Remembering a Dear Friend
I recently discovered that my friend, Ace Lundon, who was also an avid supporter of Diversity Rules Magazine, died on October 24th. The funny thing is that I never met him personally, but I felt a bond with him as if we were best friends. I also co-hosted his podcast radio show a few times, and was a guest as well. I am truly saddened over the death of this remarkable man, and every time I look at the picture to the left tears begin to well in my eyes.
Due to my pre-occupation with my own life and its challenges, I lost touch with Ace. However, while sitting at my desk in early October I received an incredibly strong gut feeling to reach out to him. I was in the middle of some work and said to myself, “I’ll do it tomorrow.” Alas, I did not despite feeling this feeling in my gut a couple more times, with each time being in the middle of something, and saying “tomorrow.” I so much wish now that I had followed through with those gut feelings, as it was surely a sign that his impending demise was near. You are flying with the angels now Ace Lundon. Sigh. I learned an invaluable but very painful lesson as per the old adage, “Never put off to tomorrow what you can do today.” I will always regret not reaching out to Ace Lundon before he crossed the veil to the other side. I bid you Adieu Ace. I will always remember you.
Ace used to recite a quote by Aristotle all the time, and it is one which I hold dear to my heart. It surely guides my life, and I find myself reciting it many times as well. It, and Ace, taught me the importance of thinking and being true to myself:
“It is the mark of an educated mind to entertain a thought without accepting it.”
As a personal token of my love for this man, the December issue is dedicated to him. I have reproduced some memories of Ace I found on his Facebook page, from some of his many friends, family and whomever else was touched by this remarkable man (not in the Trump sense of the word either … ha, ha, ha).
Despite not personally meeting Ace Lundon in the flesh, I will miss him very much especially his words of wisdom and his reassuring tone that all will be fine. I know you are not resting in peace Ace, as I am sure you are busy doing what you did best — encouraging the angels to think for themselves, with a bit of a potty mouth. LOL!
We will all do our best to carry on your work, and try to make the world a better place and to battle injustice where it resides.
Peace my friend.
Some of the many heartfelt remembrances of the man we shall all miss very much:
This pic is from only time I ever met in person my Lundon Calling co-host, partner-in-crime and incredibly caring, hilarious, sharp-tongued, good-humored and loyal friend Ace Lundon, in the Charlotte airport on January 30, 2008. As I recall, his layover there was on the way to a conference he’d been invited to where, no doubt, he held forth on how “We are what we have been becoming” and reminded those lucky enough to be within earshot that in the words of Aristotle, “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” Ace, you had a seemingly inexhaustible well of love and kindness within you that the rest of us can only envy — and you have an indelible place in history rivaled only by your place in our hearts. Recording the memorial podcast last night brought it all back for me so vividly — including our weekly signoff, where we’d say goodnight to each other and the last word was always you saying in the sweetest voice, “Good night, Spiderman,” to our ever-multitasking producer Mike Means. Good night, Ace. I’m a better human for having known you.
— Lance Helms
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Ace Lundon. My condolences to his family and friends. I had the privilege of being interviewed for the Lundon Bridge talk show a while back. I really appreciated Ace’s ability to cross political divides and treat everyone with respect. He was an advocate for rational thinking and conversation. I often reflect on one of his favorite quotes: “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” – Aristotle
Rest in peace, Ace. Yours was a life well-lived. You will be missed by many.
— Laurence Overmire
Ace, we never actually met in person but I knew from our phone and email conversations that you were a one-of-a-kind human and humanitarian. And then came FB where you were a lively and always-amusing presence, a story teller, a witty, charismatic, caring and proud gay man. The world is a better place thanks to your life and your contributions. My heart sunk when I learned of your passing. You will live on in our memories and stories. Rest in peace dear friend.
– Karen Mudd
This is my friend Ace Lundon , I just found out he passed on(10-24-16) when I was being joyous about being a new Grandma, he would have been so happy for me. He is already missed by so many. I took this photo outside the Lake Havasu movie theater, while we were waiting for the premier of our friend Jeff London’s movie. That was such a fun night with Ace. His love, humor and strength will live on in my heart. Goodbye my friend.
Rest in peace Ace Lundon. I will never forget you, my beloved friend.
— Amhed Benacer
My heart hurts today…. Sad to hear about the passing of Ace Lundon! May you be in a bright sunny place brighter than yourself. Not sure if that’s possible as you were always full of radiant energy but I wish such a happy place for you now! Always,
— Christopher Jay Hall
Rest In Peace Uncle Ace Lundon. Uncle Ace you’ll be missed dearly. You touched the lives of so many; always being such a bright light in this dark world. I love you.
— Joshua Ryan
One of the most interesting people I ever met died, I don’t know how to explain how unique and special this man was. Having been a part of Ace’s life and especially his in mine was such a privilege, I will miss his wonderful smile and intellect, such a great person we have lost, love you Ace and thanks for the most wonderful times we had together.
— Terry Scott
Missing my dear friend, Ace Lundon. Ace helped me be less afraid to take chances of the heart.
— Jeff London
Ace Lundon, you will be in my heart forever. I love you so much and I’m thankful that our paths crossed. RIP my friend.
— Jackie Weller
The world lost a great man. You will be loved and missed, Ace.
— TC Hublein
“When you speak truth and empty your closets in life, you just might find out your dining room will fill up with people who really love you.”
– Ace Lundon
If so inclined, please feel free to leave a remembrance of Ace in the comment section.
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Ace was my cousin. He came from the great South Dakota. We would call each other from time to time……we had wonderful conversations….about politics, family, 4-H and you name it. I will miss this man who I was proud of…….I also am someone who kept saying I will get down there to see him…….I regret that! You are with family and Patrick……I love you and miss you.
God Bless you, Ace. Our days at Coast to Coast Times are revered as we made the Gay Hall of Fame together! WOW! I’m thrilled we got back in touch! I shall ALWAYS HONOR you and Patrick, Beloved Friend, see you sooner than later! In His Hands, I love you, Kathy