Jay Simoneaux in Memoriam

from Everyday Zen 

In Memoriam   Jay Simoneaux Elder Rinsho, Unfolding Compassion

Dear Everyday Zen Sangha, Jay Simoneaux has made his final ascent. At the center of his families and many circles of friends, he passed from this life Sunday, May 2, at 7:30 pm in the home he created with his wife and life partner, Judy Avery and extended family. High country explorer and guide, he shared with us a lifetime love of discovered trails and Sierra granite. Craftsman, lover and abiding student of the Buddha way, the scale of his gifts and wide reach was matched by the depth of his loss through Parkinson's disease. Through practice and pain, his heart was scoured and opened to us all at each creative stage. His life will continue to sustain and inspire us. Peter van der Sterre

Peter and Chris will lead us in a memorial service for Jay at Dharma Seminar on Wednesday evening. Norman will officiate at a Zoom memorial at a later date (to be determined).

Elder Rinsho Unfolding Compassion Jay received Shukke Tokudo, priest ordination, from Richard Baker Roshi at San Francisco Zen Center, 1977. He practiced with Everyday Zen for many years and served as Shuso for the Fall Practice Period, October 2009. He received Shiho, Dharma Transmission, from Zoketsu Norman Fischer in March 2012. His kind and gentle way was loved by all.

Cards can be sent to Jay's wife and life partner, Judy Avery, and the extended family at: 459 17th Ave San Francisco, CA 94121 You may wish to chant the Heart of Great Perfect Wisdom Sutra for Jay with the following dedication:   May we awaken Buddha’s compassion and luminous mirror wisdom, chanting the Heart of Great Perfect Wisdom Sutra, we dedicate the merit for the safe passage of our dear sangha brother, Jay Simoneaux, Elder Rinsho, Unfolding Compassion, and for the wellbeing of his grieving friends and family members. May he be free from suffering and born into peaceful nurturing, and may we all together attain Buddha’s way.