Mowbray Bates

Dear Mary
We were so saddened to hear that your lovely and much loved Mo has passed away.
We remember him fondly as a gentle and kindly man who had passion for the arts and for communities. His work at NOW was forward thinking and instrumental in the development of much that followed in the Belfast Community Arts scene.
We trust that you are surrounded by love in these days to come as you adjust to your new family life. His influence on your children will undoubtedly have been wonderful and I hope that the memories you have will enrich your family in the coming days.
Much love from Mark and Deborah

Dear Mary and Maille.

So sorry to hear of Mo's passing. Unfortunately just heard the news today. My heartfelt condolences to you and the family. I will remember him kindly.

Gerry

Dear Mary and family,
I was very sad to hear from Eddie last week that Mowbray had passed away.
I first met yourselves as a young adult at Eddie's home, and saw you last at Jem's wedding. Mowbray always struck me as a calm, wise presence, and reading his blog reinforced this impression. His postings made an impact on me, although, much to my regret I only completed reading them last week and did not respond to any of them. I work as a mental health nurse and so much of what he posted resonates with my practice and will, hopefully, feed into and improve it. Not to mention, help me grow personally.
So although I did not know him at all well, I wanted to send my condolences, and also to let you know that his wisdom continues to inspire.

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with you all these past few days. Sending you strength and love,
Danni

I was out of communication for the last week and arrived home to the news of Mo's passing. Although I had not spoken to Mo for over 15 years, I have often reflected on our time together in the 70's and 80's and his insights into questions and challenges of the time. He made me stop and think, sometimes changing a direction or action, as a result. I was always glad to be in his company, not forgetting his gentle humour. My sympathies are with Mary and the family at this sad time.

Dear Mary, dear family of Mo's- whom I unfortunately don't know,

Mo(wbray) played a very important role in my growing up from a daft and selfish adolescent to a somewhat more responsible adultish person. And so did you, Mary! I was formed in many ways in our time with NOW in Belfast, and the experiences of that time are still a fundamental part of my life.
It was a very double experience to get back in touch after so many years. It was so shocking to read about Mo's cancer, and at the same time writing about how to live with it, he showed me again the wise and witty man I remembered from the '80s in Belfast.
I wish you all a lot of love and hope. Have a beautiful ceremony today.
To borrow Mo's wish: Good Luck!

Hans van Dorp
Amsterdam, Netherlands

Dear Mary and family, please accept my most sincere condolences. Thinking of you all.
Love and sympathy,
Roisin

Dear Mary and family we are so sad to hear your news. We are thinking of you all these many miles away. Be strong and we hope you are surrounded by love and support. With much love and a big long hug, Tania

Very sorry to hear the sad news....
Stuart and Patricia.