Con, today I found a photo of you in a jumper (Australian English for 'sweater' in American English) which I hand-knitted. You liked its unusual design. I remember you really liked the navy-blue jumper my Mum hand-knitted for you too.

In our travels, I remember visiting many Australian airports with you and filling in time waiting for connecting flights by doing some window shopping. When I'd suggest this activity rather than sitting for a long time in one place, you'd invariably remind me that we didn't need any windows! You did have the power to always make me laugh! Then we would slowly meander happily through the shops.

One day our waiting at an airport coincided with an upcoming special event. I asked you whether you'd like to mark this event somehow and wondered aloud about what you might look like in one of those beautifully textured jumpers woven from merino wool sold there. You decided to try one on. It used a blend of your favourite colours - with a strong maroon presence in the amazing 3-dimensional knitting technique. Because it looked so good on you, we decided to buy it.

Quite some time later, we visited an elderly lady we knew at a hospital. Being from a remote location, she was just so glad to see some familiar faces. During the course of the conversation about her recovery, she happened to remark that she felt the cold keenly on this air-conditioned First Floor ('Second' Floor in the USA). Con listened attentively as he was wont to do with everyone. He was wearing his magnificently crafted merino woollen jumper. Right before my eyes, I saw him take it off and hand it to the Elder who beamed gladness, gratitude, almost ecstatic joy and disbelief.

How wonderful to have had this fantastically heart-warming soul as part of our lives! You died too soon for us Con. After all these years, it is a relief to hear that the drug company which manufactured the drug you should not have been prescribed has, according to reports, had their licence to produce this drug revoked. As a result of this action, no one else will suffer the pain we had to from losing you so unexpectedly. 

Much love always,
Maria

29th June 2023 is the 55th anniversary of the day Con's aspirations to contribute to healing in the world officially began via ordination. In 1989 the form his aspirations took officially changed through a Church dispensation yet his qualifications and training continued to be embodied in all he tackled. He continued his professional development via studying the artistry of psychotherapy, management, Pitjantjatjara language via University of South Australia and field work, formalising his adult education experience and updating computer skills.

One of his colleagues for fifteen years described him thus:

'He is a creative thinker, diligent worker and skilled communicator. He has the capacity to relate easily whether it be in formal or informal settings.

As a teacher he takes a keen and intelligent interest in his subject and gives of his best to his students. His methods are enabling and participatory.

In the area of personal development and counselling his skills are considerable, due in no small way to his consistent engagement in his own growth processes and professional development.

... I found Con enabling, thoughtful and generous. He willingly shares his expertise. His delight in people, symbols and language made our times together enjoyable and stimulating. He is a man of integrity and talent. I believe he will contribute positively to any group or organisation which has the good fortune of his membership. 

I have no hesitation in affirming his utter trustworthiness.'

A former student - and subsequent friend - has asserted the following in writing after knowing Con for fourteen years:

'I have found him committed in his work for the personal-community development of all those with whom he is associated.

He brings to his relationships also a qualified pragmatic philosophy with which to encourage those of even brief acquaintance. It is invariably coupled with his fun sense of humour, adding to his full integrity and honesty. 

Con is a man of great sensitivity. He has always displayed to me an open interest in Aboriginal issues and a willingness to explore further any issue connected with Aboriginal people. His concern for Aborigines is manifest in his affirming approach and attitude toward life and in his positive encounters with (them).

Therefore I am deeply gratified to express my friendship with him, my full respect of him, giving to him my highest recommendation.'

How blessed I have been to have shared life with this gracious, insightful, committed human being, catalyst and lateral thinker!

One day after his death upon my return to Alice Springs, I was in the supermarket at the checkout unloading my items when I looked up and my eyes met a circle of dark brown eyes of people from Utju. I heard 'We miss him very much Maria.'


Maria Power 

Sometimes I long
for the glacial clarity 
of God
The razor edge
cold diamond purity of God.

- Con