Saddest News

[Saint Louis Ki Society]

Bart Ferchaud Sensei, our regular Sunday class teacher and the senior student of Saint Louis Ki Society, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2009 from complications of a heart attack. He would have turned 53 next month. Bart was much beloved by all who knew him, and was a great gift to all of us at Saint Louis Ki Society and Meramec Valley Ki Society. He was kind, generous, gentle and open, and will be sorely missed. His passing is truly a great loss to us all.

Bart Sensei began training in April, 1989. He successfully tested for the the rank of Chuden in Shinshin Toitsu Do in June 2007 with Ki Society International President Shinichi Tohei Sensei. By recommendation of Midland Ki federation Chief Instructor Koichi Kashiwaya, he was awarded Yondan (4th degree black belt) from Ki Society International. Bart has been an engaged and engaging member of Saint Louis Ki Society since the beginning of his training. He served as a teaching assistant and regular teacher. Bart served for a time on the Saint Louis Ki Society Board of Directors. He also helped our organization with his computer graphic skills.

Early in his training, Bart was an assistant to Kate Theis when she taught children's classes. He was an athletic uke and could put on a flashy and engaging show of attacking and falling for the kids, who knew him affectionately as "Bad Bart". This title was especially funny because no one could ever think of Bart as bad in any way. Bart went on to be an assistant to other instructors, including Hemi Mistry and Sue Shepard. He became the regular Sunday morning teacher about four years ago. Bart was also a regular teacher at Meramec Valley Ki Society in Fenton, Missouri.

Bart was a close friend to many Saint Louis Ki Society members. Many of us had the pleasure of meeting Bart's friends and family over the years. He came from a wonderful family. Our hearts go out to them in sympathy, especially his Mother Sarah Ferchaud and his sisters, Sallye Rankin and Lee Ferchaud. Bart's life-long friend Tony Meneses, came to the dojo to watch a number of Bart's Aikido tests, and came to be a friend to the dojo. Our hearts go out to Tony.

Many of us also became close to Bart's treasured wife Laurel Ferchaud. As Bart's teacher for so many years, it was beautiful to see the two of them come together. This has been, of course, a very difficult time for Laurel. Life is uncertain, and so we must live fully with ki and not take it for granted. In keeping with this, I must pass on the emphatic advice Laurel gave to my wife Kate and me when we first saw her at the hospital, "hug each other."

Below is from the obituary appearing in the January 13th St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Ferchaud, John B. 'Bart' III fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, Monday, January 12, 2009. Dear husband of Laurel Ferchaud (nee Schroeter); dear son of Sarah and the late John B. Ferchaud, Jr.; dear brother of Sallye Rankin and Lee Ferchaud; dear uncle of Jesse and Jacky Rankin, Cheryl Brown, and Steven Buschart, Eric, Donny and John Schroeter; dear brother-in-law; a life-long friend to Tony Meneses and Kevin McCarty; and friend to many. Bart was 20-year member of the St. Louis Ki Society, 4th degree Black Belt, where he was an instructor for the art of Aikido. He was the senior designer for Supplies Network. He was an avid bike rider and rode annually in the 100-mile marathon for MS in Columbia, MO.

• Visitation Wed. January 14, 4-8:00 p.m. at Kriegshauser West Mortuary.
• Services - Funeral from KRIEGSHAUSER WEST Mortuary, 9450 Olive Blvd. 63132-3102, Thurs. January 15, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. to St. Richard Catholic Church for Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Interment Valhalla Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bart's memory to Multiple Sclerosis or to Open Door Animal Sanctuary Animal Rescue.


Our members and friends are invited to reply to this posting with memories of Bart and condolences for his family.
Diana Wong is collecting photographs of Bart and posting them at http://picasaweb.google.com/dianaywong/2009_BartSensei?authkey=KS9Z11ed3Z0. You can send electronic photos to Diana at dianaywong@gmail.com. She will post them at full resolution at the web address above. Hard copy photos can be brought to the dojo.

[Adam]

That was a very nice write-up.

... the kids, who knew him affectionately as "Bad Bart". This title was especially funny because no one could ever think of Bart as bad in any way.

He was, after all, just a big kid (with a big heart). 

Memories? He had a big impact on my life. One of my first aikido instructors - he was crisp and precise. Being my size, he was one of the first I emulated in aikido. We worked on design projects together. He hooked me up with my current employer, back in 2000. He was always thinking big. He was my daughter's godfather.

He wanted to fly.

I'll miss him.

[js7c9]

Bart was a good friend and a wonderful teacher. My deepest sympathies to his family and all his friends. He would always be in our hearts and memories......

Jayasree

[RickB]

Sensei -- very well said!

Bart was my teacher from day one.  And as time passed, he became a true inspiration.  He would always exhort me to do two things simultaneously -- push myself to greater depths and then let it go.  In other words, he would say:  don't be satisfied and keep improving.  And yet, he would also say:  "you're doing all you can do right now."  Regardless of the content of his message, I knew with certainty that he was rooting for me ... even as he made fun of me.  He played with me as he taught ...  and he taught mainly by example.  He didn't spend a lot of time explaining things.  But he did spend a lot of time showing me stuff.  "no, not like that ... more like this."

Bart was also very provocative with me ... again in a playful way.  No matter how much he provoked, or teased, it was also very clear that he was doing this tenderly.  I really don't remember ever getting angry or even annoyed with him.  And that's not a reflection on me.  That was Bart.  I don't think he had a mean bone in his body.  I always knew that his motives were constructive.  Yet, he really did (lovingly) poke and push.  Like Tony (his best friend) said -- he wanted a response.  But in my case anyway, I always knew he truly wanted to help.

Just in the last several years, I got much closer to Bart than I had been in the previous six or seven years that I knew him.  We shared some stuff (off the mat) that made me realize just what kind of guy he really was.  I've been searching and searching for the word or phrase that most accurately describes what that was.  As cliched as it may sound ... the word is "endearing."  He just had that "way" about him .... dear Bart.   

Bart.  It's difficult to accept that he's really gone.   But, now that the funeral is over and he is laid to rest, there is simply no denying (or avoiding) it.  Whatever religious or theological beliefs anyone may or may not have, I think everyone will agree -- he will always live on in our memories.  He will live forever ... so long as we remember him.  In this way, we each can contribute to his immortality... in this world.  I will always remember Bart ... dearly.

[Saint Louis Ki Society]

Below are email messages we have received from around the US and Brazil
 Susan Chandler
Lead Instructor
Denver Ki-Aikido

I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear about Bart.  I found a couple of photos of Bart from the 1993 Maui conference that I've sent to Diana.  My thoughts are with all of you at the St. Louis dojo - take good care of each other!

With deepest sympathy,
Susan

  Jim Eubanks
Chief Instructor
American Shaolin Center
Center for Pragmatic Buddhism

I'm very sorry to hear about Ferchaud Sensei.  His family and St. Louis Ki Society are in my thoughts.
 /\ Jim

  Martin Orimeko
Former SLKS teacher
Chiropractor in Northern California

Wow!, so very very sad.  My age too. Nothing but great memories.  My condolences to friends and family.... Martin Orimenko

 
William Perkins
Kansas Ki Society

I am so sorry Bart was one of the most enjoyable people I know. I will keep him and Laurel in my thoughts. I will pass this information on to our Dojo members at the Kansas Ki Society.

Bill

 
David Shaner
Chief Instructor
Eastern Ki Federation

I am so sorry Rubbert sensei, I heard this just earlier today and was shocked - the reminders of our impermanence too.
A deep bow of respect for the many many acts of selfless kindness bestowed by Bart.
With sympathy to you, Laurel, the family and all your members feeling this loss so deeply I am sure,

David

 
Terry Daniels
Former SLKS student and Board member
(who frequented the Sunday classes)

Oh God!  I'm so shocked and so sorry to hear this.  Bart was an excellent instructor and great part of STL KI Society.  I'm at a loss for words but will pray for his family.  Thank you for keeping me informed.
Terry

 
Steve Nagle
Former SLKS Board member
Parent of a former youth student

I am so sorry to hear about Bart - such a positive force for Aikido.  He was way too young and obviously working to stay in shape.
 
What happened?
Steve

 Hemlata Mistry
Assistant Professor, Department of Biology
Former SLKS Tteacher
(She taught Sunday classes before Bart took over)

I am very sad to learn of Bart's passing.  Needless to say, I have no words to express my thoughts.  I am writing to extend my heartfelt condolences to you and to everyone at the dojo. I am unable to come to the funeral because of commitments to my classes here.  Please take this email as a big, fat hug from Hemi, and pass it on whenever you happen to hold someone else because I have no other way to offer comfort.

With much love,
Hemi

 
Christopher Curtis
Chief Instructor
Hawaii Ki Federation

Yes, I heard about Bart's passing through Lora and Mort on the Facebook page.  I am so sorry for everyone's loss there.  I know Bart was a good friend to all (including me, when I saw him from time to time) as well as being an important teacher in your school.
Please pass on my condolences to his family. 

Sincerely,
Chris Curtis

 
Russell Jones, Lael Keen
Head Instructors
Brazilian Ki Society

To All Members of St. Louis Ki Society, Friends, and Family of Bart Ferchaud, It is with great sadness that we received the news of Bart's passing.  We wish to convey our deepest condolences to everyone.  Our thoughts and our sympathies are with you all.

Sincerely,
Russell Jones, Lael Keen, and Brazilian Ki Society members 

 Keith Thorn
KTLLC Communications
Former SLKS teacher

I was just planning on working with Bart on a project together. We had met in December about it. Thank you so kindly for letting me know that my friend has passed away, I truly appreciate that. I hope to attend tomorrow and extend my condolences to everyone. He was a blessing I am grateful for.

Blessings,
Keith

 
Andrew Tsubaki
Head Instructor
Kansas Ki Society

Sorry to hear the unexpected news about Bart passing at his young age. The members of KKS will prepare a card from us to Saint Louis Ki Society and the family of Bart when we come together next Friday and mail it out to you. Please convey our sympathy to Laurel.

Best,
Andrew Tsubaki

 Russ Smith
Head Instructor
Rocky Mountain Ki Society

I’m terribly sorry to hear about Bart Ferchaud. He will be missed, Life is unpredictable. Please know that RMKS is sending you and your students good ki to help you all get through this difficult time.

Russ

 
Michael Farris
Austin Ki-Aikido Center

My brother (former SLKS teacher Steven Farris) informed me of Bart's passing from this world; his death. I, and the rest of the dojo, each knew him in ways that are different and the same.  He was, and is, an innocent and genuine soul.  His legacy is the affection and love that he leaves with each of us; we hold that feeling in the way that we, as individuals, remember him.  In that, he is still with us.  The grin, the smile, you see upon the faces of his students will be his gift to us; his presence remaining in the way that most matters; in the transmission of who he was.  His handprint of upon the heart of the art, those who practice it and those with which he practiced is his legacy.
Please extend to his family, his friends, his colleagues, his students, our heartfelt comfort in this difficult time of loss. He will be missed and his absence is a remainder of how precious this time we have together is.

With much affection and comfort to those of your dojo from those here in Austin.

-- Michael Farris

  Jason Rosenblum
Austin Ki-Aikido Center

I heard that Bart Ferchaud passed away.  I remember practicing with Bart several times at seminars & intensives.  I enjoyed practicing with him and will miss him on the mat.  My condolences for your loss. 

Best wishes. 
Jason

 Koichi Kashiwaya
Chief Instructor, Midland Ki Federation

"I'm so sorry to hear of Bart's passing. I would like to express my condolences to his family and friends.
My teacher, Koichi Tohei sensei, always told me "Doing Aikido arts will reveal the character of the person." That's really true, especially with Bart. Every time I have visited St. Louis, I have looked forward to seeing him. I always have enjoyed asking him to be my uke to see how he responded to my throws. Oh what a wonderful Uke he was. He was very friendly and caring person, and so it was with his performance as my Uke. A friendly and caring person makes a perfect Ki-Aikido teacher as well.  I am sure his generosity has touched many of our lives, not only in Aikido dojo, but also on every occasion he was with us. What a pain to think he is gone, and the pain never truly goes away from us, but it just gets smaller and condensed, tucked away in a corner somewhere in the deep recesses of the heart. We all will miss him GREATLY and he will be remembered in our hearts.

[sdshaver]

I just got back from being out of the country and...wow.  I'm so sorry to hear this.

Like many others here, Bart was one of my first instructors (he taught the intro class I went to) and his crisp, precise movements were inspiring. 

I'm sorry I was unable to contribute to any of the memorials.  He and his family have been in my thoughts.

[Saint Louis Ki Society]

This was sent to Mort Melman by Will Reed on Facebook.
Will was the first Ki Society teacher in St. Louis, my first teacher. He has been living in Tokyo, Japan for the last 26 years, but has come to St. Louis to visit from time to time.

"I am so sorry to hear [about Bart's death]. I did not know Bart well, but on the several occasions when we trained together, he left me with a deep impression of his goodness and sincerity.

"You know I lost my wife 3 years ago to something quite similar, a massive heart attack, instant coma, and she was gone within an hour. My daughter and I were home at the time, but we had no time for words of farewell, nor any warning of its coming. Thankfully, I am ever so fortunate to have my daughter, and I have been blessed to find a new partner. We were married last summer, and you recall we visited the Dojo together on our way through St Louis.

"So I doubly share your sadness of the loss of such a good friend. How good also to know that he experienced in his life a chance to drink deep from the well of Aiki wisdom, and to experience friendship such as yours. My deep condolences to his family.

Will"

[Pimado]

I miss Bart.

I'll miss the way he mispronounced peoples names.  He even called his beloved dogs-datsuns, instead of dachshunds.  I'll miss that his taigi notes would come flying out of his gi during testing.  One time it was note cards that went flying.  During my sandan test it was a sheet of note paper.   But on the last test, his iphone came flying out of his gi, because he transferred all his taigi notes to it.  Each time the dojo erupted in laughter, while still appreciating a guy that wanted to do a great job for the person testing.  What I may miss most, is that he always approached aikido with a beginners mind.  He wanted to go through every technique slowly so he could understand it a best as possible.  When he was in class he was a student, learning along with everybody else, even though he was approaching 2o years in Aikido, and had attained the rank of Yondan and Chuden.  He had just became shodan when I joined the dojo 15 years ago.  He's part of how I approach Aikido, and so much more.

I miss Bart

Mort Melman

[Saint Louis Ki Society]

Jerry Waelterman ran the dojo along with me in the first few years after Will Reed moved to Japan

What sad news.  I could not recall my Ki Forum login, so I'll ask that you forward my condolences to the group.  I met Bart at the big anniversary get together a few years ago.  Although I did not know him or ever have a chance to practice with him, it is not hard to understand the impact he has had on SLKS.  To be able to look back and see where the group has come from it's early start is a testimony to people like Bart and their devotion.  I know he will be missed.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family.

It truly is a small world - Bart worked with our oldest son, Mark, at the same company.

Jerry Waelterman

[Saint Louis Ki Society]

TO: BART FERCHAUD’S FRIENDS AT ST. LOUIS KI SOCIETY
 & ALL OTHER FRIENDS
by Lee Ferchaud (Bart’s sister)
email: lee.ferchaud@bferchaud.com

Bart was in Des Peres Hospital (DPH) in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for 14 days from
12-29-08 to 1-12-09, the day he left his earthly body. During those two weeks, he was able to hear, feel your loving touch, and frequently respond with his eyes and hands. Bart was pain-free except possibly the last few hours of his life. Bart received excellent care while he was at Des Peres Hospital.  His primary care physician, who is also a dear friend, from St. Luke’s West Medical Center came to visit Bart three times. He was able to access all of Bart’s records and give him two medical exams.

Our family was deeply appreciative of all the visitors that Bart had while he was in the hospital. Many of you came every day or quite frequently to see Bart. Many prayed fervently. If you were there, Bart knew and he received your love and support. Your presence was deeply encouraging and tenderly experienced.  We were so pleased and surprised at the significant number of visitors and so were the staff at DPH. If you were not able to visit Bart but kept him in your thoughts and prayers, thank you. Thank you for attending the wake and funeral.

Here are some examples of Bart’s awareness: There was a pleasant, delightful atmosphere when Bart’s beloved wife, Laurel, entered the room! Bart responded to the request of several loved ones to squeeze his hand. Tony Meneses, Bart’s closest friend, visited every day. On one occasion, Bart’s face lit up and his eyes opened wide as soon as he saw Tony. One evening a male nurse came in to check on Bart. He asked Bart if he was in any pain. Bart shook his head “no”.  I was very grateful that I had the opportunity to kiss Bart every day, hold his hand and hug him. Every day I would put my head gently on his chest so I could hear his heart beat. Many of you held Bart’s hand and touched him in some loving way. I am very confident that Bart knew that you were there. He would have wanted to tell you himself, how very important your friendship will forever be to him. Bart died peacefully with seven loved ones surrounding him, bidding him farewell and ushering him into his Heavenly home.

[Saint Louis Ki Society]

Diana Wong put together a video of our Sokushin no Gyo on Saturday, February 7th. Naturally, with this training coming soon after, and being the first Sokushin after Bart passed away, and being something that he surely would have taken part in, it was done with Bart in mind. Sokushin is a practice of giving up.  Physically we give up our breath. We never know what the universe will do to fill the space we leave when we give up, let go, and open to the possibility of newness.

Click HERE to view the video on Youtube. Thanks Diana

[Saint Louis Ki Society]

In honor of Bart Ferchaud, Saint Louis Ki Society will be purchasing a bicycle rack and one or two benches and installing them in front of our building. Please help with a donation. We hope to raise at least $500 to cover the cost of the rack and benches, a small engraved metal plate, and to landscape the area around them.
 
Any amount we collect over what is needed for the benches and rack will be used to help remake the look of our front windows. An overall graphic design of our front window display/appearance is a project I had planned to work with Bart on this year.
 
Regular Sunday class is 10 to 11:30. We plan to have a dedication ceremony on Sunday, April 19th, at about noon. April would have been the month of the Bart's 20th anniversary in Aikido (April 1, 1989).
 
There are four ways to donate:
to the "Change Jar" at the dojo (small amounts add up)
make an online donation on our website thought Google Checkout: http://www.stlki.org/donor_info.shtml
make a payment to a TA or instructor at the dojo.
Send a donation to Saint Louis Ki Society
6006 Pershing Ave
Saint Louis MO 63112
 
Thank You,
Saint Louis Ki Society Board of Directors

[Saint Louis Ki Society]

Thanks to everyone who helped build "Bart's Park": Alice Hall, Tom Nishino, Mike Stuvland, Kate Theis & Mark Rubbert. Hmm, seems like there was one more person.

And thanks to the donors that helped make this possible: James Wright , Steve & Sarah Farris, Michael Brownstein, Chris Tighe & Joe Katrosh, Theresa Horn, Gordon Arsenoff and everyone who contributed to the donation Jar.

We had a rainy and heartfelt dedication.

Ckick HERE for a better view.