Amoghavirya prabhu passes away

July 26, 2003

July 23, 2003, Krishna Era 5230)

With much regret, we inform the Vaisnava community that yesterday on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 His Grace Amoghavirya dasa Brahmacari (Michael Klevano) departed from this world in Kansas City. Amoghavirya Prabhu, who was 49 years old, was staying in a state-operated mental health facility for the past ten months where his physical health appeared to be normal. Mrs. Jackson, a lady who worked there, described what happened as follows:

"In the morning he took some breakfast, peanut butter sandwich and some juice, then he went to his room and bowed down and fell to the floor. Then the nurse came and checked his pulse. The pulse and his breathing were very weak. She immediately called an ambulance and they tried to resuscitate him but his lips and hands started to turn blue. They understood that he was not getting enough oxygen and he passed away. He passed away while in prayer apparently from natural causes. I called his family who said that he didn't have much relationship with his family---that he is Hare Krsna."

A memorial service will be held at Rupanuga Vedic College on Sunday, July 27, 2003.

Amoghavirya dasa was born on Feb. 5, 1954 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA and was initiated by Srila Prabhupada on October 7, 1975 while living in the Portland, Oregon temple. He served in various temples throughout the United States during his thirty years as a devotee. He was fond of chanting on public harinama, reading Srila Prabhupada's books and very enthusiastic to distribute them. Amoghavirya Prabhu was a humble and friendly devotee who was well-liked by all who knew him. I never heard him speak ill of anyone. We are thankful for having the association of Amoghavirya Prabhu. He will be greatly missed by the devotees.

Sriman Amoghavirya Prabhu ki jaya!

Hare Krishna.