Sheldon Y. Carnes, March 26, 2018
From the Albany Times Union, March 31, 2018:
Carnes, Sheldon (Troy, NY). After a joyful celebration of his life with family and friends, Sheldon “Rusty” Carnes paddled peacefully to the Pearly Gates around 3:30 a.m. on March 26, 2018. He left behind his sisters, Katy, Roxy, and Sandy; brother Terry; multiple masks, puppets and flutes; and a wide diversified circle of loving friends.
In 2012, AlbanyPoets.com reports that
Sheldon Carnes made a rare appearance (with his Apache drum flute) to do a poem in the persona of a dog(?) crossing the road.
Rusty’s profile on Couchsurfing.com, where he offered to share accommodations with travelers, is pretty interesting:
- Overview: Fluent in French; learning German; 72, Male; Member since 2014
- Teacher. Masters in Education
- About Me: I am a culture jammer. I try to discover what made us what we are, and how to transcend that. I love to travel and to meet new people and to visit friends who live far away.
- Interests: Creating costumes, writing, camping, bicycling, and culture jamming; dogs, culture, writing, dieting, traveling, music, camping
- Music, Movies, and Books? I like practically all music, All movies by Stanley Krubrick, and David Cronenberg and most all books by Thomas Pynchon, and the Gospel According to Thomas, the Guillaumont translation.
- One Amazing Thing I’ve Done: Lived on Nantucket Island in a home-made Tipi with my dog, Keelai, for about five years. Was a nanny for an 11-month-old girl, until she was 1 and a half years (I saw how a human soul grows into the world). Lived with an amazing German woman and her family for several years. And never learning to count.
- Teach, Learn, Share: Brain tanning deer skin. Music. Fun world view.
- What I Can Share with Hosts: The Earth Diet
- Countries I’ve Visited: Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Italy, Spain
- Countries I’ve Lived In: Canada, England, France, Germany
Rusty’s YouTube channel has three videos where he speaks directly to the viewer:
- – Becoming a Gospel Warrior (40:13) (2014);
- – Captain Scurvy Dog’s Bible Hour Part 1 of 2 (9:54) (2009); and
- – Captain Scurvy Dog’s Bible Hour Part 2 of 2 (8:33) (2009).
The “Guestbook” for Rusty on Legacy.com had 16 remembrances and 8 photos, and they are worth reading and looking at. They give a lovely picture of a joyful eccentric who touched the lives of those around him. Here are the text entries:
April 29, 2018
Sheldon and I worked at City School District-He was in several plays with me “Freedom Summer” and he did re-enactments as John Brown. He was excellent and I visited him November and have one of his mask. What a treasure and friend…
April 15, 2018
Sheldon was always showing up reminding me to stay light and think outside the box. I met him when I was organizing the First Honest Weight Coop Family Contra Dance Potluck, puppet show, story telling event at St Patrick’s Church in 1986 or maybe 1987. I will miss him!
April 14, 2018
There is much that I would like to say about Sheldon. I will return when I have time to share my thoughts about what a wonderful and talented man he was. I am sorry the world is missing him.April 11, 2018
The first is a picture is Rusty “Sheldon” at a demonstration with his then girlfriend Sharron.
The second is him in Seattle with his new boomerang.April 09, 2018
I got to know Sheldon at the Co–op where he was always a noteworthy presence. Over time we talked, and he shared with me a copy of his memoir/philosophical tract/manifesto, “The Salamander Papers.” His reflections and observations on his own experiences and our world are unique and provocative. His skeptical, critical, but ultimately optimistic spirit will be missed. A joyful eccentric!
April 09, 2018
I first got to know Sheldon on the Two Row Treaty Renewal Campaign when the flotilla left the capital region and proceeded on to NYC. He was always kind, and it was good to know him.
April 08, 2018
Sheldon was a magical, joyful paddle Friend whose grit and glory helped carry us all down the Two Row River of Life
April 08, 2018
We spent our youth together and touched in through out the years whenever one of us would travel to the opposite coast. I must say that was the most brilliantly orchestrated exit I have ever seen! Am so grateful to have been present for the celebration and that our sister Sandy documented it so well! Love you, Rusty!
April 08, 2018
Sheldon was a part of our family for some years and added a lot of color! He had a positive impact on my nieces and nephew which continues on in their lives. My mom used to laugh and say she saw a Sheldon sighting in some random place where their paths collided! I can say the same.. A Monsanto rally or a play at the Albany Art Institute, Sheldon was sure to pop up! Condolences to his family.
Sincerely,April 08, 2018
Blessings to You My Brother… You left an indelible Mark on My Soul for which I will be Eternally Grateful… May Creator Rest Your Mortal SoulApril 08, 2018
Sheldon was a powerful voice for the voiceless folks of the world. He saw the world as a place of play and danced through it helping folks to move beyond barriers that held them back from their full potentials. As a masterful fool, he played a role bigger than himself and in so doing wove many subgroups of people together. Sometimes overwitty and grinding, he was capable of lightening a space that may have become dreary. Hail the traveler! Bright lights to the Mound.
April 02, 2018
Sheldon often attended the local YMCA where I go, and enjoyed playing on the “pickle-ball teams” there. He also was involved in many “peaceful demonstrations” and organizations that a mutual friend participated in. He was always pleasant, funny, and a “colorful” man in good spirits. His loss will be felt in many places including the East Greenbush YMCA. Rest in peace, Sheldon.
April 02, 2018
I admired Sheldon for remaining so upbeat during his final months, just as he always was throughout the years I knew him. I’m so glad I was able to attend the celebration of his life just hours before he passed. He clearly appreciated the party, and he may have known that he could depart peacefully after this final gathering of friends and family!
April 02, 2018I’ve known Sheldon Carnes for years. We first met when he attended a protest or demo some years ago, and his wry and feisty spirit was always a delightful part of every event. That squirrel!!! A charming guy and a pleasure to know. I will miss Sheldon.
[in_memoriam_closing]
You will always be a part of me my Brother. Paddle on….