Araya Doheny/Getty
NEED TO KNOW
Jane Goodall's grandson made a rare public appearance to remember his "dearest beloved" grandmother at her memorial on Wednesday, Nov. 12
"I promise you this, my dearest, that I will use this clever human heart, I will use this clever human brain I have to find solutions for us to evolve in harmony with nature," Merlin van Lawick said
The renowned conservationist and animal welfare advocate died of cardiac arrest while on a speaking tour in California
Jane Goodallis being remembered by her grandson at a public memorial service over a month after her death.
The famed conservationist and animal welfare activistdied at the age of 91while on a speaking tour in California on Oct. 1. Shedied of cardiac arrest, also known as cardiopulmonary arrest, according to a death certificate obtained by PEOPLE.
On Wednesday, Nov. 12, a public memorial was held in Washington, D.C., at the Washington National Cathedral.
In his farewell, Merlin van Lawick reflected that when his "dearest beloved" grandmother returned from her travels, he was always excited to hear what she had to say.
"She always returned to us, whether for hours, days or a month, we knew we would always see her again," he said." We waited eagerly for her stories, we longed for those nuggets of wisdom and insight, those little lessons that she drew."
But now, as van Lawick acknowledged that she is embarking on her final "great adventure," he shared that Goodall recognized that she looked forward to "discovering what comes after life."
"'Either there's nothing, in which case there's nothing to worry about — or there's something and isn't that the most exciting thing of all? To discover what that is,' " he recalled her saying when people asked.
Van Lawick went on to ask his grandmother to share what she has learned in some way.
"You once told us that you cannot share secrets that are not yours to share, but if you have discovered what lies beyond and if you're still with us in some form or shape, please reach out and let us know that you're alright and that you're still with us."
He also promised to carry on the goal his "mentor" maintained for decades.
"Together we can, together we will and together we must change this world," the grandson said. "Change it for the better, for generations to come. We promise to carry forth your light and I have no doubt that all who are gathered here today share that same spirit."
He added, "I promise you this, my dearest, that I will use this clever human heart, I will use this clever human brain I have to find solutions for us to evolve in harmony with nature."
Van Lawick then asked Goodall to "touch those around the world who are as heartbroken as we are." He said, "The seeds of hope you have planted have taken root in millions."
It was Goodall's trailblazing research on the personalities and social interactions of the chimpanzees she so closely studied that changed the way we view our connection to the animal kingdom.
"We have learned so much," she previously told PEOPLE back in 2020. "We've learned how alike chimpanzees are to us, which has changed science perception."
As one of the world's most outspoken protectors of the planet, Goodall spent years urging immediate action in the face of the worsening climate crisis. Named as a United Nations messenger of peace in 2002, also worked for decades to protect chimpanzees from extinction.
She also counted fellow environmentalists and activistsPrince Harry,Leonardo DiCaprio, who also spoke at her memorial Wednesday, andAngelina Jolieas friends and allies.
In 1977, Goodall founded theJane Goodall Instituteand, in 1991, started aRoots & Shootsprogram to encourage young people to protect the environment.
She also wrote more than a dozen books, includingThe Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Timesin 2021.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Goodallcontinued her advocacy workin the days before her death — and remained hopeful until the end.
"Around the world, people are waking up, and they're ready for change," she told PEOPLE in 2020. "I have hope, but only if we [work] together. We still have a window of time."
She is survived by her son, Hugo, and three grandchildren.
Read the original article onPeople
0 Comments