Sad Tidings: Master John the Artificer

Salve Accolens, Debatable Lands,

We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Master John the Artificer, who passed away November 25th in his home.

We met Master John in the late 90’s when we first joined the SCA in the Debatable Lands. He was an incredible wealth of knowledge and generously offered himself as a resource to all who knew him. More than that, while recent years saw less of him, Master John was an important part of the community of the Debatable Lands, especially in the early days. He was a consummate artisan, and created items of Baronial regalia, such as the hefty ancestral Seneschal’s key.

Most will remember him as the owner and proprietor of the Stave Church at Pennsic. Master John bought the structure from some industrious CMU students, who had built it for the University’s annual Carnival. The stave church was one of the earliest and most impressive structures in Merchants’ Row – certainly the tallest! Master John’s vision and work allowed many artisans over the years – especially Debatable Lands artisans – to sell their high-quality wares to eager SCAdians – years before the internet is what it is now. Master John was a great man who improved the lives of thousands. He will be greatly missed.

Take a look at this lovely memorial article, written by Mistress Arianna of the AEthelmearc Gazette, to see pictures and read more memories of a few of the people whose lives he touched: https://aethelmearcgazette.com/2020/12/08/in-memoriam-master-john-the-artificer/

Final arrangements are not known at this time.

In Caritate,
Baron Brandubh and Baroness Hilda

Sad Tidings – Rachmiel ben Nachum

With deep sadness, we’d like to inform you that last week, Rachmiel, who camped with Debatable Lands at Pennsic and filled our camp with his songs and joy and companionship, has passed from this world. He will be sorely missed. A missive from his daughter, Lady Elizabeth of the Debatable Lands, is below. May his memory be a blessing.

Unto the populace of BMDL and the known world I express my gratitude for the kindness and acceptance you have shown my father in his lifetime. He was relatively new to the society, having attended Pennsic with our family for the last several years. He referred to it as his “Brigadoon”, it was a truly magical experience for him and a bonding time for our family that we will always treasure.

Details for all arrangements:

Cantor Richard Mark Berlin (z’l) Yerachmiel Mendel ben Nachum v’ Nechama Passed away peacefully and surrounded by family and friends On Wednesday, May 1, 2019 (26 Nissan 5779) Cantor Rick was the beloved husband of Mary Berlin, beloved father of Elizabeth Berlin (Mike Speranzo) and Katherine Berlin (Paul Kelly), beloved brother of Julie (Don) Friedman and brother-in-law of Albert (Naoko) Adams. Cantor Rick was the loving grandfather of Jordan Berlin Speranzo, Brooke Evita Kelly and the late Reeva Alexis Kelly, and surrogate father of Nathan Sullivan and Norman Peterson as well as beloved uncle of Ellen (Avram) Rosen, Joseph (Shoshana) Friedman and Jennie Friedman. Cantor Rick is also survived by many more loving family and friends.

Contributions may be made to the Cantor Richard and Mary Berlin Scholarship Fund, H.L. Miller Cantorial School, 55 S. Miller Road, Suite 201, Fairlawn, Ohio 44333.

Funeral Information: Monday, May 6, 2019 Parkway Jewish Center (Sha’ar Hashamayim), 300 Princeton Drive, Pittsburgh (Monroeville), PA 15235

Family Visitation: 1pm Funeral Service: 2pm
Interment to follow immediately at Parkway Jewish Center Cemetery, Negley Road, Churchill, PA 15145 Shiva

Following interment: Shiva will begin at the home of Ellen and Avram Rosen
Monday, May 6th Mincha-Maariv at 7pm
Tuesday, May 7th Shacharit at 7am Mincha-Maariv at 7pm

For contributions towards the Pittsburgh shiva meals (kosher), please contact Steve Hecht at Congregation Beth El of the South Hills (412 561-1168)

Shiva will continue at the Berlin/Speranzo Residence Wednesday, May 8th Mincha-Maariv at 7pm

For contributions towards the shiva meal, please contact Katie Berlin

AND At the home of Julie and Don Friedman, Nokomis, Florida Wednesday, May 8th Mincha-Maariv at 7pm Thursday, May 9th Mincha-Maariv at 7pm

Sad Tidings

My Dear Friends,

We are deeply saddened to inform you that Lady Amanda of Kirkby Lonsdale  (Suzanne Veter) has passed away.

She was second generation SCA, and Principle of the Order of the Tyger’s Cub in the East Kingdom. She grew up in the Rhydderich Hael, traveled extensively, and has lived here in the Debatable Lands for the past 7 or so years. Amanda was a sweet lady, and the loss of her light is felt strongly.

We offer our condolences to her husband, Viscount Ariel, her children, her parents, Sir Raymond of the Straits and Viscountess Angharad of Lions Tower, and her friends.

We will pass along any other information about final arrangements if they become available.

In Caritate,
Baroness Hilda and Baron Brandubh

Baron Leonard Memorial Article

Mistress Arianna has written a very lovely memorial article for our Baron Leonard for the AEthelmearc Gazette. I encourage everyone to read it, even if you never met him. Len is a very big part of why our Barony is the way we are. He and his Baroness are missed.

In Memoriam: Baron Leonard the Younger, OL

In Levitate et Caritate,
Baroness Hilda