13 Comments
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Jeanette Joanes's avatar

John Robbins was a great soul. I'm just one of his millions of admirers, and I can honestly say he made a positive impact in my life.

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Shel Horowitz, good biz expert's avatar

I've been aware of John and Ocean's vital work on food for a couple of decades. Good souls, both, and rare voices for food justice. And it sounds like he faced his own mortality in a perfect way. I hope to go like that, from a place of exploration. John will be missed. Sending hugs.

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Shilpa Jain's avatar

Thank you for this Vicki. I'm feeling John's loss too. He was an incredible human, who meant a lot to me and Austin (he officiated our wedding ceremony :) and to many members of the YES! World community. So much love for him on his onward journey, with gratitude for how I know he will continue to hold us as an ancestor. And so much love for all of us who knew and loved him.

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Christina Baldwin's avatar

love this story of brotherhood and friendship. take care dear sister, stay here! we need you.

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Vicki Robin's avatar

that warms my heart!

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Catherine Parrish's avatar

Thank you dear one.

May our beloved John soar with his fellow angels 💫✨🙏🏼

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Mary Earle Chase's avatar

Thank for this beautiful tribute to one the finest people it has been my privilege to know. His gifts will be remembered. Blessings on his family. Your account of his courageous passing is a reminder of the challenge we all face in leaving this world.

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Lorna Sass's avatar

Oh Vicki, I am saddened by this news. He was one of my heroes throughout my career and how beautiful and not at all surprising that he faced death with courage and curiosity. Thanks for honoring him so beautifully.

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laura davis's avatar

When Great Trees Fall

By Maya Angelou

When great trees fall,

rocks on distant hills shudder,

lions hunker down

in tall grasses,

and even elephants

lumber after safety.

When great trees fall

in forests,

small things recoil into silence,

their senses

eroded beyond fear.

When great souls die,

the air around us becomes

light, rare, sterile.

We breathe, briefly.

Our eyes, briefly,

see with

a hurtful clarity.

Our memory, suddenly sharpened,

examines,

gnaws on kind words

unsaid,

promised walks

never taken.

Great souls die and

our reality, bound to

them, takes leave of us.

Our souls,

dependent upon their

nurture,

now shrink, wizened.

Our minds, formed

and informed by their

radiance, fall away.

We are not so much maddened

as reduced to the unutterable ignorance of

dark, cold

caves.

And when great souls die,

after a period peace blooms,

slowly and always

irregularly. Spaces fill

with a kind of

soothing electric vibration.

Our senses, restored, never

to be the same, whisper to us.

They existed. They existed.

We can be. Be and be

better. For they existed.

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Vicki Robin's avatar

Thank you so much for this. Resonant

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laura davis's avatar

You're so welcome, Vicki.

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Cathy Moffitt Boyd's avatar

John Robbins was a key influence in my life as well. I've had Diet for a New America on my bookshelf for decades, starting when I sought support and motivation to become a vegetarian. When I downsized and donated all but a handful of books, his book made the cut because of my admiration for his life and work. He will be missed, but it is wonderful that he left Deo and Ocean behind to carry on his cause.

You have written a beautiful tribute—my sincere condolences.

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Mary T. Migliorelli's avatar

Thinking of you, Vicki, & sending you love & heartfelt condolences on the passing of your friend— may you continue to be comforted & energized by your favorite memories of him & the powerful work you shared.

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