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Jeff Stone: May 25, 1946 - March 8, 2022

By Jim Smith

I first met Carole Landon and Jeffrey Stone in the early 70s in Venice. We lived about a half-block apart on Horizon Ave., one of the funkiest streets in this Beat/Hip/Bohemian town. The four of us, including my partner, Linda Amezquita, bonded immediately. We always did things together—go to the beach (a block away) for the sunset, haunt a cool breakfast joint, go to big anti-war marches in LA, and lots of "evenings of smoke and wine," as the Jackson Browne song puts it.

We formed the Venice Chapter of Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW), in which we insisted women would have equal rights. This was the idea behind the Winter Soldier Organization (VVAW-WSO), and we were happy to implement it. The army vets were men, but we couldn't have accomplished half the work we did without the women members of the chapter. They held up half the sky and half the chapter. We recruited Ron Kovic to our chapter, worked with Tom Hayden, and became nationally known in VVAW thanks in large part to Jeffrey's great work.

Carole was always part of whatever Jeffrey was doing. I think they communicated telepathically. Unlike most of the couples du jour, it was obvious even then that Carole and Jeffrey were in for the long haul, and so they were. C & J were already a couple when we met, around 1973, and remained one until his dying breath.

All good things have to come to an end. Anti-war activity slowed down, and Carole and Jeffrey moved to what became their home for nearly 50 years in Ocean Beach, the funky beach town in San Diego, CA. I was sorry to see them leave Venice, but in retrospect, they had an excellent life in a loving community. And for Carole, the adventure continues. Thanks to both of you for letting me share some of your inspiration.

Jeffrey's final statement of his commitment to a better world was dying on International Women's Day, March 8, 2022. He was 75 and died of hepatitis.

Jeff Stone.