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Phil Clapp

Saviest of strategists, raciest of observers, wittiest of wonks, repository of buzz, and connaisseur of the human comedy, Phil may well
have reincarnated here from some European court. From epic scheming of privy counsels, he would as easily retired to chapel and confession, since he could name his own venalities, or to evening musicales for he knew the entire chamber music oeuvre; thought late Beethoven "peevish"; was envious of Mendelsohn's innocence; and knew his own wounds well enough to keep a healthy distance from Chopin.  

For all the dharmic intentions, his accumulatedmindful breaths at Zendo retreats did not outnumber his gossipy whispers in philanthropic hallways, legislative lobbies, or diplomatic corridors.

His yearnings would always dwarf his victories; his realism rescued him from resignation; his versatility made him mercurial, he suffered far more from what he hid than what he showed, he inspired and comforted his close colleagues but rarely comforted his own wounded and fractious soul.

For so durable a warrior, he was more fragile than many knew and his Achilles heal was his heart.  So when he fell it was both earlier than we ever would have expected but perhaps no surprise given that he was gentle while our country is mean; pure and our culture is corrupt.  In the end, he was not entirely at home here, which made his service deeper than even he appreciated.    
On Environmental champion Philip Clapp, dead at 54 posted 1 year, 2 months ago 4 Responses