Lois Beebe Hayna

Message from Maui

Lois came to visit with us one chilly afternoon in November of 2011. Afterward, this exchange took place.

Now that I am old, I am proud of the young.
They mass on my TV screen waiving their arms,
not pitchforks. They construct signs, not barricades.
They endure weather and discomfort
and loss of paychecks. They laugh
into cameras. They sing. They persist.
I wish I were one of them.

Louis Bebe Hayna
Colorado Springs Poet Laureate Emeritus

You are one of us Lois. You always were. I'm glad you got to see this.
SJB

Message from Tracy Miller

I only just learned of the passing of this wonderful person. She boarded at our family farm when my mother was young, during her first teaching job at a one-room school, Hillcrest, up the road from where my family lived, in Central Wisconsin. She corresponded with four generations of my family, beginning with my great-grandparents, grandmother, mother and finally myself. She described to me how she and my great-grandfather, Lindsey Clark, wrote a play together that was performed by a community group at at the Woodman Hall. This was in the early 1930's, I believe about 1932. Her stories of my great-grandfather brought him to life for me, as I never knew him. She was a consummate story teller and story collector. I love her poetry and will always remember her for the gift she gave me of the stories of my family's history. Thank you, Lois!

Message from Connie Hanson

I had the honor of hearing Ms. Hayna speak at Valley Area on Aging . She read a poem about Little Red Riding Hood, and I was mesmerized. I bought all of her poetry books. Today, I picked up "A Book of Charms" and randomly came across a poem called, "Malediction in Farewell." I have read that poem at least 20 times today. Ms. Hayna's poems do that to me. They are brilliant, sometimes have secret meanings, loop around to the past and come back to the present. I wanted to tell her how her poetry is better than any I have ever read, and how it sometimes opens my eyes to things I didn't realize existed. I googled her name, and found what I was afraid I might see. Ms Hayna, I see that you believe you will be back some day in a future incarnation , "in a fair form, and infinitely more clever." Although I can't imagine the more clever part, I hope in your next life you find your " reinvented shape and charm him unaware." Because, as you said, in that next life nothing you swore in this life holds true." I wish I could have told you in this life how wonderful I think you are, but maybe I will cross your path again.

Message from EUSTACE H Hallowell II

THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO PART OF YOUR "FANTASTIC , AMAZING , GREAT AND WONDERFUL " LIFE .

Message from Anita Jepson-Gilbert

So many of us in Colorado will always be grateful for the many years she worked to create a community of writers where ever she lived. Today poets are thriving because of the seeds she planted in Golden, Denver and Colorado Springs. She may have been "late to the vineyard," but today that vineyard bears fruit in abundance, thanks to her tireless efforts.

Message from Elizabeth Cook, Archivist, Regis University

Lois's writings of essays, reminiscences, and especially her poetry reflected her life in such imaginative ways that it related her life to so many of our own emotions and experiences. Her writings remain for future new readers to join the large circle of friends who have already been enriched by her words.

Message from Randy and Linda Kurtz

Lois was an amazing lady and we are so fortunate to have known her for so many years. Miss her and all the fun times we've had with her.

A candle was lit by Willy Veenis on April 20, 2017 5:48 AM

Message from Kathy Dowd

What a privilege it was to have known this most amazing woman. I am blessed for the conversations, the trip to the symphony, the ice cream shared. I loved her humor, her intelligence, and the stories from her life as a teacher. From her I have learned that life can begin again at 60, and that you are never too old to teach someone else something new. Thank you, Pam Smith, for sharing your grandmother with me.

Message from Linda Carlson

There could never be a spirit quite like Lois. Never one so willing to share her knowledge and guidance with so many. She will always be my hero; I will never write another poem without thinking of her. And yet, she remains a spirit guide.
Travel well my beautiful friend.

A candle was lit by Rev. Marge Mair-Hansen & Ted Hansen on April 14, 2017 11:13 PM

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Thank you, thank you, for bringing Lois to Mid-Michigan. Her presence at the Woodside Church, Flint, Poetry Group has been an inspiration and blessing. Lois' smile and keen insight, thoughtfulness, encouragement and support of each wanna-be at the table has made an imprint on my heart and spirit. Her strength, determination, gentleness, I hope to carry on as I remain forever indebted to her. Thank you for the care you, her family and friends, provided. She was appreciative of every kindness, and aware, tho' ear and eye were failing. Lois was always fully present, even as I read aloud, her words or mine, as we shared at that "poet's table" on Court Street, Flint, Michigan. Gratefully, and sorrowfully, Marge & Ted

A candle was lit by Rev. Marge Mair-Hansen & Ted Hansen on April 14, 2017 10:51 PM

Expression of Sympathy

A TROPICAL DISH GARDEN WITH FRESH FLOWERS was sent on April 14, 2017

From the Helene Wurlitzer Foundation of New Mexico - our deepest heartfelt condolences Lois' help and support of the Foundation was greatly appreciated. She was an inspiration to all whose lives she touched.

Message from Pam Jessen

Lois has been a wonderful friend and mentor for many years. It's hard to express how much she meant to me. Only sweet dreams, Lois. I will miss you always.

Message from C.J.

On angel wings you fly, dear one! Lois, you will always be remember as an inspiration! Our short time together is held in my heart. God speed.

Message from Nancy Abbey, Branch Librarian, Montrose-Jennings Library

Lois was a cherished patron of the Montrose-Jennings Library, and was a member of our Writers Group. She was a pleasure to talk with, and her poems are very enjoyable. She will be missed more than words can say, but we will remember her here at the library.

Message from Ava Heinrichsdorff

Lois' poems, and her life, are a continuing inspiration. I am fortunate to have known her.

A candle was lit by Diane D Robinson on April 13, 2017 3:03 PM

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There is a lovely new and brighter star shining in the heavens. Lois Hayna glows among the angels. I was fortunate to meet her in the late 1980's when I moved from central NY to Colorado Springs. I was honored to write and critique with her, not only with Poetry West, but at her home regularly when she graciously and deliciously prepared monthly dinner/critique gatherings for me and another Poetry West poet who worked full time. I have missed her for a dozen years, since I moved to Oregon in 2005. I thank Pam for all she did for Lois and for all of us with whom she maintained contact regarding this fabulous woman, poet, and friend.

Message from Barb Lundy

Lois welcomed each day. She had something to say- to merge with the scents and sounds, the joys and fears that move through our world. She saw people and life with a clear eye and her observations helped the rest of us examine what we might have missed. In Taos Spring Lois wrote:
Yet if rain transforms
cracked earth to brief
and unsustainable life
why should we not
ourselves
stand in the unprotected center, take up
residence in a crucible
and wait,
perfectly certain of a miracle?

Message from Denise Gard

Lois inspired me with her passion for poetry and writing. She enriched my life by sharing hers. Her poetry reaches into the depths of our souls which allows us to discover something new about ourselves and the world. I am forever grateful to have known this amazing woman.

Expression of Sympathy

A MONET'S GARDEN TABLE BASKET was ordered on April 13, 2017

Expression of Sympathy

A FEATHERY PALM PLANT was sent on April 13, 2017

We shall see you at the great Library in the Heavens! Love,Mark J.,Cookie E.,Jessica W.& Josh the Squasher Perry

Message from Debra Carr

Sitting mesmerized in our writer's group, this beautiful, loving and fun spirit not only inspired but taught me so very much. Growing her wings, heaven has a new star. One of the brightest stars we will ever see. Shine on dear one.. Shine on!

Message from Joan Hershberger

Fly away home Dear.
The Heavens have a new star
with all the answers.

xoxoxoxoxjoan&jimxoxoxoxo

Message from Beth Ann Bassein

We in Colorado Springs are so thankful Pam and Dean were able to bring Lois for a visit not too long before she passed. We won't be thinking about poetry without thinking of Lois. We are all rewarded and energized by memories of her. We have her books and memories to inspire us. Pam and Dean, we hope we will
see again.

Message from Kathleen Silvagni

Lois came into my life 30 years ago when I started studying Italian with her daughter, Linda. I was impressed by her brilliant mind, sweet nature and keen independence which never changed through the years. I am so fortunate to have been included in her life.

A candle was lit by Shannon Edwards on April 13, 2017 11:09 AM

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Such a touching obituary. She was a lovely lady, who touched so many including myself. She will be missed but celebrated.

Message from Clark Smith

a great personal loss, a loss for poetry. a great person, poet, and inspiration to so many.

Message from Christine Geller

Lois was a great friend and inspiration. Her wisdom and insight will continue to guide me, especially when I sit down to write.
She will be missed by many.

Message from Larry Isberg

My wife and I wish to extend our condolences to all of Lois's family at this time of sorrow. My only regret is that I did not discover she was a cousin of mine sooner and get a chance to meet her. She leaves a wonderful legacy of Poetry for us to remember her by. Rest In Peace cousin.

Message from David Mason

Lois was a wonderful poet and a clear spirit. When someone lives a long, fruitful life, it is wrong of us to feel sad about her death, yet I do feel sad. The passing of such beauty in a time of so much ugliness in the world marks our own time out for us. We should strive to live as well as Lois did, and to leave something behind as beautiful as what she has left us.

Message from Janice Gould

Lois was a fine poet. Her work is full of style--smart, insightful, generous, at times astonishing, the kind of poetry that stays with you. We have missed her here in Colorado. I feel honored to have known her for a brief while on this journey.

Expression of Sympathy

A DIGNITY IN WHITE PEDESTAL ARRANGEMENT was sent on April 13, 2017

With love and gratitude for wit, wisdom, friendship and mentoring, Sheila and Jennifer

Message from Lois Henderson

Lois Hayna leaves us a wealth of knowledge, caring, history, poetry, encouragement, joy and love. She taught through example- the ideal mentor. I thank God for having known this sweet, kind, gentle lady and her dear family. Lois is profoundly missed.

Message from Jeanne Marcello

It was an honor to have met and interviewed her. What an amazing woman! She is quite an inspiration.