Janet Dunlop, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away last year. She will be remembered for her many contributions to the ASD. She held several positions over the years, including Trustee, Regional Vice-President, Treasurer, Chapter President and an instructor at the Annual ASD Convention and conferences. Janet was a licensed psychotherapist, energy facilitator, Reiki practitioner and dowser. She held a Ph.D. in Energy Medicine and a Th.D. in Spiritual Healing and was known for doing personal and site energy evaluations with re-balancing and working with labyrinths. Janet wrote that dowsing was the greatest gift she had been given. Janet certainly was a great gift to our Dowsing Society.

Our beloved Tipi Halsey crossed over Tuesday, May 29th, 2012. Upon looking at her, "In the Light," she is completely enlightened, actually a Bodhisattva! Truly, Tipi had a perfect "crossing over." She wants us to know that she will be at this year's convention enjoying and helping wherever she can. She says, "I wouldn't miss it." Tipi is a key person in the growth of ASD and the 'putting on' of the Convention itself. She delighted in both being at the Convention and sharing all that she knew with others who attended. As we know, Tipi unselfishly dedicated many years to ASD. Not only was she Chairperson of the Convention several times, Tipi served on the Board of Trustees, as Vice President and President of ASD. She received many awards for her numerous contributions including the prestigious Dowser of the Year Award. It was very important to Tipi that the Convention be fun for all. She worked so hard to make that dream come true. And it did! Tipi exemplifies the very essence of 'Volunteer Being' because everything she did and is continuing to do (with our other Sky Dowsers) for ASD is out of pure love. She asked neither for recognition or compensation of any kind. The last few years Tipi was unable to get around due to her considerable physical pain and we all saw her navigating her 'special motorized chair.' Yet, never once did it stop her full participation in our Annual Convention. As she’d say “The show must go on”. Tipi’s life was greatly influenced by her native country, Finland, and growing up the daughter of an internationally recognized actress and a famous sculptor father. Tipi tried to remain neutral on all political concerns to such an extent that she was able to listen to and respond to everyone's personal concern regarding their individual Convention issues. In fact, Tipi was like the glue that kept it all together. She had a unique way of making each person feel important. She valued all input. In this light, it is obvious that Tipi was on a conscious spiritual path. She was a devotee of Sai Baba, and a Reiki Master. She studied theosophy and all that is metaphysical. Clearly, Tipi was a spiritually awake and conscious Being of Light. Tipi and her husband, Bill, an accomplished architect, designed and built a spiritual, education center, called Lightgate. Tipi recently lost a son, Michael, and she is survived by her husband, Bill and five other children, Chris, Kimball, Kitty, Mona and Parkey. Tipi's extensive library and memorabilia are to become part of ASD's library and archives. Tipi was a strong, brave, uplifting, and inspired person, and so much more. It is difficult to express all of her attributes. We are so fortunate to have her in our lives... she LOVED dowsers. Yes, that is US! Truly, Tipi exemplifies the HEART and SOUL that ASD was built upon ~ spirit and generosity.

With heavy hearts we recognize the passing of Walter Woods just after midnight on Friday, August 12, 2011 of sudden heart failure at 85 years of age. Walter Woods was a lifetime member of the American Society of Dowsers, two times past ASD President, long time ASD Trustee, long time leader of the Sierra Dowsers and author of the timeless work on pendulum dowsing, Letter to Robin. He has been a mentor and inspiration to countless dowsers for decades. It is a shock when someone who is timeless and ever present leaves this existence and we are left reflecting on the totality of their influence on us. The void left from their departure gapes; the place where souls once intertwined now misses half of its energy. Such was Walt’s presence in so many of our lives. This quiet and unassuming man contributed beyond measure to the world of dowsing; to spreading the word about all it could do; to happily sharing insights on the deepest levels with those of us who wanted that understanding. I was one such person. It was Walt who introduced me to dowsing. From that rainy day in 1982 to my departure for New Mexico in 1993 I sat at his side through every dowsing chapter meeting in Sacramento, as well as up and down the coast of California and Oregon. Those were magical fun filled times when my Dad, Mom (Tony and Jean Gehringer) and I went to every West Coast chapter meeting, camping out in the RV. Tony and Walt taught Basic and Personal Dowsing in tandem. It was a time of discovery and learning. Dowsing problems led to insight; then to changes and additions to Letter to Robin, Walt’s dowsing primer-his gift to the dowsing world. Dowsers from all over gathered, sharing information, food and stories-some of them true. At dowsing conferences Walt always had a long line waiting for private time with him. I was one of those and benefited greatly from his knowledge and sharing. There was no subject too bizarre or out there for him to handle, and somehow he always made time for everyone. All of those years of taking in a master’s method of divining the truth came into fruition when I started teaching dowsing, helped found the New Mexico Dona Ana Dowsers and the ASD Southwest Conference. Walt’s visits to our new dowsing venture assured its success. When I hear myself speak about personal dowsing, I hear Walt come out. When I hit a quandary, I think it through like Walt, delving ever deeper to formulate the correct dowsing question. Walt was a mentor to me. I was blessed to have him in my life. Indeed, there has been a void in the force with Walt’s passing. We all know that he will be there for us now in other dimensions, but that does not dim our need to see him one more time, to hear of his latest discoveries, or to hear him excitedly say “ Oh, let’s tune in to that” his trusty pendulum already swinging. Farewell, Walt. Godspeed to your next assignment from Spirit. Thank you for being part of my life. Jeanne Gehringer

With deep sadness we honor Gordon Barton. Gordon passed on July 9th, 2011 due to complications after a series of falls at 86 years of age. Gordon was a lifetime member of the American Society of Dowsers, past ASD President, ASD Trustee and past leader of the Northern Maine dowsing chapter. One is blessed by spirit to be given the presence of one mentor in their life; one is doubly blessed to be given two. From my earliest days in dowsing, Walt Woods and Gordon Barton were both instrumental to me, imparting their dowsing knowledge and spiritual awareness respectively. This Maine man of East Coast flintiness wanted nothing of a eulogy or memorial upon his death, declaring that when he was dead to leave it at that. But, on behalf of us all, I will toll a bell for Gordon .This humble man who eschewed bells and whistles left people forever touched by his conscious spirituality and his desire to enhance our lives by sharing th spiritual knowledge so hard won by him. His spirituality was the basis of how he acted, what he said, and what he did. He walked his talk. This big bear of a man, with a teddy bear heart and gentle way wanted nothing more than to learn all there was to know spiritually, and then to apply and share this knowledge. He was a devotee of Sai Baba, humble, living in spiritual light. Gordon developed his Guided Inner Journey Technique over many, many years of research and self study. This journey technique was always included in his dowsing talks and he freely gave of his time in private sessions. I have seen people forever liberated from their limitations by this technique. I have witnessed wonderful soul leaps. This is Gordon’s perpetual gift to the metaphysical world. Another of our cornerstones of the dowsing world has gone to the ages; to guide us from another dimension. We feel the rent in the fabric of our connection with them, as those of us now stepping up to roles in ASD toil to sew the tear with the double thread of commitment and a higher calling for the organization. It was from this place that Gordon governed as President and Trustee; and is a guidepost for us now. My image of Gordon will forever be: Gordon assuming Namaste, the prayer position, upon seeing someone he knew, the divine in him bowing to the divine in them, smiling, his entire being radiating the pleasure of that persons company. Gordon, I am so blessed to have known your spirit. To have felt your presence. And am forever enriched by having had you in my life. And now we all bow to you. Farewell Gordon, NAMASTE

Long time ASD Member, former ASD President and long time President of the Gordan McLean (Now the Dick Paskowski) ASD Chapter. Past ASD Trustee. Richard Paskowski, 79, of New Britain, widower of Jacquelyn (Flowers) Paskowski, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2010 at Hartford Hospital. Born in New Britain, he was the son of the late Adolph and Apolonia (Matuszewski) Paskowski and was a lifelong resident. Richard was actively involved in the American Society of Dowsers for 40 years, being its president of the Gordon McLean Chapter for 35 years and National Trustee for 4 years. He was also a member of Holy Cross Church, New Britain Elks Lodge #957, a former member of the American Legion, was a U.S. Navy Veteran of the Korean Conflict and former building commissioner and zoning board of appeals for the City of New Britain. He was a general foreman at Fafnir Bearing Co./Torrington Co. where he worked for 38 years before retiring in 1993. A loving father, grandfather and brother, he will be dearly missed by his children and their families; daughter, Janet Hillier and her son Richard of Warminster, PA, son, Richard P. Paskowski and his wife, Adeline and their children, Amanda Rose and Richard of Bristol, daughter, Kathryn Lindemann her husband Michael and their daughter Emily of New Britain, daughter, Patty Paskowski and Craig Cote of Bristol, her sister, Anastasia Mikulak and her husband Alexander of New Britain and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Richard was also predeceased by a daughter, Debbie Paskowski and his brothers: Raymond and Casmir. Richards family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Hartford Hospital for all their compassionate care and support.

Long time ASD Member and RVP. Past ASD Trustee. Joseph Harold Smith, son of Wanette (Johnson) Smith and G. Raymond Smith, was born February 26, 1932 in Roswell, New Mexico. He graduated from Roswell High School, and went on to attend New Mexico A & M for one year. In 1951 he married his high school sweetheart, Marta Young in New Mexico. Four children were born to this union: Kelly, Kevin, Melisa, and Jason. Joe began farming in 1953 in New Mexico, and opened a welding shop in Tucumcari, New Mexico in 1962. The family moved to Brock, Nebraska in 1966 and then to the Johnson, Nebraska area in 1968. Joe fabricated many projects in his welding shop, including gates, feeders, and ramps for several local churches. Joe was a well-known dowser who located many water and oil wells across the country. He was a member of the American Society of Dowsers, and was chosen their Dowser of the Year in 2007. He also taught dowsing around the U. S. and in Canada. Joe was a member of the Kansas City and Mid- Rivers Chapters of the ASD. He loved to run his dozer, rebuild old Farmalls, run his sawmill, and make brass pendulums on his lathe, as well as making other dowsing tools and many wood projects. As a member of the United Methodist Church in Johnson, Joe served for many years as a trustee of the church. He was a 4-H Leader in New Mexico, and a charter member of the Ozark Research Institute. In addition to writing articles for area papers, he wrote and self-published a book titled "My Life and Times as Harve Bodine". Suffering from the effects of Lou Gehrigs Disease, Joe moved with Marta to live with their son Jason in Seymour, Missouri. After battling the disease with the help of his family, Joe won his fight in Seymour on Saturday, August 14, 2010 at the age of 78 years, 5 months, and 19 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, sons Martin Kelly Smith and Kevin Mark Smith, daughter Melisa Jo McKnight, and granddaughters Tabitha DeBuhr and Kalynda J. McKnight. Joe is survived by his wife Marta of Johnson; son Jason and wife Terry Smith of Seymour, MO; grandchildren Joshua Smith, Jeremy Smith, Michelle Schrage, Ryan Smith, Keenan Smith, Cameron Jeannerett, Jason Konruff, Matthew Konruff and their families; 10 great-grandchildren; brother George Raymond Smith, Jr. and wife Alice of Roswell, NM; brother-in-law Landon Young of Miami, NM; nieces and nephews; other family members and many friends.

March 19, 1932 - July 7, 2010 Past ASD President and Founder of Ozark Research Institute (ORI). Harold was a retired United States major with 24 years of service. He founded and directed the Ozark Research Institute, Inc. Harold traveled the world teaching and inspiring others to make this world a better place. His wonderful sense of humor will be missed. The blessings he leaves behind are many and he touched many hearts with his love. Most important to him was his family and friends who he loved dearly. Graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, July 9, at the National Cemetery in Fayetteville Arkansas, under the direction of Moore's Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Lowell Grisham. Following the service a reception will be held at Ozark Research Institute, 221 S. Locust Ave., Fayetteville In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ozark Research Institute, P.O. Box 387, Fayetteville, AR 72701 To sign the online guest book, visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com

She along with her husband Carrol were the recipients of the Dowser of the Year award. In 1979 she brought the West Coast Dowsing Convention to Southern California. She also chaired it in 1981. She loved ASD and promoted it always. She loved teaching the pendulum and had classes in her home. She was 90 years old in December of 2009.

ASD President 2009-2010. Douglas McIlwain known to all as "Mac" "brought fresh and renewed vision to our organization," remembers Sandee Mac, the new president of ASD. "He held a higher vision for the purpose of ASD, and always took time to listen, appreciate and acknowledge each member as a unique individual." The Adams County Clerk of Courts, where Mac served as Public Defender, had much the same sentiment: Mac was, Gary Gardner remembers, "unique in his own way. He knew when to joke and when to be serious. He will definitely be missed by all...he just got along with everyone." Mac was committed to the value of community service, whether it was serving as a cub scout den leader, as President of the Bar Association or working with Steve Herbert on ASD's Water for Humanity. Mac served as president of ASD's Great Serpent Mound chapter before being elected to the ASD national Board of Trustees in 2009, and to the office of President by his fellow BOT members. "Mac's wit, legal acumen and no-nonsense attitude were the perfect combination of talents for ASD and he helped lead the organization into a new era of peaceful cooperation," recalls Sandee Mac. "He was a very, very good attorney and a great person," Judge Alan Foster of the Adams County Court said of Mac. "He cared about people. Most people couldn't do what he did on a regular basis. For someone 59 years of age, he still had a lot of the 'Pollyanna' attitude. He was always looking for the best in any situation." Fine qualities for any man, and especially for a dowser who specialized in a wide range of dowsing modalities, including water dowsing, health applications, exorcism and clearing work. Mac regularly received referrals from a number of homeopathic physicians throughout Ohio. In 2002, in The American Dowser, he was called another Terry Ross. He was also knowledgeable on crop circles, presenting at international conventions. Jim McKenzie, who succeeded Mac as President of the Great Serpent Mound chapter, remembers his friend as a private person who never focused on himself and was always spot on in his dowsing. Jim recalls Mac as being especially interested in the paranormal of which there is plenty in the Serpent Mound area and says the understated dowser was also "a Shaman in the Native American and Tibetan traditions. He also had a fine collection of Native American memorabilia!" Mac was only 59 when he joined ASD's venerable ranks of Sky Dowsers on May 18, 2010. His car left the roadway in his hometown of Peebles, OH and struck a tree. Mac is survived by two sons: Alex Duvelius of Washington, D.C., and John McIlwain of Oliver Township; a daughter, Sarah McIlwain of Oliver Township; parents, Judge Harry and Marjorie McIlwain, Sr. of Cincinnati; a brother, Harry (Vicki) McIlwain, Jr. of Cincinnati; a sister, Carol McIlwain of Cincinnati. Legal quotes from article "Local Attorney McIlwain Dies in Car Wreck, by Carleta Weyrich, The Peoples Defender, Oh.

Sheline, William "Bill" H., 67, of Springfield, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 21, 2010. He was born on September 20, 1942, a son of Raymond Sheline and Pearl (Cooper) Trow. William was a member of First Christian Church for the past 28 years. He was a Navy veteran in the Cuban conflict and Vietnam War and was also a lifetime member of the American Dowsers Association and the Blinded Veterans Association. William also owned and operated Open Sesame. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Zelda (Wolfe) Sheline; mother, Pearl Trow; son, Joseph Sheline; daughter, Laura Sheline; brothers, Carl Sheline, Raymond "Butch" Sheline, and Mark Sheline; special friend, Linda Schnelle; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Raymond Sheline and brother, George Trow.

Joan was a trustee for 12 years, served as Vice President for many of those years and took over as president when Gordon Barton was sick and unable to finish his term.

I wanted everyone to know that my dad has passed on over. My sister Terry came in from Georgia on Wednesday and the next day he declined so rapidly and began the shut down process. Michelle and I had been taking care of him in our home for ten weeks with hospice care and other caretakers. Michelle and I were ready to escape to Florida for spring break. We made a great decision to stay and be with my dad during his last days. With the help of Hospice of NE Il, we were able to keep the pain under control and he went peacefully late Monday afternoon with the three of us by his side. It was a tough experience to watch someone in pain (Prostate cancer) but it was also very rewarding to be with him and give them any kind of joy and time. There is no wake or formal funeral. My dad requested a Mass at his Christ Episcopal Church in Delavan, WI. The service is at 1pm on Saturday. His ashes will be buried in Mount Prospect next to my mom sometime in May. Chuck (the department) can make a donation to the Hospice of Northeastern Illinois if you see fit. Many of you know my dad has come into CL South every year for over 15 years and did a "Strange" Physics class. He was trying to express the idea that Physics can be expanded to more levels than just describing the Physical. There are many more dimensions (levels of existence) predicted in both Quantum Physics and in esoteric writings from many different philosophies. Current Physics predicts we can't see 99 % of the energy and matter that exist in the Universe. Slowly man is recognizing that there are many other types of energy fields we don't measure with our Force meters, ammeters and voltmeters. He has been involved developing these detectors and methods to measure various Human energy fields not commonly acknowledged in conventional medicine or science. He wanted to explain all phenomena scientifically with a new view of Physics. Yet he knew that just because you cant see it or measure it doesn't mean that it doesn't exist. (Radio waves were only detected in the 1880s, just a few years afer the big bang) I may not follow exactly in my Dad's path. But my journey will continue to discover and teach about some of the infinite possibilities of the "New" Physics. I just wanted to share with you the fact that even though he investigated some "strange" things you may not buy into. Know that he did dedicate much of his life to investigating how we might be able to better able to describe and improve our human and spiritual experience. Scott :)

I am sorry to tell you that my husband, died suddenly of a heart attack March 4th - Marion Heath

Our dear and beloved friend Carl Bracy's wife, Gertrude, died February 11, 2009. She suffered two strokes in the last two years and passed away in February. They were married 67 years. Carl is a life member of The American Society of Dowsers and the recipient of the Dowser of the Year award and the Legends award. Our sympathy and our love goes out to Carl. MaryMarie Satterlee

Born: October 30, 1924, in Gause, Texas Departed: November 3, 2008 A surrogate Mother figure, the archetype of the "Wise Old Woman"

Members of the Northern Illinois Chapter Dear Arvid Johnson, I am the daughter of two of your past members from the Illinois Chapter of the American Society of Dowsers. John Donaldson and his wife Barbara were founding members of your Illinois Chapter many years ago. For as long as I can remember, John (my dad), talked about the world of dowsing and tried to use his gift for the greater good. Barbara (my mom) was a willing participant, anxious to learn more and experience the success that my dad had in dowsing. Following their passing, they have named the American Society of Dowsers as one of the beneficiaries of their estate. A sizeable donation will be made to your organization. Thank you for responding to this request promptly. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Best regards, Patricia Billingsley Executor for the Estate of John and Barbara Donaldson

Departed: June 10, 2008 A member of ASD for over 30 years Bob Sird 84, passed away unexpectedly, June 10, 2008 at his home in Pittsford, VT. He was a WW II veteran having served as a staff sergeant in the 186th Infantry Regiment. He was honorably discharged in 1946 after receiving the Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Campaign Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon, Victory Medal and Philippine Liberation Ribbon. He was a member of the National Association of Atomic Veterans. Bob was very active in the Pittsford Community having served in various capacities as a founding member of the Pittsford Fire Department, town selectman, school board member and town water board to name a few. He currently worked at the Billings Farm Museum in Woodstock, VT. where visitors occasionally got an extra treat when Bob presented short programs on dowsing for water either for elementary school groups or families. He was a lifelong dowser starting out with water dowsing, worked with earth energies and in the last 10 years specializing in healing. Up until his passing he headed a healing group who meets once a month in Rutland, VT. and was an active member of the Ozark Research Institute. Bob has been a member of ASD for over 30 years. He was involved in the ASD National Convention as a speaker, serving on the Awards committee and as teacher in the Basic Dowsing School. He was one of the original members of the Jack OHandley Chapter (founded in 1982) and continued as their guiding light up until his passing. He is survived by his grandchildren, Lisa Keith Reed and her husband George of Rutland, Patrick T. Keith III and his wife Jodie of Pittsford, Thomas R Keith of Rutland and Melissa Sird of Burlington, a brother Raymond Sird of Newton, Mass. And a niece Barbara Sird of Waltham, Mass and many great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Anne, a daughter Martha S. Keith and a son Donald I. Sird. To honor Bob's work and dedication to dowsing, the Jack OHandley Chapter is in the process of setting up an annual scholarship for the ASD Basic Dowsing School in his name. Bob Sird was a gentle, wise, and patient man who touched many lives and instilled the love of dowsing in hundreds if not thousands of people. He will be greatly missed.

Dear friend and deeply spiritual man ( posted: June 17, 2008 ) Robert John "Bob" Swantak born January 29, 1950 in Philadelphia, PA passed away May 1, 2008 in a kayaking accident on the Connecticut River. He was born to Robert Andrew Swantak and Helen Marie Wright Swantak. He was survived by his wife and business partner Holly Young, his brothers, Michael and Andrew Swantak, three children, Barbara Swantak, James Swantak and John Swantak, a stepson, Ian Crawford, and two grandchildren Caleb and Caitlyn Swantak. He served for four years in the Navy during the Vietnam years. Any human is more than the simple facts, and that is never more evident when speaking of Bob Swantak. Bob loved and he was loved. The caveat that he was not a perfect man even seems a little silly in speaking of him. Hed be the first to point out that a human being is nearly always perfectly Self. Certainly Bob behaved in a way that tended to be true to soul, for Bob was a deeply spiritual man. He did a great deal of teaching and healing work for the American Society of the Dowsers and was best known for his Quiet Knowing lectures. Bob loved growth and creation. He made his living making beautiful jewelry with River Spirit Designs for the past twenty years. He became widely known and respected in the crafting community as a member of Vermont Handcrafters. He loved gardening and the flowers surrounded his home in the summertime. He especially loved Irises, the flowers of the spiritual realm. His love of growth and creation was never more apparent than his love of his children and grandchildren. Free time often found him at the river side with his family skipping stones, playing with the children, laughing at antics, and teaching them things both big and small. He loved nature in general, and the Upper Valley in particular, once commenting that Theres something about these mountains that reach out and take you in. He loved rivers, seeing his wife in many ways as its spirit. Being out on a river, exploring its mysteries, and sharing them with his family and loved ones was a great joy to him. While his love of kayaking and the river may seem ironic, on a deeper level, it was not. That source of joy was what he returned to in the rounded whole of his life. His Life Celebration Service at the Bradford Academy Building auditorium 1:00pm June 28th. (posted: May 3, 2008 ) Dear Friends, We learned last night of the tragic disappearance of our dear friend Bob Swantak on Thursday. He left the Bradford boat landing to take a short trip across the Connecticut River to gather fiddlehead ferns and his kayak and life preserver vest were found drifting in the river several miles south later that same day. An intensive search by air, land and water was made at that time and all day yesterday, Friday, with no clues or signs that he had made it to shore. The search continues at a slackened pace at this time. Pam stopped to see Holly last night after learning about his disappearance. She has great support from family and friends, is doing amazingly well and was most grateful to have us tell all the dowser friends this sad news. So for now that's something we can do and all of us can send her and hers all the love, energy and prayers we can muster. As many of you know personally, Bob is a very special and wonderful man. Our hearts are sore, this is truly a tragic and shocking event. If anyone feels moved to dowse for Bob's whereabouts, please do and contact us with results. We will relay the information on to Holly who will give it to the proper people. She says they will gladly accept it. For obvious reasons it would be good not to try and contact her directly with it as she is pretty overwhelmed with this situation already. Thank you all for your support and we will keep you posted. Blessings, Arvid and Pam ( posted: May 21, 2008 ) Dear Friends, This is a follow-up to our message of 5/3/08 about Bob. He was recovered on Sunday morning May 18th on the NH side of the Connecticut River near the very spot toward which he was heading on that Thursday May 1st when he disappeared. While it is good to have this closure for Holly, it does make it so final and begins the whole grieving process again for her...indeed for all who knew and loved this special man. One dear friend sent us a message saying this but adding, "Bob is flying with the angels and smiling down on us wherever he is"....how beautiful and how true...thank you,Sybil. There is to be a celebration of Bob's life in Bradford, VT at the end of June. We will send more details about that soon. In the meantime let's continue to support Holly, Bob's children and grandchildren and his close friends and family with our continued love, prayers and healing energy. Blessings to all, Arvid and Pam

Past ASD trustee and past President of the Boston Dowsers Born: Jan. 24, 1940 Departed: April 13, 2008 in in Newburyport, MA. NEWBURY William A. Burns, 68, of Newbury, died early Sunday morning, April 13, 2008 at the Brigham Manor Nursing Facility in Newburyport. He was the husband of Susan (Cohen) Burns. Mr. Burns was born Jan. 24, 1940, son of the late Arnold W. and Blanche (Kaulback) Burns. Mr. Burns was a member of the American Society of Dowsers. He was a farmer on the family farm in Newbury. He also established his own recycling company; and he was the owner of Burns Construction Company. He served a term as the Newbury Highway Superintendent. Mr. Burns retired as a teamster truck driver for Glen-Mor. He enjoyed entering the tractor pulls at the Topsfield Fair. Mr. Burns also had a house in Walden, Vt., where he enjoyed vacations with his family. He loved traveling to special places. In addition to his wife, Susan, he is survived by four sons, William A. Burns of Newbury, James A. Burns of Manchester, N.H., David A. Burns of Newbury and Jon A. Burns of Newbury; a brother, Robert Burns of Newbury; and a grandson, Jon Burns of Newton, N.H. Mr. Burns was also predeceased by his first wife, Sylvia (McCarthy) Burns. ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be held Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. in the F.S. Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 14 Independent St., Rowley. Burial will be in Newbury Neck Cemetery. A period of visitation will be Tuesday evening 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. For information, directions or to send condolences, please visit www.fsrobertsandson.com. Guest Book for: William A. Burns

Former president, Canadian Society of Dowsers Departed: April 3, 2008 in Cornwall, ON Canada SKILLEN, Gary Passed away on Thursday, April 3, 2008 at the Cornwall Community Hospital as the result of the sudden onset of cancer at the age of 64 years. Gary Kenneth Skillen of Apple Hill (Owner of Ecological Agricultural Solutions and Energies, Maxville). Loving father of Martine Skillen (James Curry) of Smiths Falls and Jeffery Skillen (Erin Brown) of Victoria B.C. and the late Andrea Skillen. Cherished companion of Janet Goodfellow. Dear brother of Bonnie Brown (Bill) of Orillia, Bruce Skillen and Linda Bennett both of Wingham. Heather Leigh (Rod) of Fergus, Lois Kelly (Bill) of Calgary and Tom Skillen (Gisele Bergeron) of Drummondville. Son of the late Kenneth Skillen and the late Irene Lariviere. Relatives and friends may call at the Munro & Morris Funeral Homes Ltd., 20 Main Street, Maxville, (613) 527-2898 on Monday, April 7, 2008 from 7 to 9 p.m. and on Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. until time of the Service at 2:00 pm. A Service of Remembrance will be held in the Chapel of the Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. followed by cremation. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations to the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario would be appreciated by the family. As a memorial to Gary, a tree will be planted in Memory Woods. A tree grows - memories live. Condolences may be made online at www.munromorris.com . Published in the Ottawa Citizen on 4/5/2008. Guest Book http://www.dowser-skillen.com/index.html

President of ASD from 2003-2005, President of the San Jose, California Chapter and an Executive Member of the West Coast Dowsers Convention Committee Born: April 15, 1937, in Bellingham, Washington Departed: March 24, 2008 Barry was born on April 15, 1937, in Bellingham, Washington, and moved with his family to Walnut Creek, California, when he was in high school. He became a teacher and worked at DeAnza College in Cupertino, California, for most of his career. He taught small business administration and accounting from 1965 to 1999. During that time, he married and had two daughters, and later became the grandfather of four. He was devoted to all his family, and loved to show them what fun life can be. He encouraged his daughters to follow the path that was right for each of them, even if it was alternative and out of the mainstream. And that they did! Barry became fascinated with the possibility of reaching for a greater understanding of the world through dowsing. He joined the San Jose Chapter of the American Society of Dowsers, where his energy and enthusiasm soon saw him become head of the group. He later became a trustee of the national organization and then served as president, and was a long-term member of the West Coast Conference committee. Having started out with the traditional dowsing tools, Barry went on to develop hand-dowsing applications. He developed Hand Analysis for working on the etheric level of the body using reflexology, emotional-block clearing, meridians, chakras and other subtle energies. His activities have included dimensional logic patterning, physical body clairvoyance and color-projecting. He is a former director of SmartLife, a longevity- and life-enhancement research forum in Palo Alto. A chapter on his background can be found in the book Successful American Dowsers. Barry loved dowsing. He was committed to bringing dowsing and mind phenomena to the public beyond the usual boundaries of metaphysical communities. His mind was on a continuous quest for answers about the Universe, and to discover new ways of presenting consciousness to the world. Dowsing was his medium. He had a wonderful ability to merge the serious side of metaphysics with humor, and his organizational skills brought new visions to the West Coast Conference. He loved to pioneer new ideas to reach a broader audience for dowsing. His love of children made him a natural as a teacher with the WCC Youth Program, bringing dowsing and metaphysics to young people. Thinking of Barry will always remind us of his zest for integrating dowsing and fun. He made the quest for a deeper understanding of the Universe entertaining and joyful.

Former Secretary of the Board of Trustees; founder, Mendocino Dowsers Born: Corpus Christi Texas. December 24, 1944 Departed: March 9, 2008 in Santa Rosa California Joan Champion was born December 24, 1944 in Corpus Christi Texas. She died March 9, 2008 in Santa Rosa California after a year-long battle with cancer. Joan was one of eleven children. Her family moved to California when Joan was six. Family was important to Joan, and she had the capacity for unconditional love and acceptance of all her diverse relations. This also was reflected in her devotion to her husband Alex Champion, her three children and three grandchildren. Joans main interest, other than family, was art. She liked to explore new media and design ideas, and was continuously learning new things. She painted with water colors, she wove, she made dolls, designed T-shirts, created pottery, and learned computer graphics to design websites, program covers and brochures. She loved to paint with water colors, and her paintings are imaginative and innovative. She also participated in many community events and co-operatives to bring art to a larger community. Joan had a long-time goal to create an art program at the Anderson Valley High School near where she lived. (If you wish to donate to this project send a check to AVArts, POB 606, Boonville, CA 94515.) Joan was a naturally spiritual person, always seeking spiritual information and interested in self-discovery. In 1987, Joan and her husband Alex went for the first time to the West Coast Dowsers Conference. That event changed both their lives. In the dowsers, they found their spiritual family, people they felt at home with. Joan loved the dowsers. She loved the laughter, jokes, hugs and spiritual knowledge she found there. The dowsers nurtured many of her talents and beliefs. She increased her involvement with the dowsers when she and Alex joined the West Coast Conference Committee in the early 1990s. The Committee became Joans second family. Joan was a loyal and productive member of her adopted dowser family. She designed covers for Conference programs and lapel pins for the speakers, she set up the website and she managed many of the activities needed to run a conference smoothly. She taught art to children in the WCC Youth program. She later became Conference co-director. She wanted to bring dowsing to a larger audience, so she founded the Mendocino Dowsers chapter of the American Society of Dowsers, and ran the meetings for the last eleven years. She later became an ASD Trustee and served as secretary of the Board of Directors. Through the dowsers, she and Alex became involved with using labyrinths for spiritual development. She consistently supported him in his research and design of labyrinths across the country. This led to her participation and development of the Art Line Project, a project dedicated to placing labyrinths and/or art along a geographic latitude in the US to create energy for world healing. Joan was like the labyrinth. When you experience a labyrinth, you come into harmony with its peaceful vibration, and are transformed. Joan had good vibrations, and one was altered just being around her. Joan was always thinking of others more than of herself. Joan inspired us to change by being the way she was. We will miss the sparkle in her eye, her laughter, her contagious smile, her supportive loyalty and her big heart.

Engineer, Metta Physician, "Renaissance Man" and "Teacher of Teachers". Age 81 years. Most currently a resident of the west side, Bud spent most of his early years on the east side. He achieved an under graduate in engineering from Purdue University and a doctorate in law from Marshall School of Law. He was most proud of the department of engineers he managed for CEI for 38 years. Not one to stop at retirement, he opened and co founded with Lee Henn Pathways in Lakewood and Awareness Associates. As an international speaker and workshop facilitator and presenter he was instrumental in opening doors and windows for many. He was an American Society of Dowsers trustee, a member of MENSA; an Elder in the On Time Community and known as Skanohagwa, in the Seneca Wolf Clan Teaching Lodge as well as a long time proponent of the Creative Problem Solving Institute and Association For Humanistic Psychology. A gifted musician and lover of books and learning, His favorite place to be was out with the trees or at the library. He especially loved the Berea Library and its librarians. Survived in life by his Loving wife Renie (nee Irene Mazetis), Beloved children David (Eve) and Jane, Treasured grand children Robert, Erica and Saige, Valued Nephews and Nieces: Michael, William, Vicki and Patty; Special women Ayn, Beverly, Ingrid, Julie, Joelle and Lee; and many dear friends and associates. In lieu of flowers a contribution may be sent for the Bud Brooksieker Memorial Tree Fund. In care of the Rose Garden Respite Center, 11824 Milan ,Cleveland Ohio 44111

Co-founded the Geobiology Research Association in 1993 Born: Aberdeen, South Dakota, July 3 1938 Departed: November 12, 2007. Resided in Erie, Co The dowsing community has been saddened with the crossing over of one of its shining stars, Slim Spurling. Slims energy discoveries, workshops and tools have become an integral part of many dowsers own work with the environment and personal well-being. Slim was a remarkable man, who committed his life to restoring the health of the environment and of mankind. He began practicing the ancient art of dowsing in 1970 and found a very simple and inexpensive method of neutralizing geopathic stress. Slim was an internationally recognized expert in the art of dowsing; and gave seminars in the U.S, Canada, Europe, South America and South Africa on dowsing and the application of the Light-Life Technology that he developed. His inventions are used worldwide to reduce air pollution, improve the quality of agriculture, and peoples lives. Slim Spurling was in born in Aberdeen, South Dakota, settling on a small ranch near Morrison, Colorado, following World War II; attended rural schools, Colorado Military Academy and Mullen H.S. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree at Colorado State University, majoring in Forestry and Botany, minoring in Mycology, Biochemistry and Microbiology. He was Honorably Discharged from the U.S. Naval Air Reserve. His life experiences included a twenty-year career as an artist-blacksmith and founder of the largest school of blacksmithing in the USA in the 1970's. His first student was the Founder and Curator of the National Blacksmiths Museum in Memphis, Tennessee. A keen interest in metaphysics developed with an out-of-body-experience during college years and two near-death-experiences. Slim began research in subtle energy phenomena and technologies in 1985. In 1992 he invented a device now known as the Light-Life-Ring. Further inventions based on this technology are the Acu-Vac Coil, the Feedback Loop and the Harmonizer. These Light-Life-Tools, which are room temperature super-conductors, produce positive subtle energy effects in areas as diverse as pain relief, enhanced healing ability of the body in injury or illness, improving water quality, air pollution abatement, certain types of insect control and increased plant growth. Slim co-founded the Geobiology Research Association in 1993. The Association is a network of student-associates who practice the art of dowsing for and then the diverting of geopathic stress to alleviate various physical, mental or emotional symptoms for members of households or business enterprises. Slims work will continue on through his wife, Katharina Spurling-Kaffl, and his employees and friends. For more information on Slims work and tools, visit his website, www.slimspurling.com

Of Havelock, Ontario President of the CSD for 1993 and 1994. Canadian Society of Dowers - Dowser of the Year 2007. Bruce was a teacher and practitioner of: Dowsing , Reiki, Touch for Health, Clinical Hypnotherapy and The Learning Path Integrated Technique. He was a Past President of the CSD, spoke at the convention and taught in the dowsing schools for many years. He was a man of integrity, compassion, and had a zest for life. He could be a real jokester and many of us shared many moments laughing with him. As a dowser he forged many paths for us to explore, helped many with issues in their homes, with physical ailments and pain, helped companies find locations for their wells and was well known as The Ghost Buster. Here are a few of his dowsing principles and lessons: When Dowsing... NEVER allow ego to come into Dowsing NEVER assume anything ALWAYS have compassion and respect for those you are assisting NEVER invade someone's space without permission NEVER ask silly/stupid questions...e.g. question you already know the answer too KNOW that with Dowsing, you are always dowsing for whatever is in the highest best good... and only God (higher source) knows what is in the HBG REMEMBER to use techniques to protect yourself from negative energies/entities while dowsing