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24 May 1990
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Reineres Susbilla San Francisco 29 Apr 2022
Can’t believe its been 32 years since you have moved to another plane of existence. I first met Douglas when I was a HIV registered nurse at San Francisco Kaiser AIDS ward. Douglas had many multiple admissions and we both got to know each other in those challenging and dark time in our community. Douglas was sweet as can be and so gentile and quiet despite what he had to endure during this time and during his admissions. He never complained ,always so gentile. He has been on my mind during these last few days as I have retired from nursing and had been going over my mind of those patients that so touched my heart. Douglas was one of them. I didn't realize he had feelings towards me beyond friendship alone. He invited me for dinner one night when he realize I was in a committed relationship. I have never seen anyone so hurt in my life. I told him we can continue our developing friendship. He was so very gracious and understanding. It was two weeks later when he was admitted to our ward due to uncontrolled fevers that I last saw him. He had that beautiful smile and gentile nature as always despite what he was going through. I was surprised he was discharged that same day to home. It was a week later we the staff were notified he had died. I always wonder what if I had been single at the time what our lives would have been like together despite knowing that his life was short. You are so missed Doug by many including me. I will always remember you especially when this time comes around.
Tom Burtch San Francisco, CA 25 Jun 2010
Douglas was a staff member of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus. He also participated in the historic 1981 National Tour of nine cities in the United States. The tour is credited with being the creative force behind the formation of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses which as of 2010 has more than 170 member choruses with over 7,000 singers worldwide. The Chorus refers to these members who are no longer with the group as members of the "Fifth Section." They are listed Chorus programs and on the group's website: https://www.sfgmc.org/about_fifth.shtml
