This afternoon the first of two memorials to be held for Kjersten Oquist and Angela Svendsen was held. It was a remarkable event. There must have been at least 250 people in attendance at the Portland Golf Club in SW Portland. What a testament to the impact that Kjersten had on her family, colleagues, students, and friends. There were a number of very moving and insightful remembrances given by friends, family and colleagues. All pointed to Kjersten’s intense desire to be better and her amazing capacity for selflessness. Her desire to improve herself served as an inspiration for those around her. Her selflessness helped those around her to be more aware of the needs of others. That is a life lived well. In spite of its brevity.
The initial shock of Monday morning, which became anguish, pain, anger, doubt, confusion, hate, guilt, and resignation, has through the process of sharing my grief with others today, become something approaching hope. I wish I had known Kjersten better. I wish I had been a better colleague, acquaintance, friend, musician when I saw her both at the OSO and OBT. Today, I found out a lot that I didn’t know about her – her gardening, her deep love of books and reading, her incredible fight to become a mother, and her obvious love for her son and husband. I also learned that Portland, and Oregon in general, has a wonderful community of musicians of all types. We share a love of our craft and a love of sharing that craft with others. Some of us make a living from playing in one ensemble, while others work at several ensembles to cobble together a living. Some of us teach just a few students, where some of us teach dozens every week. In the end, we’re all the same, and we all care for each other. The outpouring of support, and the hugs shared with people I hadn’t seen for years, meant so much to me and everyone who was there today. It brought me comfort, and hope. I know that Kjersten would be proud.