March 31, 2004

Jacinta McKoy, 1959 - 2004.

Jacinta McKoy There are no remarks that can accurately describe the incomparable Jacinta McKoy. In the ten years that we were friends, she could be counted on to provide the most incredible wisdom in any situation. In a world that was hardly worthy of her many charms, she will be grievously missed.

Essentially anyone that ever made a film between Portland and Seattle knew (or knew of) Ms. McKoy. From her earliest days at Evergreen State College (which she attended as a student in 1982, became an employee there four years later and not long thereafter was elevated to the Media Arts Coordinator where she remained until her unexpected death a few days ago), she was a fixture (in the best sense) at the renowned liberal arts institution. When I briefly attended the school in the mid-1990s, Jacinta and I struck an immediate solidarity. We spent a great deal of time together over the next half-decade. When we would occasionally encounter my other friends, I would introduce her as my "favorite person in the whole world." Truer words are rarely spoken.

Although we spoke regularly in the last few years since I relocated to California, it was with particular disappointment that we failed to talk in the days before her passing. She wrote to me while I was in Austin (at SXSW); I telephoned her when I returned to San Francisco with the intention of dining together when I visited Seattle a few days later. She sadly passed away mere hours before my flight arrived.

For those located in the Northwest, a memorial is scheduled for Friday, April 9, at 1:00pm in the TESC Longhouse. This remembrance will be followed by a stroll through Olympia, a "flower drop" at Percival Landing and a "dancing celebration" at the Waterstreet Cafe (quite appropriate since she was a reluctant but exceptional dancer). I suspect that Jacinta would have gracefully accepted the attention and adoration but would have been a little embarrassed with all of the fuss. It is this humility and humanity, amongst other things, that will never be forgotten.

-- Jonathan Marlow



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Posted by dwhudson at March 31, 2004 8:29 AM

Comments

Jonathan, it is lovely to read your tribute to Jacinta. She was my dear friend, too. I attended the memorial today. I drove down from Seattle with the intention of spending the entire week-end. However, the memorial was so overwhelmingly moving, I high-tailed it back to my safe little haven. It was a beautiful ceremony. Stories were shared. There were many tears and just as much laughter. The Longhouse was SRO and Jacinta was right there with us.

Posted by: mian at April 9, 2004 9:43 PM

To all who knew Jacinta McKoy, she was a guiding light of wisdom, exceptional insight and undaunting abilities to communicate her wisdom and insight. Jacinta and I met when I was a visiting faculty member at The Evergreen State College (TESC) in 1990.

Over the years, we maintained contact as I moved on and beyond Olympia. I am deeply saddened by the loss of this impeccable woman and it is with great regret that I was unable to attend the memorial service on friday: I can only imagine the great outpouring from the local community - yet as I write from many miles away, I know that her essence, nature and compassion have radiated far and wide.

To say that she will be sincerely missed by me, as she is the only comrade of mine from my long year at TESC, is a massive understatement. I share the loss of TESC community and the state of Washington community as well. My thoughts are with all who mourn her loss and celebrate her life.

Edna Williams, DC

Posted by: Edna Williams, DC at April 11, 2004 11:54 AM

Thank you both for your wonderful comments.

The memorial was very difficult, making it exceptionally clear how many lives she touched. Jacinta was a remarkable person, unlike any other I have ever known. She will never be forgotten.

Posted by: Jonathan Marlow at April 27, 2004 11:31 AM