Owsley "Bear" Stanley - 1935-2011
I met Owsley at the age of eighteen. I had just left home, having run off with a Rock&Roll band. Bear, as we knew him, was one of my all-time biggest influences. Always, when I think of him, I think of the endless stuff he taught me or somehow made me realize, all stuff that I've been able to use to the benefit of countless people who probably don't know much about him or how deeply he influenced me and the rest of the band. Most important was the approach he taught me and us: Always be open and engaging - always critical and questioning, but not negatively so much as playfully. He taught me to take myself and my interests out of the picture and work with the subject under consideration so that the best deductions or conclusions are made. I guess this means working from the point of view of the higher self, though that term never came up; it was always just assumed...
-Bob Weir
I too sent bear a e-mail and i freaked too he e-mailed me back it was right after 9-11 i asked him about our situation in iraq and about the state of America and he replied ......Run get out as fast as you can,Talking about th usa i was rolling...........Got to hear the wall of sound in the 70s it wa awesome............Rest in Peace
Bear in the air.
I never met Bear nor most of you others out there. But in various ways you changed my life forever. Peace and be well. See you next time around.
Rosey
Only got to see you in 84 but so glad you studied chemistry.
Thank you Bear, for Everything. Rave On, Kid Charlemagne, Rave on. I'll see you in the Next Life.
I'd have never lived through my high school years were it not for those wonderful concoctions. Rest easy, and join the growing choir!
Fare Thee well, Bear!
In the mid 90's, I had some curiosities and questions, and found Owsely's website and direct email address. He promptly and personally responded to my inquiry, and recommended that I read this book: The Kybalion: Hermetic Philosophy by Three Initiates.
Thank you, Bear, for being a bold dreamer, leader, and friend.
I met him over twenty-five years ago in Kansas City. I don't think I've ever met a more pleasant, gentle, kind person. My condolences to his family and to band members and staff who were closer to him.
Location
I never met Bear, at least I don't think I did, who knows though?, as he was reportedly at many Dead shows over the years. I did, however, get to sample some of his product in 1980 at a Dead show in Michigan at Pine Knob. I obtained it from a Dead roadie and had the time of my life! In any event, Bear influenced more people than he could ever know. May he rest in peace and keep on truckin'. Get along, get along Kid Charlemagne...