It truly is a small world as evidenced by this story: CAA President, Marilyn O’Neil’s sister, Dawn O’Neil, was having dinner with the woman who gave the eulogy for Stephen Dominko. Her name is Lee Ellen Chontos, very good friends with Stephen and his wife, Bev.

Dawn texted Marilyn during the meal and asked if she knew Stephen. Marilyn said she had heard about him and was connected to people who were close to Stephen. Marilyn then asked Dawn to ask Lee Ellen and Bev if they’d be willing to share the eulogy with the accordion world. Both Lee Ellen as well as Stephen’s wife, Bev, were touched at the gesture.

The result is this beautiful eulogy/tribute to Stephen Dominko. It’s actually a poem by Linda Ellis that Lee Ellen elaborated upon. The poem is called “The Dash”.

“The Dash” ( by Linda Ellis) for Stephen

I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend,
He referred to the dates on the tombstone, from the beginning to the end

He noted first came the date of birth, and spoke the following date with tears
But he said what mattered most, was the dash between those years

For that dash represents all the time, that they spent alive on earth,
And now only those who loved him, know what that little line is worth

For it matters not how much we own, the cars- the house- the cash
What matters is how we live and love, and how we spend our dash

In reality, we’re all part of Stephens dash, we are those that are left behind
But we take solace that our memories will live, and be frequently brought to mind

By profession, a composer and artist, music paved the way
But unlike a job, it was his passion, that truly motivated him to play

But that’s the Stephen you can Google, there is much more than meets the eye,
He had a heart the size of Texas, and was a simplistic kind of guy

He gifted his talents frequently, not searching for accolades
He gave of his time and his efforts, to benefit both Hospice and Aides

He was ALWAYS one with nature, spiritual fulfillment the never ending quest
And spending “alone time” with Bev and his critters, were the times that he loved best

I can picture him holding his cat Felicity, he would cradle her in his arm,
Unconditional love was in her eyes, as he kept her safe from harm

Devoted dad to Jeremy, and loving husband, who would protect and defend
Faithful son and brother, and an unpretentious, unselfish friend

Fishing, hunting, hiking, some quality time down at the lake
And he lived the mantra- “the circle of life”, Always give more than u take

He was a collector of earth’s treasures, fossils, geodes and such
But ”twas crystals” that captured imagination, and the their powers that did so much

He encouraged many a student to create themselves, grab the stars that they could reach,
But besides music, there were other lessons, that Stephen liked to teach

He taught me that humans can actually replicate, an adult frogs mating call
It’s kind of like an inward choke, not like a ribbit at all – –

And he taught me that embracing Mother Nature, is not something u read in a book
To enhance the sound, be sure to cup your ear, if ever around a babbling brook- –

And he taught me, you will always be young, if truly you do believe
Have fun, even if you break the rules, and you are asked to leave- – –

And he taught me, the tiger Is the TRUE king of the jungle, so Chinese culture does profess,
Thus the tattoo he sported on his left arm, I ain’t lion- “ I must confess”

So when your eulogy is being read, with life actions to rehash
Follow your dreams- they know the way, completely live your dash.

In conclusion, part of a quote from Kahill Gribran, I find it not only poignant, but it simply defines “ Stephen Dominko”- – -only when you drink from the river of silence, shall you indeed sing. And, when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb. And, when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.