Farid Alan Schintzius, a native of Buffalo, NY, died shortly after midnight on December 5, 2024. He was 76.

Alan was a family man, a carpenter, a tireless activist, and a member of Richmond Friends Meeting. He became a foundational force in Richmond, helping to establish The Camel music venue and WRIR independent radio. He was a persistent voice for his community, successfully opposing the destruction of historic properties like the Jacob House, as well as opposing the Navy Hill development, a Shockoe Bottom baseball stadium, and several casino proposals. He also dedicated his energy to saving the Richmond Community Hospital building. Known for his unwavering advocacy for the underserved and his ability to forge unlikely alliances, Alan lived with conviction, always ready to create a little “good trouble” for the sake of love, beauty, and justice.

Alan was well known in the wider Richmond community as a Quaker. He was involved in the RFM community of Young Friends, and his children grew up in meeting. He shared the Sufi Dances of Universal Peace at The Clearing at spring retreats. Alan used his construction skills to help with improvements, repairs, and maintenance at the Clearing and the meetinghouse.