Sadly we learn how truly important people are in our lives after they are gone. Surely we appreciate them when we work side by side for years pushing toward our shared goals; we acknowledge their skills and are grateful for their efforts. But it’s only by the gaping crater left in their absence that we really understand their value.
For months the Xeriscape Council of New Mexico has been grappling with the waves that Scott Varner’s illness created in our water conservation network, sure that somehow he’d beat the illness that finally ended his full life. Saturday September 10th, 2011 Scott left us all poorer for his loss, but infinitely richer for having known him.
As water conservation advocates have learned of his death, the words dedicated, decent, committed, a force to be reckoned with…an inspiration, resilient, roaring with laughter, kind, irreverent, optimistic, realistic, joyous, happy warrior flow like a river though our recollections of Scott. Here are a few of the many voices raised in disbelief and grief:
“Scott was very dedicated to making his community a better place to live…I will miss his expertise, his excitement about making a difference, and his wonderful smile and laugh.” ---NM State Representative Mimi Stewart
“Scott was warm, quick-witted, and direct---focused sharply on the realization of practical goals that would have meaningful impacts.”---Amy Vickers
“Scott was a quiet giant in our world of water conservation…With kindness, humor, grace and incredible dedication he profoundly advanced the cause to which many of us have devoted our lives. My gratitude to Scott runs deep and wide. And as he would wish, I pledge to carry on with the hard work ahead.”—Sandra Postel
“Scott left us a legacy of goodness…a permanent and positive impact on people and the environment. Even as Scott was telling me goodbye, he wanted assurance that his “knowledge garden” wouldn’t go untended…Together we’ll keep sowing seeds in more places. I assured him we would.” ---Doug Bennett
And by the woman who knew and loved him best: “He didn’t just smell the flowers, he planted seeds…” ---Eloise Colocho
Planning for the 2012 Water Conservation Conference and Xeriscape Expo is well underway. We kept Scott posted until just a few weeks ago and though the events will happen without his boundless energy and maybe with a few glitches; we’ll do our best to keep any missteps hidden from all the great people who attend. Scott’s resolve will see us through. He told us his only regret was “he wasn’t done yet.” Well Scott, neither are we.
We invite everyone invested in seeing Scott’s “knowledge garden” flourish to join us next February to explore Collaborations for New Solutions, to find new ways of working together to make our individual efforts a more powerful collective force for change.
– Xeriscape Council of New Mexico |
