I received a most unfortunate phone call on Friday. Not quite knowing what to expect when I got it, but knowing full well that it would involve a member of my Bujinkan family. I was informed that my friend Jeff Pool had died that day. As I think back on how I took the news I realize that I never expected Jeff to pass on early, I don't think anyone of us believed that we wouldn't get old with him. He was the kind of person that lived his life in a way that exemplified health and spiritual growth. Though we haven't spoken but a handful of times since we all left our Shibu West / LifeSkills training groups I can say that he leaves a void in all of our lives that will be noticed in his passing. Our Sensei, Kevin Millis has summed up Jeff's life so succinctly that I feel that the only thing that I can add is that Jeff served as an example of "the way". He sought out truth and nurtured the strengths in all of us that called him "friend". As I begin to grapple with my own mortality I too hope that I can find a peace with the inevitable outcome that is our transition from this world to the next. Though I mourn your passing Jeff, I celebrate your life. May you find peace on this next leg of your journey my friend...
"Greetings my friends,
As most of you now know Jeff Pool has left our earthly realm, passing over to the other side. For some of us this has come as a surprise, yet we all know this is the way.
While Jeff was here with us, no one worked harder or more diligently to prepare himself or his spirit for this most certain occasion that we all will someday encounter. The picture above clearly shows he was ready for his coming journey. For all of us, our Bujinkan martial art in particular, teaches us that the way of life is our eventual death. No one escapes this moment... no one gets a pass.
Jeff understood this clearly, and from my observations, tirelessly arranged his life, his studies and his daily activities for this watershed moment. I know of no one who was better prepared for this than Jeff. I will always remember Jeff as a smiling, energetic, generous and selfless person who always thought of others first. I never saw him in a bad mood, never heard him speak ill of others and always took the very best of everything I could “dish out” to him both on the dojo floor and off. He was always a loyal, hard working and thoughtful student while under my tutelage – and he always treated me and more importantly K.T. and even my animals with love, dignity and warmth.
None of us will remember Jeff for the car he drove, the watch he wore, the home he lived in or his bank account. I truly believe in this way Jeff had all of his priorities in perfect order and I will always look to him as a great example for me and others to follow. Jeff continues to teach and guide me in this way even now, as he rides the eternal clouds above.
Let us not feel sorry for Jeff or the people who were so fortunate to have been associated with him or be saddened by his departure. Let us never forget that he has given us a golden path to follow without fear and without sorrow. Let us always remember Jeff’s smile, his laughter and his unique ability to lift us all by the sheer force of his personality and poetic magnetism.
May we all live such an inspired and meaningful life… Our dear friend is now gone, but he will never be forgotten.
May we all Keep Going following his example."
Kevin San & K.T.
