BARBARA IRIS (ULAN) VAN BUSKIRK, ASH
Remembering Violet Smith
by Paula Cohen
With the passing of Barbara Iris Ulan Van Buskirk (Violet Smith) on August 30th, 2006, the Sherlockian world, and the world in general, lost a dear, sharp, funny, bright, and wonderfully talented member and friend.
I met Barbara on a drizzly November 1975 evening at an establishment on 56th Street off Seventh Avenue known as The Office Pub. This was my first encounter with the then-members of ASH: Ev Herzog, Pat Moran, Kate Karlson, Mary Ellen Couchon, and Barbara Ulan. How well did we hit it off? Five months later, Ev, Pat, Barbara and I, and Pat’s godmother, Claire, all went to London, on a trip Kate arranged. Barbara and I shared a hotel room, and from that happy propinquity arose a fast friendship that is not over even now… and never will be.
On our first morning in London, we listened ecstatically to change-ringing on the BBC. Later we tracked down the plaque commemorating Holmes and Watson’s first meeting at Bart’s. Our friendship never wavered, and I had the great honor of being one of her bridesmaids. The sun never shone on a more beautiful and justifiably joyous bride or on a more devoted and loving husband than Charlie Van Buskirk.
Sherlockians who never met Barbara (she moved to Asheville, NC fifteen years ago) nevertheless know her by her work. A fabulously talented graphic designer, artist, jewelry maker and needlewoman, she designed the Muse’s ASH logo as well as the ASH pin with the magnifying glass casting the shadow of the woman’s symbol. She also did unbelievably detailed petit-points, one of the quartering of the Stars and Stripes and Union Jack and another of Paget’s drawing of Holmes in his dressing gown.
I will miss her more than I can say…her husky voice, her laughter, her sympathy and kindness. Barbara leaves behind a husband who adored her and a very special daughter who made—and will continue to make—her proud. She leaves behind, too, a legacy of grace, patience, and courage. We are all better for having had her among us.
One of Barbara’s cards–Sherlockian themes in “A Tangled Skein” and “Studies in Stitches.” (The card unfolded to reveal her name and address.)
