It's been a hard couple of weeks

Tragedy seems unrelenting at times. Yesterday, Drey and I were informed of the tragic death of one David Baker, aka "Lord Bagel", a popular juggler with the Virginia Rennaissance Faire. Brian Whitaker and I had been volunteering to run outreach programs for HMGS at the Fair, and so got to know the cast reasonably well.

Bagel was a stalwart of the Virginia Fair, having been a principle cast member, performer, and talent coordinator for the show's performers. In no small part, it was due to his enthusiasm and encouragement that many of the performers would take part in the fair on a voluntary basis.

Details are not very clear, but apparently his body was found next to his Vespa Motor scooter somewhere near the American University in Washington DC (where he was heading to assist a juggling act), possibly the victim of a hit and run accident. He appears to have expired at some unknown DC hospital (Sibley) at some point early yesterday. He had been onsite at the Lake Anna Winery earlier that day, working on finishing the stages (typically, as a voluntary effort), where he was last seen alive.

Bagel was 35. He is survived by his son Loki, who is probably too young to understand what just happened.

It would be hypocritical to say we were pals. I barely knew David. The extent of our exchanges were a few idle words over a beer at the Tavern. But I could easily see the quality of the man, and recognize what a blow this will be for those he leaves behind.

Fair winds and following seas, Bagel. May God hold you in the palm of His hand.



Some of Bagel's friends have put up a memorial website: http://www.rememberingbagel.com/


ALL images copyright 2006 Virginia Rennaissance Festival