 | You are not alone I am here with you Though we're far apart You are in my heart You are not alone |
A loving memorial to my brother,
Jonathan Merrill Tuttle
December 28, 1950 - June 12, 1994Jonathan suffered all of his adult life from a debilitating mental disease known as schizophrenia. Many people found it hard to accept him as he was. In spite of these heartbreaking obstacles to living a full life, he had a genius-level IQ, total recall, and a seemingly unending fount of creative talents, which he found ways to express daily. He was an original musician, a sound technician, a linguist, an artist, craftsman, and photographer. His innate wit and sense of humor were without parallel. He was also the kindest, noblest, gentlest person I have ever known. I miss him very much.
I wrote this reflection the day after he died.
It was handed out at the memorial service. Peace be the journey I look forward to the afterlife, knowing that someone precious is there, waiting for me. In a lively vision I see my brother Jonathan boarding a heavenly train which is bound for his new home. His appearance changes along the way, the weight of age and sorrow vanishing while handsome youth reappears. He notices as his sense of confusion fades that he is no longer afraid. He steps in childlike wonder off the train at a brightly decorated station, where the scent of flowers not only perfumes the air but also strokes the breeze with a dancing melody. This is no lonely place but a new world, strangely familiar, the sunlit image whose shadow only we see on earth. Here, landscapes and cities as beautiful as spring gardens are inhabited by people of light, who welcome new arrivals with joy and compassion. In his new home Jon is treasured for his unique self. The creativity of his nature is given full play here. Finding himself released from the limitations of imperfect flesh, he soon discovers infinite opportunities to express his feelings, to give and receive love, and to increase the learning and skills acquired in his earthly lifetime. His music, his art, his poetic sense, his unceasing generosity, his gentle love of creatures and creation, have fitted him well for the eternal life. In the future, the shadow of Jon's heavenly achievements will bring inspiration to generations of artists on the earth. I hope he will prepare a home for me and mine, ready to join him when our dark night, at last, becomes bright day. For my brother, Jon Tuttle
Reborn to spirit on June 12, 1994
Peace be the journey
~Cynthia Edwards
Jon's photography 
The main theme of his later photography was the sky. What an uplifting subject! I have added names to these compositions, except "Texas Afternoon," which he named.
Parting at Morning Robert BrowningRound the cape of a sudden came the sea,
And the sun looked over the mountain's rim:
And straight was a path of gold for him,
And the need of a world of men for me.
Jon's art Jon was a multitalented artist. He sketched, drew cartoons, painted in oils, acrylics, and watercolors. He was also an inspired craftsman, making jewelry out of tumbled stones and found objects, and turning a myriad of everyday materials into something more interesting, useful, or beautiful. Following is a small selection of some of his later art, mostly abstract, mostly done in acrylic paint with an airbrush or ink roller on paper. I have named most of these pieces. Here is a rare example of his cartoon art -- titled and dated by the artist. Unusual color drawing, with hidden meaning, containing images from tangrams and other symbols (from a color photocopy.)
Jon's music  I have many tapes of Jon's original music, which he played on guitar (electric and acoustic; bass, lead, and rhythm); keyboards (piano and synthesizer); drums; recorder (tenor, alto, and soprano); harmonica, etc. He not only wrote and played his own music; he also recorded and mixed it himself in a studio he built with his own hands.
His first album, recorded in 1969 with the Patron Saints, is considered a collector's item and was recently seen listed in a catalog valued at $2,500. A re-issue of this classic is now ready. He completed his final album on May 17, 1994, about 3 weeks before his death. Dedicated to me and my son, it is entitled GOLDEN LIGHT and includes songs with visionary names like Golden Light, Serenity, and The Path. Special heartfelt thanks to Eric Bergman, co-founder of the Patron Saints, for sending me several old photos of Jon and a tape of his songs, written and recorded before the illness took hold.
 Thanks to the many people who have come here and taken time to appreciate this very special life.
© Linda Pankuch, the photo of Jon in 1967.
Photo of Jonathan and Cynthia in 1955 restored by Eric Bergman.
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