On Saturday, June 19, our dear friend, elder, and long-time member of the FCNL community, Stephen McNeil, passed away. As we grieve his loss, we also honor and celebrate the many ways Stephen enriched our lives and embodied the world we seek.
Stephen led a life of service and Quaker leadership, putting his faith into action in all he did. He served as staff with the American Friends Service Committee for decades, while providing a steady volunteer presence on FCNL committees. He gave generously of himself to FCNL over decades.
He worked as an intern with Ed Snyder early in his career, served on our General Committee for decades, led our Development Committee through the launch of a critical capital campaign, and served as Clerk of Executive and General Committee. He contributed countless volunteer hours, was an active advocate and supporter, and offered guidance to our staff and governors as FCNL grew and changed.
Stephen’s wisdom, pragmatic outlook, and clear-eyed knowledge that another world is possible helped guide us through difficult times. His humor, love of music and theater, passion for the history of FCNL and Friends in Japan, and quiet determination encouraged and taught us. His unflinching commitment to building a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world continues to inspire us.
We remember Stephen with love and gratitude. Though we mourn the loss of his presence in this world, we know he will remain always in Spirit with us.
