Rezene Testatsion
Rezene Tesfatsion arrived in Minnesota from Ethiopia as a bright 17-year-old college student with great potential and a dark past. He spoke little about his academic achievements and less of experiences as a child soldier in his war-torn country. At Peace House Community, he was well-known for jokes that played off his mock vanity and supposed fierceness, but throughout the wider community he was well-loved for quiet generosity and joy in the successes of others.
Randip Satoskar, aka Rand
Randip “Rand” Satoskar was a brilliant hermit in the heart of the city. His tent, tucked in foliage under the Stone Arch Bridge, was very private, but Rand himself was quite visible, radiating a joyous appreciation of the arts and spiritual connection among all living things. When Minneapolis launched a series of interviews with familiar faces in downtown parks, Rand was the first person featured. Around PHC, he displayed enthusiasm for all sorts of esoteric subjects and for meditative hand dancing to music.
John Gries
John was a dedicated, longtime volunteer and former Board member whose commitment to Peace House Community left a lasting impact. He had a quiet way of putting people at ease, and his wisdom, kindness, and thoughtfulness earned the respect of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Joe Banks
Joe was a volunteer at PHC for many years before his health declined. This part of his obituary beautifully summed up Joe’s life:
Joe leaves behind a legacy of music, art, faith, service and quiet joy – a life shaped by community, sustained by belief and shared generously.