By David Biedny
www.facebook.com/dbiedny10-11-11 I wanted to briefly comment on the memorial held yesterday for Budd Hopkins, at the 15th Street Friends Meeting House. The weather could not have been better, it was a clear, perfect day for this lovely affair celebrating the life and work of this wonderful man - one I'm proud to be able to call a true friend - and it primarily focused on his work in the art field, clearly demonstrating that Budd was really one of the most respected Abstract Expressionists of the famed New York School.
Leslie Kean started the proceedings with her cool, professional demeanor, even though it was obvious that she misses her partner, friend and love. Any of us would be blessed to have that kind of tenderness in our lives, and something that was plain to see was the depth of respect and love that these two people had for each other, it was both reassuring and inspiring.
His daughter showed slides of many of Budd's artworks, which were bold, colorful and as direct as the man himself. Another thing that many spoke of was Budd's sense of humor, and I can personally attest that he loved laughing like few others, and there was some really nice footage of Budd being, well, Budd.
Peter Robbins delivered an eloquent eulogy, describing working with Budd, and how much influence Budd had on his own way of thinking and dealing with others. Randy Nicherson played a video tribute to Budd, full of poignant, heartfelt scenes - there was another video compilation presented towards the end, done by Seth Keal and Charles Miller, with some really heartwarming footage of Budd dancing with his granddaughter. Another picture of Budd, his daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter clearly demonstrated the uncanny resemblance of Budd and his daughter's daughter. He will live on in her.
David Jacobs spoke about Budd's work in the field of abduction research, but what really came through was how much David loved Budd as a human being and close friend. That was also evident in the way that people spoke about Budd afterwards, small conversations overheard during the subsequent reception confirmed that there was not a bad thought about Budd anywhere near the event.
There are many more details - some interesting UFO folks were in attendance, but they were outnumbered by the artist friends, thankfully - but suffice it to say that any of us would be happy and fulfilled to have this much love manifest at our departures.
To those who would attack his research, and accuse him of being a flawed human, of not being 100% hardass about his dealings with alleged abduction victims and potential hoaxers - I personally witnessed the degree of comfort this brave man gave some very distraught people, folks who were scared, confused and who didn't have anyone to turn to without being marginalized or ridiculed, and for that work alone, he should be celebrated and respected. If he was fooled by some unscrupulous folks, his decision to err on the side of kindness and compassion is perhaps a byproduct of his intensely powerful humanity and sincere desire to help others. Those who would vilify him would be well advised to check their own glass houses for hidden piles of large, rough stones.
Budd Hopkins was a great man, and I for one will miss him
something urgent.
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See Also:
ART, LIFE AND UFOs A memoir by Budd Hopkins
Noted Ufologist, Author ">HELP SUPPORT THIS SITE
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