In Pace Requiescat

In Memorium

Commemorating a few beloved souls who have passed the veil
Joseph Pangratz
(1964-1992)

        Joseph was a good friend and joust partner, with whom I performed during my time with the Hanlon-Lees. Always ready with a wry grin and a witty wisecrack, he and I were two of the original Hanlon-Lee "Young Guns," that select class of youthful knights who trained and rode together during the bright days of my youth.

        Sleep well, Seppi. You ride on in my memory.
Barbara "Bodge" Burinski-Shelton     Ray Nelson
                  (1955-2002)                                    (1946-1991)

        When I first began my career as a jouster in 1987, Ray and Bodge were the king and queen under whom I rode. In the years that followed, I grew to know both of them well-- Ray, the gentle, ever-cheerful puppeteer for whom kindness and the act of living went hand-in-hand, and Bodge, who was a beacon of love and light and transformed all she touched. Ray's untimely death in 1991 and Bodge's tragic loss in 2002 robbed the world of two of the most gentle souls it has ever been my privilege to know. No matter where I ride or who strides the royal dias, these two will always be the true King and Queen of my knighthood.  
Bill Huttle
(1953-2001)

        I first had the opportunity to work with Bill in 1996, at the Florida Renaissance Faire. A giant of a man who towered over the crowd at 6' feet 8" inches in height, his booming voice and uncannily accurate portrayal of Henry VIII were known and beloved by faire goers throughout the United States and Canada. His heart was as big as the rest of him, and he carried himself with a stately dignity and royal demeanor few performers can manage. A fine actor and a great friend, he will be missed.
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Jeff Kelly
(1971-2004)

        Jeff and I worked together for New Edge Productions during the first four weeks of the 2002 Colorado Renaissance Festival. I spent a lot of time with Jeff, both in and out of the saddle. His rich baritone voice made him a suitable Knight Marshal, and I was always impressed by the depth of his concern for the horses in his care. Although we rode together for only a short period of time, I genuinely liked Jeff and am saddened by his loss.

        Somewhat ironically, for some reason he always reminded me of Joe Pangratz.