Dear Friends,

It is with a heavy heart we note the passing of Richard Stone, longtime area writer, spiritualist, activist and dear friend to the peace and social justice community. Richard was in declining health and died peacefully at home on August 7. He is survived by Avigdar Adams, his partner of 45 years.

Unlike so many who had known him for decades, I only met Richard in 2016 when I interviewed him in connection with a research project on local criminal justice reform efforts. Consequently, I became so inspired by the work of Richard (along with Maria Telesco) in reaching out to inmates at some of  the state prisons in the Central Valley region. Through him I was introduced to so many wonderful people in the activist community, eventually joining him on the board of the Fresno Center For Nonviolence, an organization Richard helped establish in 1992. His mentorship and encouragement were instrumental in the startup of a Veterans For Peace chapter in Fresno. I will badly miss our talks and his bright presence in this world.

There will be a remembrance and celebration of Richard’s life on Sunday, August 26, from 4–6pm at First Congregational Church (“The Big Red Church”) at 2131 N. Van Ness Avenue in Fresno. The memorial will be held in the sanctuary, followed by a gathering of loved ones and friends in the church’s social hall.

Cards can be sent to:

Avigdar Adams

181 N Yosemite Ave

Fresno CA 93701

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Center For Nonviolence or the charity of choice.