Posted on August 28, 2008

Remembering Susan Prather

By Theresa Harrington
Contra Costa Times

WALNUT CREEK — She was uncompromising, unconventional and unabashed.

The qualities that made Susan Prather unique were endearing, and sometimes infuriating, to those who met her.

"Susan was enormously influential because she helped us understand our common humanity," said Alexander Winslow, a board member for the Fresh Start Walnut Creek homeless program that Prather founded. "Our obligation to help those in need is interwoven with our obligation to make the most of ourselves."

Prather, 57, died July 29 after a short battle with gastric cancer. Her family, friends and admirers — including several homeless people she served — gathered Thursday at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Walnut Creek to celebrate her life. They shared a variety of anecdotes that evoked both laughter and tears. Some recalled her humor. Others talked about her brash confrontational approach to dealing with politicians.

All praised Prather's warmth and compassion toward the homeless and her unyielding commitment to making life better for them and for others in need.

Retired U.S. Rep. Bob Campbell, whom Prather often called her "favorite politician," compared her to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech 45 years ago Thursday.

"(King) dedicated his life to people that nobody wanted," Campbell said, getting teary-eyed. "Susan Prather did the same thing."

Prather's dream took her to Richmond, Concord, Oakland and Walnut Creek. She began helping the homeless in the 1970s, when she often went to Richmond late at night to find people who needed her, Richmond City Councilwoman Maria Viramontes recalled tearfully.

"She had a very open heart, a funny way of helping people to relax when they were around her," Viramontes said. "She never treated people like they were invisible and I can tell you that is how the homeless feel."

Richmond Mayor Gayle Mclaughlin recalled working with Prather a few years ago to change an ordinance that made it a crime to sleep in a vehicle or public place anywhere in the city. "Thanks to Susan's formidable spirit fighting for those whose human rights were violated, this coalition ultimately prevailed," Mclaughlin said. [emphasis added]

"This common-sense, deeply compassionate woman will remain in my consciousness forever. Her commitment to bring about a Richmond with a conscience lives on."

Prather came to Walnut Creek after the city received a $250,000 bequest from a Rossmoor woman in 1998 to help the homeless, said Mayor Gwen Regalia, who was impressed by Prather's multifaceted personality.

"She was an exceedingly charming, intelligent, caring, loving , warm teddy bear," Regalia said.

"Yes, she could be abrasive and assertive when she needed to be. She could establish a rapport with just about anybody. It was quite remarkable."

Walnut Creek Councilwoman Sue Rainey joked that Prather befriended her, even though Rainey is a Republican.

She recalled that Prather held "office hours" on a bench in Civic Park, before St. Paul's Episcopal Church donated its facilities for the homeless program.

"It's impossible to visit Fresh Start and not still feel Susan's presence," said board member Robin Zachritz.

"Susan Prather's dream will live on. It will live on in all of us."

Todd Cambria, a homeless man who works at Fresh Start, thanked those who worked with Prather to help him and the rest of the homeless community.

"She truly created a ripple effect," Cambria said, "through her love, caring and sharing."

Nearly two dozen speakers reminisced for more than an hour about the lasting legacy that Prather has left in Contra Costa County and beyond.

At the conclusion of the service, the Rev. Sylvia Vasquez said Prather had requested that she be remembered with a Frank Sinatra song.

It encapsulated Prather's spirit: "My Way.

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Theresa Harrington covers Walnut Creek. Reach her at 925-945-4764 or tharrington@bayareanewsgroup.com.

MEMORIAL DONATIONS
Contributions may be sent to Fresh Start Trust Accounting, P.O. Box 681, El Cerrito, CA 94530.
For more information about the Fresh Start Walnut Creek homeless program, call 925-935-8446 or go to www.freshstartwc.org.

condolences
Expressions of sympathy for Susan Prather may be posted at www.contracostatimes.com.