Longtime Bolinas resident Michael Sims, an accomplished drummer and popular member of the community, died suddenly Nov. 18. He was 34.
The county Coroner's Office has yet to identify the cause of his death.
"Michael was loved by so many people," said friend Claire Heart. "His death leaves a huge space in this town."
Some 200 townspeople gathered at the Bolinas Community Center Nov. 24 for a memorial service. Rows upon rows of people took their places in a large circle after placing offerings on an altar created in Mr. Sims honor.
Mr. Sims had been a mainstay in town drumming circles and dance classes held in the community center.
His drumming group and one of his drumming teachers, Sandor, played conga drums throughout the memorial service, while Kelly Hill, Mr. Sims' companion, performed an African dance which moved many to tears.
"It'll take a long time to realize Michael isn't in there drumming with everyone else," said friend Jenny Pfieffer.
Dozens of friends and acquaintances voiced their grief over Mr. Sims' death, recounting ways he had affected their lives.
A group of boys who attended Full Circle School in Dogtown expressed their admiration for Mr. Sims, their drumming teacher and counselor. "He always got to the heart of the matter, if there was trouble or not," said one student.
Children bearing candles led a procession from the community center to the beach, where the altar was reassembled and a fire was lit. The group continued to drum and dance until sunset.
Michael came to Bolinas as a teenager. He was a student of martial arts, specializing in tai chi. He also excelled in his study of the occult, as a Taroist and astrologer. He will be remembered for his passion for drumming, his empathy for others and his sense of humor.
Mr. Sims is survived by his brothers John "Lord Relentless Ha" Sims and Jim Sims, his mother Rosie Lynn Learned of Sausalito, his uncles Rick Sims and Mike Sims of Palos Verdes.