This is Laura writing, and I have bad news for you. Today, 12-15-06, Virgil Butler was found dead.
That's all I have to say publicly at this time other than to convey his wish that anyone who wishes to do so may use the words written here to keep fighting the fight against the scourge of cruelty and the greed that causes it that Virgil spent the last part of his life in fighting. I will not stop doing the vital work we were doing together, though I will indeed miss him terribly. He was my best friend, my soul mate, and the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, growing old together in this house we are still building (well, I guess it's just me now, though, building it alone, isn't it?), and devoting the rest of our lives to making this a better and more peaceful world.
He will be so very greatly missed. He had a hard life and a tortured spirit, shone brightly for too short of a time, but now is finally at peace.
I loved him with all of my heart.
Goodbye, Virgil. Rest now, you very special man. There will be no other one like you. You touched many lives - mine so very much - and I will never forget you. I will keep trying to fight the fight without you by my side, though I cannot imagine doing that right now. This place will always be the sanctuary it was for you and the all of the many others who have come here hurting, especially the many lost and abused animals - a place of healing and love and peace.
I will always love you.
Goodbye, Babes.
Laura
So sad. He inspired me.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry.
Laura, I amd so sad and so stunned. Virgil was, and always be, an inspiration to me. I cannot imagine a finer human being. His legacy will live on, and I pledge with all my heart to keep fighting for the animals as he would have wanted. The world is better, more compassionate, more complete because os Virgil.
ReplyDeleteHe's with the animals in heaven now. He cared for them; they'll care for him.
I'm so sorry, Laura.
Gary
Laura, I am sorry for your loss. Virgil was an inspiration to us all and his activism is a legacy which will live on through you and those of us who he touched with his compassion.
ReplyDeleteMy heart breaks for you! Please be strong and continue to carry on his legacy, he seemed to be an incredible human being and the world is a darker place without him.
ReplyDeleteI shed some tears tonight over the loss of a truly pure and good person. I am so sorry, Laura.
ReplyDelete-Kath
Laura,
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry for your loss, and those of us in the AR "movement" certainly appreciated everything that Virgil exposed and educated people on. Please let us know if we can do anything. Cherie
Dearest Laura,
ReplyDeleteCrying for you. The world has lost an important animal advocate, but your loss is unimaginable. Words can't convey how sad I am for you. Virgil and you were a team that did great things.
Sending you hope and warmth and love,
rift
Virgil was truly a hero to me. What an incredible human being.
ReplyDeleteI thank him deeply for the work he did, and I send you love and gratitude for your work together.
This is truly an unbelievable loss.
Warmly, from Canada,
Lauren
Dear Laura,
ReplyDeleteI heard Virgil speak at the AR 2005 conference in Los Angeles. I was so moved by his story and his courage. Although I did not know him personally, he was, and continues to be, an inspiration to me. I am so very saddened by Virgil's departure. My heart goes out to you.
with love and caring,
Bet
http://growabrain.typepad.com/growabrain/2006/12/cyber_activist_.html
ReplyDeleteLaura,
ReplyDeleteI heard Virgil on a podcast a while back. He really inspired me. He seemed so kind and thoughtful. I am so sorry for your loss.
--Ellen
My thoughts are with you, Laura.
ReplyDeleteDear Laura, my heart goes out to you for your tragic loss. Virgil was icon to many of us who campaign for animals. He was courageous and so very kind. Please continue his work --- you were his inspiration. Bless you.
ReplyDelete--Meredith
Laura, my heart goes out to you for your tragic loss.Virgil was truly an icon to many of us who campaign for the animals and I know he made a difference to those who had the privaledge to hear him speak.He was kind and courageous.I hope you find the strength to carry on his work -- you were his inspiration.Bless you!
ReplyDelete--Meredith
Dear Laura,
ReplyDeletewe've met you and Virgil at the Animal Rights conference in 2005 in Los Angeles. Virgil's speech was such an inspiration, and so honest and from the heart. It is so brave of you to do what you're doing in the midst of much opposition and with little funding.
Virgil's health wasn't the best, with all he's been through, but we all wish he had more time on earth with you and the critters. He will never be forgotten, he was truly a good man even when he wouldn't think so of himself.
This is so hard for you, with the house still to finish, and we wish we could make the hurt go away with a magic wand. Tons of supportive good thoughts for you, all the strength. Please let us all know what we can do.
Lots of gentle hugs, Andrea & Mike
Laura,
ReplyDeletemy heart breaks for you...I hope
all the love that's being sent your
way will somehow give you strength
and comfort.
We all know what a remarkable & wonderful person Virgil was and you too
Sending you healing thoughts
Ginger in Queens NY
I'm deeply saddened to hear of this. You are in my prayers and I wish for you all the strength and resilience in these troubling times.
ReplyDeleteDave, England.
my deepest sympathies
ReplyDeleteDear Laura,
ReplyDeleteWe have just read about Virgil's passing and even though we are so far away from you (we live in Barcelona, Spain) I send you all my support. Virgil became a symbol of compassion for so many people and was the proof that every human being can change the world. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you do, Virgil will never be forgotten!
Querol Viñas Family
Laura,
ReplyDeleteI met you and Virgil at the AR conference in 2005. Virgil's speech was so powerful and I was so impressed and touched by his story. He was a true inspiration to me...
I'm deeply saddened to hear about his passing. My thoughts and heart are with you during this difficult time. I also want to thank you both for everything you've done for the animals.
~Kristin
Dear Laura:
ReplyDeleteMy condolences to you on the unfathonable loss of your partner and best friend. I spoke with Virgil by phone once and I truly believe that he is one of the true heroes of our time: one of the unsung heroes! Many people though knew how brave he was to stand up to those corporate giants and speak the truth. I am sure that when he reached his eternal reward - the Creator of all creatures, wrapped his arms around Virgil and told him to come home my good and faithful servant. My thoughts and prayers are with you Laura at this time.
God bless you and Virgil for all that both of you have done in the name of justice and compassion. He will not be forgotten!
God bless,
Terry - Canada
Dear Laura,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your/our world's/the animals huge loss. I always wonder why it is the good, caring people who seem to go too soon ! Perhaps it is all the heart ache, frustration, and pain they feel throughout life caring so deeply about such important things that the great majority see as meaningless. His life was not in vain as I am sure you know, so many were touched and moved by Virgil to fight for innocent creatures. All my sympathy and encouragement in these hard times.
Lauren