I was privileged to have know his Grace. He was the one who cured me of "peer fright" when I first joined the SCA. I was helping in the kitchen at an Aethelmarc event and here was this big blonde guy up to his elbows in dishwater, cracking jokes and telling stories. I didn't know he was a peer as his white belt was hidden underneath his tunic fold and the tail behind the sink he was standing at (I missed the chain). It wasn't until the dishes were done that I realized that he was a knight and after inquiring, found out that he was a duke to boot!
He was a rare and noble soul that will be greatly missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family. May they find comfort in each other and in this family we call the SCA.
Warm, compassionate, this gentle giant will be missed. The last few days have been arduous sleepless nights, with no desire to eat as I prayed for a miracle. Yet, as divine providence would have it, necessarily the inevitable would be much more accepted rather than to see a man who gave so much of himself to suffer in his last moments. That for me would be more painful indeed.
I first met Morguhn at my first SCA event. I had joined the SCA for some months but, since I was a city dweller, did not have a car to get to any of them outside of NYC. Hearing of an event that I thought I could get to, my friend, Cassiopeia of the Moors, and I, packing our finest Elizabethan clothing and jumped on a bus at port authority to make the trek to Concordia of the Snows for Coronation and the last court of Morguhn and Rowen. We had no idea where we were going so we dressed in the bathroom of the bus.
We knew no one at this event and had no idea of protocol, so as many know, I with my renaissance faire persona, ignorant of protocol, introduced myself haughtily as “La Contessa Isabella of York.” Well that went over like a lead balloon. Through the frosty smiles of those standing by and listening to me being corrected and the awkwardness of the moment, one of the persons of memory was Morguhn. When he introduced himself, with not one bit of self-absorption and found out that I was new to the Society, he intoned, “We need to do more for newcomers.” He then went on to introduce me and my friend to people at the event. Because we made no feast reservations (we had no idea to do so), he introduced us to the likes of Baroness Teragram and others and we all went to a local restaurant.
Afterwards we returned to the site for the end of the meal to just be in the room and were then invited by Morguhn to a post revel (of course). He asked, "Where are you crashing?" to which we replied, “We are looking for a moderately priced hotel.” Morguhn took it upon himself to arrange for us to stay at his mother’s house. I was so impressed that this man, who had never laid eyes on us, would extend such generosity and friendship. He taught me in my early stages of the Society what true friendship and family are. Never once making me feel like a “newbie” rather the welcoming of a “newcomer” made this memory lasting.
This deep friendship created from that early event would last almost 25 years. As I served him when he was king, he served me when I was queen, even though by that time, he was now king of Aethelmearc. His strength, humility, passion and deep commitment to the Society taught me that such great and passionate leadership coupled with humility could only come from one whose passion and humility was learned by serving. I know that the shoes that he has left behind to be filled are big indeed. The shadow that such love and commitment has cast has touched anyone who knew him, even for one moment.
With tears of fond remembrance, I say, “Godspeed good knight, friend and brother, may God carry you to your rest.”
I met Morguhn when I was 11 years old, new to the SCA, and sort of on my own - friends brought me, and my parents were never involved.
This was the early 80s, he was quite young himself, and instead of being annoyed by a kid, he treated me like I was a favored kid sister. He and Redhawk nick named me Puddlejumper, because I was so very tiny (I'd eventually get to 5'2" and stop there).
A few years later, when my Dad's job moved us to the Midrealm, he still took time to acknowledge me at Pennsic, and remained a friend, even as he started climbing the SCA ladder and winning Crowns. I would always see him - with Rowan and Silverlock and the whole crew - when I flew back to Coppertree to visit Arwen and Daniel (Master Daniel del Cavallo), my friends, and at Pennsic.
I probably haven't had a real conversation with him in 10 years. And I've missed Pennsic now two years running because of my mundane job.
I'll miss him greatly, he was a dear soul, and I am saddened by his loss.
Though I never had the chance to meet him, I am saddened that Society has lost a man such as His Grace, and well before his time. I am also saddened at the loss of a Brother in the Fraternity. A Light among men has been extinguished.
The busy world is hushed and the fever of life is over and his work is done. In Thy mercy grant him a safe lodging and a Holy rest and peace at last. Amen.
May God keep you, Brother, and may you find Peace in the Celestial Lodge above.
Geoffrey of Blesedale, East Kingdom aka Jeffrey Blaisdell Poughkeepsie Lodge #266 Free & Accepted Masons, New York
Ekaterina, this is a beautiful tribute, I'm glad it was posted. I am so proud to be among those able to say I knew Morghun. He was such a great man. Since I joined the SCA 8 years ago, he stands as an image of true chivalry and the spirit of the society for me. It breaks my heart that he’s gone.
I did not know Morguhn as well as I would have liked. However, I knew him as a Brother Knight, a man with the same sense of honor and justice as I hope I have. He did me a great service once in Drachenwald, a lifetime ago. I have never forgotten it. I will always remember him with great joy!
Morguhn was unafraid, even as king, of mucking about with us outcasts and mercenaries of the Mountain Confederation. I first met him when he was king and he attended an event sponsored by Confed (but as I recall, he came "incognito", so as not to burden us with an all-out Royal Progress event)
We are not, on the whole, beloved of monarchs, but Morguhn knew how to wear his crown lightly and to show honor and respect to all people, even those of us who delight in playing the "mercenary thug."
That night over a flowing bottle or two, he said something about kingship that made me look at crowned heads in a whole new light: that one of his favorite parts was being the one to bring such joy to people in court, via the giving of awards. After others had done all the work of nominating, recommending, creating scrolls, etc., he was the one who had the joyful duty of actually giving the award, and incidentally having the best seat in the house to see the looks on their faces, shining in that glorious moment.
Morguhn's description of servant-kingship returns to me often in my mundane life as a Catholic priest, especially when I see the joy shining in the faces of a couple on their wedding day, and I give thanks for having a role that gives me "the best seat in the house" to see it.
I didn't know him well, but well enough to know his goodness, and to deeply regret his passing.
Champion of the Rapier, Model of courtesy and chivalry, true friend, he delighted in giving to others and recognizing those deservant of praise.
It is hard to describe the person Duke Morghun Sheridan was. He was all these and so much more. He was indeed a true friend. I was blessed that I could call him that. My heart cries and mourns his passing.
I remember vividly when I first met Morghun. It was when he won his first crown tourney. Rowan had hugged me so hard she nearly chocked me. I remember the many events we shared. One stands out in particular-how the BBM feastacrat called a halt to Morghun's court by threatening to light matches and cook His Majesty's steak. Morghun like his meat "From a calf whose mother was scared by a picture of a match." There are more memories. So many to count.
It is not just Aethelmarc that mourns his passing, but the whole known world. Morghun's friends are many and in many places.
Tonight I ask all to huddle close, raise your glass and look to the sky for the brightest star. Let us raise our voices in one last vivat for our friend for all he did.
Thank you for this tribute. My heart is breaking for you and for so many others who were close to him. May you find peace, strength and comfort in one another in the coming days. Morgaine
I knew him only by his modern persona through the Masonic Lodge when I was Station at Griffiss AFB in Rome in the early 90's. We met only once and spoke for a short while but the impression was a lasting one.
I'm crying for the death a man I knew little of, I'm crying more for his Ladies whom I knew not at all, But most for the great love they shared, Now relegated to Memory's hallowed hall.
It scarce seemed real that such a man lived, Could passion and tenderness exist in one soul? Yet those who knew him better say 'aye, it did' And every life he touched felt more whole.
Our sorrow this day we cannot hide Yet we know that in the end The world may be a lesser place But God has a new best friend.
You and everyone who remembers him and speaks his name is the best tribute. I am so glad I found this list from Geossalyn, my sister.
I did not get to go to the funeral because I chose instead to light a fire in a bowl and meditate on the memories.
He was so great, my heart aches for the living who loved him so.
He was the second person I told about my spinal cord disease and my brother being in a coma. He sat with me for moments while I cried and regained my composure and his solid care for a person he knew only little touched me forever.
You are a testament to his greatness.
two days after Morguhn passed my brother passed, two days after that my brother's dog passed from refusing to eat or drink. I ached for the loss and thought of Merwyn and Ro.
The memories of his kindness and compassion carries us through this tough time and the words of his ladies and knowing I can always find a friend in them calms my turbulent soul.
God Speed Valkyrie's guide you to your rest in Valhalla.
I am so sorry for your loss! I too have lost far too many friends. It is not how a person dies, but how they lived, and each of us touches other people’s lives causing a ripple effect. A ripple effect can change the course of someone’s life, which in turn could change another person’s life, and on and on. The ripples and influence of our actions reach far beyond the one life we can touch. Many people, including those whom your friend never knew, had their lives changed for the better. It is these ripple effects, which bring hope, and renews our belief that life, whether short or long, always has meaning. Your friend’s life touched so many others, and no one will ever know the changes that were created simply because he was at the right place at the right time lending a helping hand, an ear, or giving a kind word. How fortunate you were to be in the path of the ripples he caused. No doubt your life was touched by his and those memories will continue to reverberate throughout the rest of your life. I hope that with time you will be able to smile about the good times. My thoughts will be with you.
The Bubble Poem Peer, and Pauper, Squire, and Queen, Come and blow bubbles with me on the Green. Pirate, rogue, and Knight so bold Remember what it was like before you got so old! Duchess, Dancer, and Lady Fair Come blow bubbles in the air.
Remember friends of days gone by, Of friends no longer at our side, Think of friends left at home, I honor them with bubbles and a poem.
There are two magical times of day: At the dawn and at the falling of the sun's ray's. Join me blowing bubbles, in those beams, Believe in magic and The Dream. You, me, bubbles, friends at dusk, Priceless!
Your SCA Fairy Godmother Look for me on Facebook as Sca Godmother
okay. John McLaughlin/Tristen was a shock. But Morguhn? all my friends are WHAT?
look: we old fighters have to TALK. about our safety record.
tristen: i was his man at arms. i stopped attending because Philly folk are acidy snobs. I was called Hakeem ibn-Rohan. now i am Fastrunner of the Dark Horde. NONE OF THAT MATTERS. Headshots...
these are a recurring problem in the NFL. Guys are dying on the field. Guys who have been using less head protection than we do by the comfy snug margin we're all used to. If not famous for. But.
Not enough. One good bellringing was enough to send me back to bardic circles and scouting. There has to be some...architects or CAD guys who can sit down and rethink helm standards for THE WHOLE SOCIETY.
brain injuries are subtle. most people as bhakailis prove do not use most of the brain. as a result things like alsheimer's come out to get us when we are in our infirmity. but the brain injury was there all the time.
i am beyond words. my heart bleeds most for those whose hearts must bleed for me. that's who think there's no need to rethink helmet specs and upgrade for the WHOLE SOCIETY, all sanctioned actions before no more than two years have passed. i have no awards or titles. i like mundane life fine.
but this is serious. as in: leave war after taking some ringing blows, sure you didn't damage your brain. sure. cause you got that head-up cat scan in yer old subaru there, don't ya, doughty of smackington?
you NEED a CAT scan to find out not if, but HOW your brain is doing.
i found this out the hard way. i don't even facebook and won't be messaged here...basically i am all but done with the society. of course, i make the finest meads in the ivye-in-rust, but none of you care for THAT.
fix helmets. for real. or well, if you don't wanna do that it is already too late. Godspeed to the Heavens for Morhguhn and Treestone and any other good gentles who i now regret smashing with Judah-the-many-named's heavy old katanas...
baronessekat) wrote in 
sca,
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September 24 2008, 16:05:26 UTC 4 years ago
September 24 2008, 17:07:40 UTC 4 years ago
He was a rare and noble soul that will be greatly missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family. May they find comfort in each other and in this family we call the SCA.
September 24 2008, 23:37:29 UTC 4 years ago
Duke Morguhn Sheridan
Warm, compassionate, this gentle giant will be missed. The last few days have been arduous sleepless nights, with no desire to eat as I prayed for a miracle. Yet, as divine providence would have it, necessarily the inevitable would be much more accepted rather than to see a man who gave so much of himself to suffer in his last moments. That for me would be more painful indeed.I first met Morguhn at my first SCA event. I had joined the SCA for some months but, since I was a city dweller, did not have a car to get to any of them outside of NYC. Hearing of an event that I thought I could get to, my friend, Cassiopeia of the Moors, and I, packing our finest Elizabethan clothing and jumped on a bus at port authority to make the trek to Concordia of the Snows for Coronation and the last court of Morguhn and Rowen. We had no idea where we were going so we dressed in the bathroom of the bus.
We knew no one at this event and had no idea of protocol, so as many know, I with my renaissance faire persona, ignorant of protocol, introduced myself haughtily as “La Contessa Isabella of York.” Well that went over like a lead balloon. Through the frosty smiles of those standing by and listening to me being corrected and the awkwardness of the moment, one of the persons of memory was Morguhn. When he introduced himself, with not one bit of self-absorption and found out that I was new to the Society, he intoned, “We need to do more for newcomers.” He then went on to introduce me and my friend to people at the event. Because we made no feast reservations (we had no idea to do so), he introduced us to the likes of Baroness Teragram and others and we all went to a local restaurant.
Afterwards we returned to the site for the end of the meal to just be in the room and were then invited by Morguhn to a post revel (of course). He asked, "Where are you crashing?" to which we replied, “We are looking for a moderately priced hotel.” Morguhn took it upon himself to arrange for us to stay at his mother’s house. I was so impressed that this man, who had never laid eyes on us, would extend such generosity and friendship. He taught me in my early stages of the Society what true friendship and family are. Never once making me feel like a “newbie” rather the welcoming of a “newcomer” made this memory lasting.
This deep friendship created from that early event would last almost 25 years. As I served him when he was king, he served me when I was queen, even though by that time, he was now king of Aethelmearc. His strength, humility, passion and deep commitment to the Society taught me that such great and passionate leadership coupled with humility could only come from one whose passion and humility was learned by serving. I know that the shoes that he has left behind to be filled are big indeed. The shadow that such love and commitment has cast has touched anyone who knew him, even for one moment.
With tears of fond remembrance, I say, “Godspeed good knight, friend and brother, may God carry you to your rest.”
Duquesa Isabella of York
September 25 2008, 00:56:32 UTC 4 years ago
This was the early 80s, he was quite young himself, and instead of being annoyed by a kid, he treated me like I was a favored kid sister. He and Redhawk nick named me Puddlejumper, because I was so very tiny (I'd eventually get to 5'2" and stop there).
A few years later, when my Dad's job moved us to the Midrealm, he still took time to acknowledge me at Pennsic, and remained a friend, even as he started climbing the SCA ladder and winning Crowns. I would always see him - with Rowan and Silverlock and the whole crew - when I flew back to Coppertree to visit Arwen and Daniel (Master Daniel del Cavallo), my friends, and at Pennsic.
I probably haven't had a real conversation with him in 10 years. And I've missed Pennsic now two years running because of my mundane job.
I'll miss him greatly, he was a dear soul, and I am saddened by his loss.
Gwendolen, Regina Meridies
Anonymous
September 25 2008, 02:12:05 UTC 4 years ago
His Grace
He was my hero.Anonymous
September 25 2008, 03:31:07 UTC 4 years ago
Rest well, Brother
Though I never had the chance to meet him, I am saddened that Society has lost a man such as His Grace, and well before his time. I am also saddened at the loss of a Brother in the Fraternity. A Light among men has been extinguished.The busy world is hushed and the fever of life is over and his work is done. In Thy mercy grant him a safe lodging and a Holy rest and peace at last. Amen.
May God keep you, Brother, and may you find Peace in the Celestial Lodge above.
Geoffrey of Blesedale, East Kingdom
aka Jeffrey Blaisdell
Poughkeepsie Lodge #266 Free & Accepted Masons, New York
Anonymous
September 25 2008, 03:43:02 UTC 4 years ago
Heavy hearted
Ekaterina, this is a beautiful tribute, I'm glad it was posted.I am so proud to be among those able to say I knew Morghun. He was such a great man. Since I joined the SCA 8 years ago, he stands as an image of true chivalry and the spirit of the society for me. It breaks my heart that he’s gone.
- Aeronwen Fahy (Aerin)
September 25 2008, 03:56:52 UTC 4 years ago
(((((HUGS))) and love
Anonymous
September 25 2008, 17:53:10 UTC 4 years ago
Duke Morguhn Sheridan
I did not know Morguhn as well as I would have liked. However, I knew him as a Brother Knight, a man with the same sense of honor and justice as I hope I have. He did me a great service once in Drachenwald, a lifetime ago. I have never forgotten it. I will always remember him with great joy!Viscount Syr Raim,
Anonymous
September 26 2008, 21:42:18 UTC 4 years ago
Farewell to Good King Morguhn
Morguhn was unafraid, even as king, of mucking about with us outcasts and mercenaries of the Mountain Confederation. I first met him when he was king and he attended an event sponsored by Confed (but as I recall, he came "incognito", so as not to burden us with an all-out Royal Progress event)We are not, on the whole, beloved of monarchs, but Morguhn knew how to wear his crown lightly and to show honor and respect to all people, even those of us who delight in playing the "mercenary thug."
That night over a flowing bottle or two, he said something about kingship that made me look at crowned heads in a whole new light: that one of his favorite parts was being the one to bring such joy to people in court, via the giving of awards. After others had done all the work of nominating, recommending, creating scrolls, etc., he was the one who had the joyful duty of actually giving the award, and incidentally having the best seat in the house to see the looks on their faces, shining in that glorious moment.
Morguhn's description of servant-kingship returns to me often in my mundane life as a Catholic priest, especially when I see the joy shining in the faces of a couple on their wedding day, and I give thanks for having a role that gives me "the best seat in the house" to see it.
I didn't know him well, but well enough to know his goodness, and to deeply regret his passing.
Lord Tyrvar the Unyielding
Confed
Anonymous
September 27 2008, 01:12:26 UTC 4 years ago
Tribute to Duke Morghun
Champion of the Rapier, Model of courtesy and chivalry, true friend, he delighted in giving to others and recognizing those deservant of praise.It is hard to describe the person Duke Morghun Sheridan was. He was all these and so much more. He was indeed a true friend. I was blessed that I could call him that. My heart cries and mourns his passing.
I remember vividly when I first met Morghun. It was when he won his first crown tourney. Rowan had hugged me so hard she nearly chocked me. I remember the many events we shared. One stands out in particular-how the BBM feastacrat called a halt to Morghun's court by threatening to light matches and cook His Majesty's steak. Morghun like his meat "From a calf whose mother was scared by a picture of a match." There are more memories. So many to count.
It is not just Aethelmarc that mourns his passing, but the whole known world. Morghun's friends are many and in many places.
Tonight I ask all to huddle close, raise your glass and look to the sky for the brightest star. Let us raise our voices in one last vivat for our friend for all he did.
Godspead Morghun, We will miss you.
HL Sindara Lind Rachael of the Falconshield
September 27 2008, 04:32:35 UTC 4 years ago
Anonymous
September 28 2008, 14:12:32 UTC 4 years ago
I wish I knew him better...
I knew him only by his modern persona through the Masonic Lodge when I was Station at Griffiss AFB in Rome in the early 90's. We met only once and spoke for a short while but the impression was a lasting one.I'm crying for the death a man I knew little of,
I'm crying more for his Ladies whom I knew not at all,
But most for the great love they shared,
Now relegated to Memory's hallowed hall.
It scarce seemed real that such a man lived,
Could passion and tenderness exist in one soul?
Yet those who knew him better say 'aye, it did'
And every life he touched felt more whole.
Our sorrow this day we cannot hide
Yet we know that in the end
The world may be a lesser place
But God has a new best friend.
October 17 2008, 02:47:42 UTC 4 years ago
to the ladies
You and everyone who remembers him and speaks his name is the best tribute. I am so glad I found this list from Geossalyn, my sister.I did not get to go to the funeral because I chose instead to light a fire in a bowl and meditate on the memories.
He was so great, my heart aches for the living who loved him so.
He was the second person I told about my spinal cord disease and my brother being in a coma. He sat with me for moments while I cried and regained my composure and his solid care for a person he knew only little touched me forever.
You are a testament to his greatness.
two days after Morguhn passed my brother passed, two days after that my brother's dog passed from refusing to eat or drink. I ached for the loss and thought of Merwyn and Ro.
The memories of his kindness and compassion carries us through this tough time and the words of his ladies and knowing I can always find a friend in them calms my turbulent soul.
God Speed Valkyrie's guide you to your rest in Valhalla.
KeenJoy
August 21 2009, 08:58:18 UTC 3 years ago
May he Dwell Forever in The Hall of The Dream
I am so sorry for your loss! I too have lost far too many friends. It is not how a person dies, but how they lived, and each of us touches other people’s lives causing a ripple effect. A ripple effect can change the course of someone’s life, which in turn could change another person’s life, and on and on. The ripples and influence of our actions reach far beyond the one life we can touch. Many people, including those whom your friend never knew, had their lives changed for the better. It is these ripple effects, which bring hope, and renews our belief that life, whether short or long, always has meaning. Your friend’s life touched so many others, and no one will ever know the changes that were created simply because he was at the right place at the right time lending a helping hand, an ear, or giving a kind word. How fortunate you were to be in the path of the ripples he caused. No doubt your life was touched by his and those memories will continue to reverberate throughout the rest of your life. I hope that with time you will be able to smile about the good times. My thoughts will be with you.The Bubble Poem
Peer, and Pauper, Squire, and Queen,
Come and blow bubbles with me on the Green.
Pirate, rogue, and Knight so bold
Remember what it was like before you got so old!
Duchess, Dancer, and Lady Fair
Come blow bubbles in the air.
Remember friends of days gone by,
Of friends no longer at our side,
Think of friends left at home,
I honor them with bubbles and a poem.
There are two magical times of day:
At the dawn and at the falling of the sun's ray's.
Join me blowing bubbles, in those beams,
Believe in magic and The Dream.
You, me, bubbles, friends at dusk, Priceless!
Your SCA Fairy Godmother
Look for me on Facebook as
Sca Godmother
September 20 2010, 16:08:54 UTC 2 years ago
i'm angry now.
okay. John McLaughlin/Tristen was a shock. But Morguhn? all my friends are WHAT?look: we old fighters have to TALK. about our safety record.
tristen: i was his man at arms. i stopped attending because Philly folk are acidy snobs. I was called Hakeem ibn-Rohan. now i am Fastrunner of the Dark Horde. NONE OF THAT MATTERS. Headshots...
these are a recurring problem in the NFL. Guys are dying on the field. Guys who have been using less head protection than we do by the comfy snug margin we're all used to. If not famous for. But.
Not enough. One good bellringing was enough to send me back to bardic circles and scouting. There has to be some...architects or CAD guys who can sit down and rethink helm standards for THE WHOLE SOCIETY.
brain injuries are subtle. most people as bhakailis prove do not use most of the brain. as a result things like alsheimer's come out to get us when we are in our infirmity. but the brain injury was there all the time.
i am beyond words. my heart bleeds most for those whose hearts must bleed for me. that's who think there's no need to rethink helmet specs and upgrade for the WHOLE SOCIETY, all sanctioned actions before no more than two years have passed. i have no awards or titles. i like mundane life fine.
but this is serious. as in: leave war after taking some ringing blows, sure you didn't damage your brain. sure. cause you got that head-up cat scan in yer old subaru there, don't ya, doughty of smackington?
you NEED a CAT scan to find out not if, but HOW your brain is doing.
i found this out the hard way. i don't even facebook and won't be messaged here...basically i am all but done with the society. of course, i make the finest meads in the ivye-in-rust, but none of you care for THAT.
fix helmets. for real. or well, if you don't wanna do that it is already too late. Godspeed to the Heavens for Morhguhn and Treestone and any other good gentles who i now regret smashing with Judah-the-many-named's heavy old katanas...
the late hakim
(ip freely, cyberspace)
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