Essex, Jack

Jack was my first Gay lover. He brought me to San Francisco, from the East Bay, and introduced me to City life. This was a wonderful time of Tales of The City and every apartment house in San Francisco had their own version. Jack's was his building at 1242 Sacramento Street. A Francophile, Jack lived in a superb example of French architecture on the top of Nob Hill. Tears come easily now that I am two years past his age at death. Not a day has gone by that I don't think of this generous man.

I first met him in 1983 through a mutual friend who worked at the Gough/Hayes Hotel. I think of him often. He ruined me for others because he took me on the most romantic dates. He was the first person to take me to Russian River. I think he was thinking of buying a bed and breakfast there. He suggested I take French and asked if I wanted to go to France with him. I thought that sounded too good to be true. The last time I saw him was at the opening of Tristan, a Medieval Rock Fantasy. We used to ride along the coast overlooking the ocean in his corvette or on his motorcycle. I have fond yet scary memories of riding the motorcycle through the tunnels and stopping at the bottom of the steep San Francisco hills. He was an important part of my history. He was really the first guy I dated, because most people didn't seem to have the time to date then. He is never lost in my memories. I remember watching The World According to Garp in his apartment in Nob Hill. I love you Jack. Thank you for your love

Happy Birthday Jack. 47 years ago today, 12/12/76 you opened Chez Jacques. What an amazing time to be alive and be close to you.