Christy and I headed on up to the northern hinterlands (of Kansas anyway) to get a weekend in at KCRF and correct our long absence of faire going lately. It was 40 degrees or so late morning so we thought it would obviously get warmer, obviously right? Well we undressed to say the least but back to that in a little while. We were greeted at the gate by my old sidekick and compatriot Matthew Failing AKA Sancho AKA The Village Baker among other guises. We caught up on things briefly and made our way through the front gates and into familiar Canterbury. It was wonderful to be back among the pleasant sights, smells and sounds of faire. We hit a few shops; I picked up an extra mug hanger at a leather shoppe and met another couple who had planned to join us later.

I have to say that I was a bit surprised at the absence of lane characters or the rarity in which we saw them. I did see Evil and Toy and occasionally saw an FSB or two but the streets seemed a little void of garb for some reason or another. We did catch Bob the Juggler and a few other acts and of course Human Chess Match where I did see many familiar faces. Passing by Barbarian Battles made us sad for Jim :(. By this time (late afternoon) the temperature had dropped and most folks were seeking whatever warmth they could fine. The lines for hot chocolate were very long and one of the two places that sold it ran out eventually. We finally decided it was too chilly to enjoy ourselves so we made our egress.

We decided not to return on Sunday because of similar weather conditions but we are glad that we did go and look forward to next season.

Many of you may know by now of the untimely and tragic death of Jim Gasser also known as Gunnar the Barbarian in an accident while on his way to the Pleasure Faire in CA. His passing is being felt immensely by the many folks in Kansas City and elsewhere that knew and loved him.

I knew Jim as a fellow performer at KCRF for a number of years. He never failed to great me with tremendous warmness every morning during faire and then later during the day we would always exchange a "warrior's salute." I often wanted to stop and chat with him beyond those greetings but I knew this would be keeping him from his always huge audience of children. I know Jim wouldn't have minded as he always had time for everyone, but I reminded myself he belonged with his young admirers.

Jim was a man of striking stereotypical contradictions. He indeed looked incredibly formidable with his sculpted physique and barbarian garb but as soon as he spoke you knew you were in the presence of a man with of a unique placidity and gentleness of spirit. You couldn't walk away from him without feeling better. I know it is cliché, but Jim did indeed touch every life he encountered.

Jim and I did have the opportunity to finally sit down and converse for an extended period several years ago at the Alcott Center. I will always treasure our discussion although now I do not recall its' particulars. I just remember how genuine and without guile he was, and how dedicated he was to his pursuits.

 In all the traits we admire and call honorable in our fellow man, Jim possessed. In all that Jim set his immense energies to, he mastered.

To Jim's family I offer my heartfelt condolences, to my KCRF brethren I offer my love and support. To Jim, sitting on his gleaming warrior's throne in the place we will all be reunited someday, I offer my thanks for your friendship, encouragement and inspiration. I have never known a better man than you. Rest you well Gentle Warrior.