Elijah Gary Imlay--poet, therapist, musician and spiritual
mentor--died in memory care in Ventura in April 2023. An award winning
national poet of the Vietnam War--where he served as both soldier AND
professional clarinet player in military bands--he had two collections
of poetry published by the prestigious Tebot Bach Press: Monsoon Blues
(2011) and Gathering The Light of Peace and Love (2020). He conducted
writing workshops for veterans of war through Poets & Writers, Inc.,
PEN USA and Tebot Bach. A graduate of the University of Maryland, he
was a beloved therapist for the Transitions Program of Ventura County
Behavioral Health where he provided mental health services for young
adults. He was also a spiritual mentor and guide on the faculty for
the Institute of Applied Meditation, following in the path of his great
teacher of Indian Sufi meditation, Pir Vilayat, whom the Dalai Lama
mourned and praised upon his passing in 2004. At the institute Elijah
taught Heart Rhythm Meditation web courses, guided meditation retreats
and mentored meditation students for iamHeart.org. In Ventura he
helped lead Universal Worship Services and received a Sufi Service for
a Soul that has Passed in May, attended by close friends and family.
Elijah devoted his life to helping others to live from the heart, gathering
the light of peace and love. Elijah is survived by a son, adopted daughter,
two brothers and extensive family members.