When we learned of Wayne's passing in October, 2004, many emotions coursed through us. We wanted to do something to celebrate Wayne's life; this webpage is the result of that desire. We hope it will serve as a way to learn about the breadth of Wayne's work, his person, and how God worked through him. We have slowly expanded the site, adding content as people sent us stories and photos to share. We invite you to continue sending materials. We've been delighted by the number of people who have visited the site and who have contributed to it. This site is like a crazy quilt, made up of many pieces created by different people, just as Wayne's life was. Wayne was someone who created communities and brought people together, wherever he went. We hope that this site will grow and change over time, perhaps into a new virtual community in cyberspace.
I first met Wayne at a gathering of the Chicago Chapter of the International Thomas Merton Society in the early 90’s. I found Wayne spiritually profound but his approach was refreshingly different from that at the Zen center where I’d been a resident for the previous three years. One evening, Wayne invited me over to his apartment at the CTU saying that we could “watch Babylon 5, and then meditate”. I didn’t quite know what to make of this monk who loved TV! It wasn’t long before Wayne appeared to me in a dream, inviting me to come closer to God. Br Wayne had a most unexpected and unpredictable effect on people. Or should I say that God worked through Wayne in unexpected ways?
I am interested in contemplative Christian spirituality, the Buddhist-Christian dialogue, and Ken Wilber’s integral approach. I am a founding member of The Friends of Bede Griffiths and led a Wilber dialogue group for several years. I have a certificate in spiritual direction from the Institute for Spiritual Leadership in Hyde Park and offer programs in prayer and spirituality around the Chicago area on occasion. A biochemist by training, I am the director of the Center for Accademic Excellence at the Chicago School for Professional Psychology.
I met Brother Wayne in 2000, when I started dating Bill. I didn't know Wayne well, but I felt close to him. During Wayne's second and final bout with cancer, I discovered that practically everyone who'd ever met Wayne felt intimately connected to him, just as I did. That was one of Wayne's gifts. It was an honor to be a part of the army of supporters who surrounded Wayne during the last months of his life.
I am a visual artist; I make mixed media sculptures. I teach web design and foundation art classes for the Art and Design department at Robert Morris College. I am a member of The Friends of Bede Griffiths.
Created in loving memory of our friend Brother Wayne Teasdale
by Bill Epperly and Claire Prucher Epperly
Last Updated: 10/24/07