there's gotta be hugging in heaven) and do our very best to make her proud.
I still remember the little framed cross-stitch picture by Ron and Tricia's bedside. "Friends are the family you choose." We are humbled to be part of Tricia's chosen family and hope she knows how much her love meant to us.
From:
A Subakaran
I was one of the privileged team members of Ron from Sri Lanka during 2005 – 2007. Mam, is an amazing person and she was the true strength for Ron to adapt to the situation which was totally new working environment. Many occasions, we had the opportunity to travel together and lot of fun and talk…
During her stay in Sri Lanka, she contributed heavily to strengthen disadvantage women groups to become successful in their life. I personally knew she has been continuing her interaction and financial support for organisations and individuals even after leaving Sri Lanka. It is sad truth that we won’t be able to meet her again, but her memories and blessings will be remaining with us ever.
From:
Gary Maffei
It was truly my pleasure to know Tricia over the past 30 years as a dear friend, board member at Our House of Portland. We had many great emails on her travels when she was out of town and always hugged when we saw each other at a board meeting or run into at gala or doing a board job for a charity we both truly loved.
Tricia you will be missed but never forgotten and be in our hearts till we meet again, you truly have crossed over the rainbow bridge and we too will someday see one another to laugh and hug again.
From:
Ellen Levine
We met fifty years ago, in 1971, and I remember I was charmed by Tricia's smile, her easy laughter, her kind, warm eyes. Over the years, we worked together, socialized together, we were in a (traveling) women's group together, and a book club and circle of friends. At home, I see reminders of Trish everywhere: in the kitchen, a tablecloth and napkins she brought back from Sri Lanka; in the living room, a small, elegant box from India and a book she recently gave me; in my clothes closet, colorful scarves, a pair of earrings, and beaded necklaces from travels all over the world. The best gifts though, are the memories and the lessons I learned from her: to be generous, to practice kindness, to have an open heart. I will miss you, Trish, as will so many others. Rest in peace.
From:
Thai Family
We met Ron and Tricia more than 15 years ago. They are our cousin friend who live in US. Tricia such a kind sweet person. She try to understand and be part of our family. She the kindness person I ever met. She always have a good advice for our family. She love to share experiences. Even though our family could not speak English but she always tries to understand us by her smile. We can’t imagine that how wonderful she was. You will be in our heart forever Until we met again.
From:
Doug Braun
Dear Tricia, Such a sweet, funny, thoughtful and beautiful lady. It was thanks to Tricia (and her chicken Marbala) that I met my future husband at she and Ron's house at a dinner party. Through our courtship and marriage she and Ron stood by us...we even were married on the front step of their beautiful home in Vancouver. Tricia and my husband had been schoolmates in Greenville, and it was always fun to hear them reminisce when together. When my husband was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, Tricia was on a plane to support us and hug us. After his passing Tricia was a rock of support to me in my trials of dealing with business with her phone calls and many emails. It was so great to have she and Ron with me the day that we scattered ashes in a beautiful place in Portland. No words can express what Tricia (& Ron) have been to me in this life. Her spirit is definitely bouncing around the universe!!
From:
Laurie Denton
I am so grateful to have had Tricia in my life these last 10 years. Some kind of crazy luck brought us together in Tbilisi. We had many breathtaking (literally) adventures traveling in Georgia and Turkey, even a weekend in Dubai. Of course, she and RB were the best travel companions—they never complained, even when the travel was treacherous or the hotel rooms had holes in the walls. She and Ron worked so hard at learning Georgian—they made zillions of flashcards with the English word on one side, Georgian on the other. “Gamarjoba,” Tricia would greet Georgians in her southern accent.
Here on the East Coast now, I see them both every day because their smiling faces are on my heroes’ wall of treasured friends who have changed my life for the better. I feel the joy of Tricia’s presence and the warmth of her love. The wisdom I learned from her is embedded in my heart. And her generosity is my inspiration. So I don’t feel I have lost her, but my heart literally aches with the knowledge that I will no longer get an email with the subject line: Howdy!, or a phone call, or the longed-for post-pandemic in-person hug and visit.
I am a better and a happier person because of Tricia . And in more ways than I can know, this world is a better place because of Tricia. She had such a pure, generous spirit. She had a clear vision of what she was living for—to serve others. And she was so good at knowing just what was needed. One funny example I recall was the time five of us went to a ski slope in Georgia. She and I and our friend Leslie weren’t going to ski. I think we were going to drink
coffee in the lodge, especially if there was Illy coffee, because, Tricia said, she was a coffee snob, so it had to be Illy. But before we’d left the parking lot, Tricia noticed a lot of cars were sliding around and getting stuck in the icy lot. She had the idea that the three of us would push all the stuck cars out. I think we fell more times than if we’d tried skiing, and I remember a lot of laughter at our sometimes futile efforts. I don’t remember any Illy coffee after those random acts of kindness, but I’m pretty sure there was hot chocolate.
Nakhvamdis saq’varelno…goodbye,darlin'.
From:
Karen Goodwin
How blessed I feel to have known Tricia or as we said about the two of us, we were "sisters from another mister"!
Ron and Tricia moved across the street from myself and my parents, Henry and Shirley in the Fall of 2019. When we first met, my Dad mentioned that he had a set of keys to their new home by the previous tenants. Tricia, without missing a beat and in her Southern-charmed voice "Henry, I think you had better hold on to them as we might need you to use them someday". That put the biggest smile on my Dad's face and it was prayers answered = great new neighbors! We immediately experienced their love, kindness, thoughtfulness, compassion, wit and intelligence.
At Christmas time, Tricia had received two ceramic turtledoves through her work/support of The Friendly House, a nonprofit community center/social service agency. "Turtledoves are a symbol of friendship and love" she said. Tricia was to keep one and give the other to a very special friend. How loved and cherished I felt to be on the receiving end of this gift.
I am forever grateful for Tricia and to have her love and positivity surrounding me always!
From:
Edmund Brehm & Gary Perry
From:
Galen Perry
Tricia was one of the first people I met when I moved to Portland nearly 30 years ago. We became fast friends and remained so. Her honesty, compassion, generosity, and her unwavering love and support for friends and family has, and will continue to inspire me. I could share memories of time spent together, and write pages of wonderful attributes (all true) but everyone reading this already knows what a special person Tricia was. We were all blessed to have her in our lives.
I recently finished reading a novel where one of the main characters dies. Shortly after that happens, there is a line in the book that reads “Name those dear to you, count them as present. They are still here.”
Tricia will always be dear to me. Her name is written on my heart.
From:
Paul Block
I'm saddened by Tricia's passing. I enjoyed her. She always made me smile. Her presence was positive, and infectiously so. I will miss her. I wish Ron and the family joy, and love in their remembrances and their memories. May her memory be a blessing...as it should.
From:
Kent Snyder & Phyllis Snyder
I've started this many times, paused by a feeling of physical loss - the inability to call or email Tricia. But memories of her always flood forth: her warmth; her wonderful disposition (even while scraping 4 layers of wallpaper off a wall or cooking over an out-of-control camp stove); her caring for friends and strangers alike; her love of aesthetic art and travel; and more. Those memories live on and will keep our connection with her alive forever.
I first met Tricia and Ron 30+ years ago on a rafting trip, the first of many we ended up taking together on rivers around the Northwest. She taught me how to settle-in for the long ones, showing me how she always cried after day 4 as the stresses of every day life washed away. Later on we started buying houses together to fix-up and sell with aspirations of using the profits to raft internationally; something which ultimately did not occur as life carried us all in different directions. Tricia and RB wisely and gently nudged me along towards matrimony with Phyllis; their loving relationship providing example of how two good friends could also be happily married. Then they helped us move at least 3 times: into our home, out to a rental while we refurbished it, then back in. Always with a smile, a jest, and a loving heart.
Tricia loved to travel; not for the 'travel' but to experience the world and the people in it no matter where they were. We've loved following their journeys thru Tricia's comprehensive blogs full of photos, experiences as well as just information. One of her traits which always stood out is how much she cared for those she encountered and really wanted to experience and share in the humanity of that locale. Friend: someone you know, like, and trust. Tricia was and will always be a true friend.
From:
Marianne Scruggs
I only met Tricia last year, in Ajijic Mexico, when she and Ron spent a couple of weeks in the same compound where we were living. When you get to late 60's in age, I have found it harder to make good new friends when you don't share any history. Then I met Tricia, and what I found was an opening in my heart that I hadn't expected, and perhaps forgotten was possible. It didn't matter that we had no history. She found some (we are both southern and human beings after all) and in any case, it didn't matter. She was so open and genuine, and was with everyone. I suspect many people in many countries felt she was their best friend. There just aren't many people like her, maybe none. I'm so sorry I didn't know her for longer.
From:
Dieter Schoene
Ron, of course I remember the two of you, after Myrna's death on March 18 and now here in our old house in Umbria. Tricia sent me a kind email about the "Overstory" a few weeks ago. It helps to live again in the surroundings, inside and out, that we created together. I could not have faced life in the Condo and in Portland. Here, at least nature brings some consolation. What you went though together during those final days I know all too well. I am still much of a wreck almost a year later. There really cannot be any consolation, but it helps if you know that someone has empathy. I do, for her, and for you.
Dieter
From:
The Shakra-Wingate Family
So many wonderful memories with Trish and Ron for our family. Such a kind and generous couple who lit up a room every time they entered. Trish will continue to light up a multitude of lives with the memories she has gifted to us.
With much love to you, Ron.
Patrick, Rami, Canaan, and Maya
From:
Mrs Chandini Indira Tilakaratna
Tricia was a dear friend of mine and also a benefactor of Sri Lankan charity, Shilpa Children's Trust. I am deeply saddened by her death and send my condolences to Ron, her beloved.
Ron and Tricia were in Colombo from 2006 (I think). My husband (sadly no more, he passed away in July 2019) and I with Tricia and Ron formed a happy foursome and got together for dinners etc.
Tricia and Ron started off as my students learning Sinhala (official language of Sri Lanka ) and then quickly became friends. Tricia volunteered as a career counsellor at Shilpa Children’s Trust and I was with her on all those sessions. She would make interesting presentations and have discussions with the girls, with me translating all the way.
At that time our girls (abandoned by family for various sad reasons) thought that after leaving the home at 18-19 years , their only way out were jobs in the thriving garment industry.
Tricia inspired them to think differently - and today we have accomplished girls who are into careers in accountancy, Human Resources, architecture, travel and hospitality trade etc etc. I always used to tell Tricia that she was the catalyst for this change.
We met them last on 16th December 2019. Tricia and Ron said that this is their last trip abroad. Visit to Shilpa Home was a top priority for Tricia. We arranged for the older girls, now well into their careers to come to tea to meet Tricia and Ron. By this time the girls could talk and understand English and the translator was not needed!
She will never be forgotten by all of us at Shilpa Children’s Trust, Sri Lanka. We are so so sad.
Chandini Tilakaratna
Volunteer/Trustee
Shilpa Children's Trust, Sri Lanka
From:
Jane and Jim Burke
Our friend, we will miss you so. “Now breakfast, that was my idea!” Tricia Bergman, punchline to a great story. We will always remember.
From:
Sam Gulmahong
From:
Sandi Bergman Rosen
As I looked through family photos to remind myself when we first met Tricia I found that it was in 1984 during the weekend of Ron's son Mark's Bar Mitzvah. Before the pandemic shut everything down, our extended family last gathered in the summer of 2019 in WY and MT for Mark's son Avi's Bar Mitzvah.
Our dear Tricia ...was always thinking of others! It was so much of who she was; generous in heart and deed.
Tricia had the wonderful inclination to truly see, hear and value other people just as they are -seeing us all as members of the same human family.
She called me her 'sister-in-love' and that is how my husband Bill and I will always think of her. We are profoundly grateful to have had her in our lives for 35 years, but most especially in my brother's life as they were perfect together and a pleasure to be with!
In spite of living on opposite coasts (except when they were out of the country) we made many memories of shared experiences, conversations, meals, laughter, tears, and travels.
At their suggestion we even lived with them for 4 months in 1996. Something I was hesitant about because I did not want to jeopardize our good relations by being ever present in their home. But Tricia and Ron assured us it would work and they were correct. The experience became a treasured gift and created enhanced comfort levels and even stronger bonds.
We are deeply saddened by Tricia's passing. So very hard to process.
Though LIFE ends, LOVE does not.
Love always to Tricia.
We love you Ron.
From:
Janet Schaefer
When I think of Tricia, I smile. Even knowing I'll not see her again here.
She was smart, funny, strong, kind, curious, and had an incredible artistic sense with color and patterns, all of which I will miss. Oh yes, and I will never forget her lovely soft southern accent.
She helped me adjust to glaucoma by hearing my fear and sharing her story. Most of all, she was my friend.
From:
Barbara Caggiano
I had the great fortune to meet Tricia and her Prince Ron when they moved across the hall in our condo in NW Portland in 2015. It’s funny, when I did the math it was not that long ago. It seemed as if we had been friends for much longer! That is how Tricia was, welcoming you into her arms, her life and home. There was such an easy bond of friendship. Tricia was always full of generous surprises. In summer I started to call her “ the Berry Fairy”, each time, after the farmers market I’d find pints of fresh seasonal berries at my door. When we were in the middle of working, remodeling a place at a distance and dealing with my mother in law’s declining health Tricia ( and her trusty partner ) insured that we had wonderful dinners, made and ready to go, just heat it up and eat when we could. Tricia was truly a gem of a friend and I learned so much from her about generosity, appreciating others, and friendship. We have some beautiful remembrances in our home that will always remind us of Tricia. I cannot believe she is gone. I am forever grateful for having known Tricia.
Ron we are so sorry for the loss of dear life partner.
Much love,
Barbara and Jim
From:
Veena Durgabakshi
Trish and Ron came into my family as strangers, but left one and a half years or so later as part of the family. They had been newly posted to Sri Lanka and were looking for a place to rent. They saw my house and we immediately felt a sort of bond and the deal was finalised. I feel so lucky and blessed to have had them as my first tenants. Trish was a ray of sunshine, with her energetic spirit; always smiling; helpful; caring; concerned. I learnt a lot from her during her stay here. Even after leaving Sri Lanka, she kept in touch. Sending me occasional mail with latest news about their travels, their family, greetings for a festival etc. In all their subsequent visits to Sri Lanka Ron and Trish would always meet up with me and my family for a meal . The last messages I got from her was her wish to rent my place again as she wanted to leave the recent turmoiled period in USA and settle in Sri Lanka. I will really miss her beaming smile and warm hugs. Bless her soul. She will brighten any place that she is in.
From:
Steve Goldstein
Hello,
I met Tricia and Ron through my cousin Sue Orris who connected us when they decided to explore as a possible retirement option the Mexican city in which I live, San Miguel de Allende.
We shared a meal in two successve years and communicated by email, more so since Tricia had her first stroke as I followed what appeared to be a recovery from the impediments of the stroke. I was impressed with her determined efforts to return to normal with therapy and was always so pleased to learn of her progress. I was dismayed to learn of her second stroke and deeply saddened to learn of her passing.
As you know, Tricia was a warm, lovely and delightful person. We developed a special connection for such a brief relationship. I have warm memories of our contacts and regret that I will not have the opportunity to deepen our relationship.
Sadly,
Steve
From:
James Burke
From:
Kathryn A Siebert
What a genuine spirit Tricia had, and shared with everyone. She was not without her criticisms if they were earned, but she always spoke with kindness. Maybe that, or perhaps that sweet soft lilt of a southern accent let her get away with brutally hilarious barbs - again, only when they were warranted. She had no meanness in her, only love and support, generosity of spirit and time, infectious laughter and true commitment to those people and causes she believed in. They, we, were many. I knew Tricia over 25 years from our shared ;lengthy involvement with Our House and beyond. But it became so much more than a relationship among colleagues, with her often in a role of beloved mentor. We truly became friends. Reading through the stories, it is obvious that she was a dear friend to so many. And while her death brings an undeniable sense of loss, I can't help smiling to think about her energy, her humor, her generosity and true service to the world. Tricia was a gift and I shall always adore her.
From:
The TWGers
We call ourselves the TWGers – the Traveling Women’s Group – and since the early 1990’s we’ve enjoyed long weekends together in places around the state. We’ve gathered in Baja, Oregon (aka Smith River, in NW California), Newport, Florence, Bandon and Cannon Beach, as well as Bend, Sisters, Eugene, Salem and Portland. We’re all transplants from somewhere else who met in Southern Oregon because we worked together, partied together, hiked and floated the Rogue together and more. But by the early 1990’s, when Tricia and Ron had moved to Salem and then Portland, we missed each other and started meeting for long weekends to celebrate our friendship. The next time we’re able to gather we will miss our dear friend Tricia, but really, she will be with all of us in our memories and in our hearts.
Love,
Ellen, Andrea, Kathy, Penney, Sue and Patti
From:
Andrea Beardsley
Beloved Tricia such a bright light of kindness and generosity and FUN in all our lives...you are missed beyond words.
We met in the late 70s at Rogue Community College and became fast friends especially after joining up with TWG , see that post and video. with laughter and love, We shared so many good times together, supporting each other in good times and through challenges.
One such fun time when Tricia and Ron were living in eastern Europe Georgia, and I was living in Prague, I suggested she meet me in Paris...for a long weekend... What a freezing cold blast we had, with Tricia calling Ron every night to say goodnight. I think the highlight of that trip was seeing the Monet garden paintings....they were giant, each to a wall, and Tricia, upon seeing them, was so moved she burst into tears. ( I am trying to post two photos from then but am digitally challenged and will ask one of the TWGers to post them for me.)
Another happy memory was when Tricia and Ron visited me in Prague...and Ron became fascinated with the Prague Manhole covers (they really were works of art)... and bought one to take home to Portland!
Oh Ron I know you have so many wonderful memories with your beloved Tricia and I pray that as time goes by they will warm your heart.
Thank you for all the times you put up with me as your house guest in the gorgeous house in Vancouver. I cherish those years of memories. And here's a blast from the past: you honeymooned at my house outside of Merlin, after your wedding ceremony at Graves Creek put-in..!! I vacated the premises :))
Oh and one more: Tricia ALWAYS referred to you as that FW...(Fucking Wonder) the BEST HUSBAND in the world.
Love,
Andrea
From:
Chandini Tilakaratna
From:
Kathy & John Somers
Trish – that’s what I have always called her, so bear with me. The reason of this slight delay in writing on this wonderful site is not because of a lack of love for my friend, but rather a silent profound sense of loss at her death. I suffer from an emotional muteness when encountering loss, but as the time has passed, I can now speak about my friend….Here goes…
I met Trish maybe 48 years ago; we worked at Rogue Community College, she on the main campus and I on one of the satellite campuses. There was a group of us city kids who had migrated to this small, rural, freshly born community college. We were young, full of ourselves and in love and dedicated to our college, to making it successful and viable.
I remember Trish as bright and lovely, quick to laugh and compliment others, yet deadly serious about bettering the world and helping others. Most of us were just trying to help ourselves. Her ability to tease, tell a joke was admirable. She was at ease with men as well as women – willing to keep up with my quick-witted husband or even better him. She made me laugh…people wanted to be around Trish….
Years pass, my husband and I moved to Portland. We stayed with Ron and Trish while we scouted out the area. They were so hospitable to us; I’ll always remember that, as we were vulnerable newcomers. Much later I mentioned this to Trish how much this meant to us and she just passed it off with a laugh.
Our friendship deepened years later when we all lived in downtown, actually Northwest Portland. We went to movies, happy hours, and started an urban women’s book group. With Trish’s immense travel experience, we were all held spellbound by her stories, which added to our literary exchange.
How does one talk about the loss of a bright, positive light that was part of our lives? I think for her friends, we carry with us Tokens of Trish. In her large generosity, she has given each of us pieces of her – through art, jewelry or clothing, each item with its own exquisite and original beauty. So when I miss her, I look at my painting from her, or wear her jewelry or wrap myself tightly with one of her scarves. It is a connection to this beautiful soul.
When I think of Trish and what she might say to me, it is clear what I would hear. She loved Ron more than life itself- so I hear her say, “Take care of Ron for me, honey.” We will Trish; we will.
From:
Mary Dean
Tricia came into my life seven years ago when we started a book club and she was a part of it. Sometimes here, sometimes traveling with Ron, Tricia present or not had a presence about her that reminded me of a hummingbird. I loved, loved her stories and like a hummingbird she always found delicious nectar in everything Tricia did and like a hummingbird, off she went for the next adventure.
Tricia's warm heart and sharp mind was always attentive in our conversations. Her laughter, her enthusiasm and her utter enjoyment for life will be sorely missed. However I have hummingbirds visiting me everyday and I named one of them Tricia. God Rest In Peace my dear friend.
Love,
Mary
From:
Maia Bazuashvili
i am thinking of Tricia all the time...how sad----- REST AND PEACE...how sweet she is...i will miss her too much...i love you Tricia, and will remember all my life my dearest wonderful friend...
i never forgot your and Tricia's help to repairing my village home's roof... thank God that I met you and TRICIA...
Love,
Maia
From:
Cathy Higgins
I wish I had a handy pic of Tricia to post but, alas, our times pre-dated cell phones mostly. My husband John and I spent many pleasant days on rivers with Ron and Tricia and they bought at least one home on the east side of Portland and put their beautiful vision and skills together to make it a re-sell for their income.
Tricia was a princess on the river but rugged and willing in all ways. Ron set up a solar shower for her EVERY night at camp. I had never seen such luxury - and it had a tarp around it for her modest ways. She always smelled good on the river :-). She brought everyone a bright light of spirit and enthusiasm and dialog without a campfire or head light.
We also enjoyed some wonderful times together at their Vancouver home with long dinner conversations and talk of cooking and garden and home design - like their garagemahal. Such classy people and really a most radiant couple in their respect and clear love for each other. I loved to sit in the barber's chair and have a pre-dinner glass of wine while we all talked.
I can only hope we will see Ron now and share some future times carrying forward our fond memories in these years ahead. Onward to the eddys in heaven Trish.
Love,
Cathy and John
From:
Janet Flaherty
Epitaph
When I die
Give what’s left of me away
To children
And old men that wait to die.
And if you need to cry,
Cry for your brother
Walking the street beside you.
And when you need me,
Put your arms
Around anyone
And give them
What you need to give to me.
I want to leave you something,
Something better
Than words
Or sounds.
Look for me
In the people I’ve known
Or loved,
And if you cannot give me away,
At least let me live on your eyes
And not on your mind.
You can love me most
By letting
Hands touch hands,
By letting
Bodies touch bodies,
And by letting go
Of children
That need to be free.
Love doesn’t die,
People do.
So, when all that’s left of me
Is love,
Give me away.
~ Merrit Malloy
This poem is truly the soul of Tricia. She walked in the world graciously with courage and an open generous heart. She gave everyone she met the best of her as she walked into their world with compassion, curiosity and desire to know and understand who they are. She trusted people. Her heart was big. Her wit and laugh came easily. Her warm presence invited you in and you knew you had a friend for life. She loved us. She was true. I was served at her table, she at both mine. We played on the river and were renewed. She served up her stories and took us with her wherever she traveled. She revealed herself. She let us reveal ourselves. And still, selfishly, I yearn for more of her, wishing I had shared more time, food, thoughts, rivers, laughter, adventures, revealing moments.
Remembrance of Tricia is a remembrance of who we are together.