Desmond Boswell D. 2009 The so-called" Hermit of Hudson," His laugh, his ability to live with next to nothing and remain totally happy, taught us all about the meaninglessness of materialism, and the total value of nature. A supremely compassionate man, who had a deep love for all beings. I more than once watched him talk mosquitoes out of biting him.

My Grandmother, Kathleen Rhodes, ca.1920. She gave me my first enormous lesson about compassion. And later about the psyche and the nature of death. All who met her were touched deeply by her care for others.

My mother(on left) before her stroke, with a group of her piano students. Taught me passion for life and how to follow my heart.

My paternal grandfather Canoeing with his stepsisters in Algonquin park. the love of nature has always been big in my family.

My father as a young man receiving an award for highest grades in Canada for accounting. Gave me a love of history, study and taught me social responsibility.

High School Teacher, Armenian, John Torunian, one of the truly great teachers. Introduced us to the love of literature in grade 8 through Cat Steven's and Bob Dylan albums, and then to recordings of WB Yeat's an Dylan Thomas' readings, from there it was an easier step to Shakespeare, Dante, and Tolstoy. Seen here visiting Japan 2017. He is in large part responsible for getting me to start performing publicly and writing songs.

Richard Callan, 1940-2005 One of the great teachers. Taught us to question all authority, including his. Taught us not to be afraid of dangerous tools. Taught us never to become manipulated fools

Richard Callan w. Britta, Never stopped philosophizing. Or smoking. But that was not the cause.

Never stopped enjoying life to the last. Okay it probably was a cause. ..but he was never afraid of living or dying.

3 Great Teacher Friends ca. 1981-2 at the Teepee made by Magic(l) & The Great One(r). Desmond Boswell (c), "The Hermit" taught us all about compassion, nature, and living frugally.

Dr. Eileen Preston, Concordia University, awoke me to the wonder of the Classics and the Power of Myth. Truly helped me find my way. I assistant taught for her large classes of 100 students. So many would tell me they adored her. She really inspired people to see the bigger picture in life.

Dr. TS Rukmani, Professor of Sanskrit and Hinduism Concordia University. Very open minded. Accepted me on a retreat on Hindu Mythology though I was not in her class. She helped me really see the universality of pagan thought.