Red Cedar Zen Member Michael Kelberer passed away peacefully at home on December 28th in the presence of his wife, Dawn Moon. 

Michael discovered the benefits of the practice after moving to Bellingham about 10 years ago. First studying mindfulness with Nomon Tim at Mindfulness Northwest, where he went on the MNW staff and Board. Later he discovered the power of Buddhadharma and joined the sangha where he also served as our first Program Administrator with great gusto and energy.

He received the precepts in a jukai ceremony November with Nomon Tim and Kanhō Chris. There he also received the name Shūhō Hōken meaning "Studying the Dharma, Phoenix Revealed." 

A perennial student, Michael approached living with cancer with great curiosity, peppering his doctors with questions. His studies in the sangha with mentor Joden Bob Rose, and teachers Kanhō Chris and Nomon Tim were done with much the same enthusiasm and delight.

Michael will be missed. 

Memorial services for Michael will be announced once they are scheduled.