Tribute to Skye Weintraub
As with many CMS members Skye caught the mushroom foraging bug after attending the Biology of Mushroom Class at LCC taught by Freeman Rowe. However, since she was attending LCC on her way to becoming a Naturopathic physician; she was also taking classes on medicinal plants. So, her foraging was not limited to mushrooms, but also included edible plants.
Skye joined CMS in 2007, and was a member of the CMS Board of Directors from 2009 to 2014; serving as Secretary from 2010 to 2012 and President from 2012 to January 2014. Regardless of whether Skye had a leadership position in CMS, Skye was always involved. Here are a few of the CMS activities that Skye volunteered her time towards (note: there are probably more):
- The 2011 Fungal Feast at King Estates and the 2013 Fungal Feast.
- 30th Anniversary of the MPA Mushroom Festival in 2011. Skye along with Joe Spivack recruited 8 area restaurants to serve mushroom themed dishes during Mushroom Madness Week.
- A weekend long mushroom survey of HJ Andrews in coordination with the US Forest Service and the North American Truffle Society in 2013. 175 species were identified 2 rare/endangered.
- The Mushroom Art Exhibit at Morning Glory Cafe in 2016
- A weekend long CMS member Fall Mushroom Camp at HJ Andrews in 2014
- Skye not only gave a very popular “Tasty or Toxic” talk to CMS, she also took her talk on the road to other mushroom clubs and events around the PNW.
One of the most valuable contributions Skye made to CMS was her work on the Annual Mushroom Show (AKA the mushroom display at the MPA Mushroom Festival). She took it upon herself to take a photography class so that she could take professional grade pictures of every mushroom specimen that went on display each year. In addition to her photos she took on the painstaking task of researching mushroom name changes and cross-referencing them to the Mushroom Festival show list. Her cross-reference table has been incredibly valuable for show set-up for many years and is still being used!
In 2011, Skye noticed there were no books specific to PNW mushrooming, and also no websites. So she undertook a project to create an educational website on Wild Mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest. In addition to the photos of mushrooms that Skye took and the CMS mushroom lists, she sought permission to utilize photographs from many professional and amateur mycologists around the PNW to use as resources for the website. The website provides both free educational content and access to additional content for paid members.
On a personal note, Skye definitely affected my involvement in CMS. The thought of making clay mushrooms had never crossed my mind until Skye asked for volunteers to make mushroom centerpieces for the 2013 CMS Fungal Feast. We spent 3 or 4 hours together every week for several months making clay mushrooms. During that time I learned that Skye was thoughtful, interesting, resourceful, and had a get-things-done attitude. It has been 10 years since that event set me on the path to Sandy’s Shrooms; which has now brought in over $14K in funds for CMS scholarships and research projects.
Skye’s Oceanside Service
A small group of Skye’s friends including CMS members Cheshire Mayrsohn and Sandy Patton gathered in Yachats for lunch at Ona Restaurant and Grill to reminisce about Skye and to celebrate her life. It was a beautiful day to share a meal on the patio with a view of the inlet. Afterwards, there was an ocean side service to scatter Skye’s ashes. After a little difficulty finding a spot in Yachats, Cheshire suggested the beach adjacent to Bob’s Creek where Cheshire and Skye had hunted for mushrooms.
In Jewish life we say many blessings. Upon hearing the news of a death, the classic blessing is Baruch Ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melech HaOlam,Dayan HaEmet. Blessed are you God, King of the Universe, the True Judge. This recitation is our first step to acknowledge the person has died.
Alone I will not be,
My comfort will come from the sea.
The stillness of calm waves will gently drift by,
I will be as one with the sea.
When the sun sets on the ocean blue,
remember me as I will always remember you.
As the sun rises, go live life as full as can be.
Apart you and me, but beat peace for I am free.
Capt. Chad Theesfeld
The CMS member who knew Skye the most is Stewart Meyers. Stewart was unable to attend Skye’s service, but sent along this to be read:
Skye,
You have been a dear long term friend since 1982 When we “accidentally” met. We have had so many adventures together over the years; I am sad, so unexpected, so profoundly sad. Tears are in my eyes, I will miss you.
Perhaps fittingly, this morning I was looking through some of your books. On the inside front cover of ” Mushroom Madness”, a book I gave you 40 years ago, was a caption I wrote:
“Skye, I will treasure the magic you shared with me, forever.”
Stew XMAS 1984
From Skye’s Daughter Nicole
Dr. Skye Weintraub N.D. (aka Donna Jean Weintraub), wonderful mother and Naturopathic Physician. Born in Oklahoma City and spent many years in Atoka Oklahoma living with her parents Sig and Pearl Weintraub. Passed away on Tuesday June 11th 2024 at 5:04 PM at the Pete Moore hospice house. Skye spent her younger years as a successful business woman and student; she has been a Naturopathic Physician for over 30 years. During her diagnosis and treatment for cancer all she thought about was helping her patients. She is survived by her Daughter Nicole Lasater aka Lisa Kay Caldwell, and her brother David Weintraub, Larry Weintraub (deceased). She is a published author, avid forager and mushroom expert. In the end she was comfortable and surrounded by loved ones and friends. She will be greatly missed.
