Brian Poe died on Thursday, April 17, 2025. He was born August 13, 1943. A Sukhavati for Brian was done for him privately, but there will be a memorial celebration of his life in several days. That will be announced and will be via Zoom.
Brian, in his younger years, went to university in psychology for a brief period, then dropped out and spent a few years in the U.S. Air Force, two years of which was as command at an observation post in Taiwan. In 1982 or so, following his service in the Air Force, he came to Boulder, connected with Chôgyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Buddha Dharma, and never left. He attended the Vajradhatu Seminary in the early 90’s. In 1983 or so, he joined the Dorje Kasung, and was active in that capacity for a number of years. In 1986, he was appointed Khenchen, an officer rank within the Kasung. In fact, he never seemed to have stopped in his capacity and presence as a Dorje Kasung. It became ingrained in his life. The role fit him like a glove.
In recent years, he participated in the classes and activities of Ri-mé society. For a few years, he was the person who offered the tea offering to the dharma protectors at the conclusion of each Ri-mé class. There was a certain continuity from his time in the Air Force, to his dedication and connection to the Dorje Kasung, to his being the person to make the offering to the dharma protectors, he himself as Kasung being one. He also contributed stories and observations in Ri-mé Society classes that were always both deeply personal and instructive.
Brian was open-minded, utterly dedicated to his teacher Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, to his dharma practice and study, and to his service in the Dorje Kasung as the expression of his devotion. He was simple and straightforward, sincere yet affable, qualities very much noticed and appreciated by his friends and colleagues. Tall and lanky, he wore his Kassung uniform like a flagpole wears a banner, neat and crisp, serious in his duty, yet always approachable. He was liked by people and people liked him.
Brian is one of the the latest indelible presences in the sangha of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche to pass on to wherever our indelible bond with teacher, dharma and sangha will take us. Ki ki so so, and a life well done Brian! At ease!
Submitted by Clarke Warren. Thank you to Blake Thompson and Dennis Southward for their recollections of Brian.
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Tributes
Benevolent and tall as a tree with a
wink and a smile.
If you can’t find a photo of Brian,
No matter.
If you met him he was unforgettable.
If you never did, well
You missed the boat again.
Jolly good luck Dear Brian!
