Darell C. Provencher
Sorry I didn't get this out to the OBRA list yesterday. Below is a condensed
version of the message I sent on Monday to our Team Rose City
community. Jeff was a true friend of mine. We shared the same tastes in
music and drove together to several cross races a few years back. His
brother Evan is also a member of our team. I have seen what Jeff's love of
music and mentorship has done for so many high school students over the
years. He is and will be deeply missed.
Team Rose City friends,
For those of you who knew and rode with Jeff Cumpston (Evan's brother), I
received tragic news today that he was killed yesterday while riding his
bike in Zimbabwe, where he and his family have been living and working for
the past year. Jeff was the music director at West Linn High School before
he and his family left the comfort and security of our country, to boldly
step out and give back to a part of the world that so needed his light and
joy, which he brought with his gift of music. I am so saddened and
distraught to see someone like Jeff with so much talent and a positive
outlook on life leave us far too early.
I also have a link to the Cumpston family blog below.
http://blog.cumpston.us/
Subject: What has been passed to me, I now share w/you, for those who
know... Sunday Aug 9, 2009 It is with extreme sorrow I bring the news of
Jeff Cumpston’s passing. This morning in Zimbabwe, while riding his bicycle,
Jeff was struck and killed by a motorcyclist. (The motorcyclist was also
killed in the accident.) His wife Terry has asked that the word be spread to
all who knew and loved this very special man. We ask that you keep Terry,
Mary and Brice in your thoughts. At this point, it is not known what their
plans are. This tragedy is a terrible loss for musicians, students, friends,
and family alike. Jeff was important in so many people’s lives; please help
to share this news with all who should hear it. Please pass this along to
everyone that you know that loved Jeff.
On Tue, Aug 11, 2009 at 9:14 PM, Terry Keele wrote:
> Friends,
>
> I didn't see this mentioned on the list so forgive me if it's already been
> covered. Team Rose City/OBRA alum - Jeff Cumpston was killed while riding
> in Zimbabwe. I met Jeff on the road many times being that we lived near
> each other. I came to know him more when my daughter started high school at
> West Linn High where Jeff was a well respected music teacher. Jeff will be
> truly missed by both the his Oregon and African communities. Attached is a
> link to an article about Jeff that ran in today's Oregonian.
>
>
> http://www.oregonlive.com/clackamascounty/index.ssf/2009/08/jeff_cumpston_former_west_linn.html
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Note NEW email address is darellp@easystreet.net -- no longer .com