Memoriam

In memory of friends lost before their time

Brad Bergeson

A sweet, imaginative person, ravaged by addiction and HIV. He died almost ten years ago, making him the most recent, and I hope the last, among my friends to die of AIDS.

Jimmy Griffin

A childhood friend and an extremely talented actor who died right on the cusp of success in the S.F. production of "Nicholas Nickelby." The first of my friends claimed by AIDS.

Frank Jedwabny

My big, lovable Polish pal from Philly. He introduced me to The Roches (Maggie & Terry & Suzzy), and I'll always be grateful.

Michael Spain

A college buddy and the archetype of the black, gay frat guy. Of an AIDS-related cardiac arrest during a plane flight.

Kelly T. Alberts

My philosophy professor at UCLA who became, entirely by coincidence, a close friend when I really needed one in Laramie, where he taught. Of AIDS-related brain cancer.

Terrence Swilley

Another college friend; a suicide.

Richard Wilson

A kind-hearted high school jock who eventually acquired a mysterious past, Richard was my first boyfriend. He died of AIDS several years ago in Boston.