Toner, Patrick L Jr

Michael T. Roper memorialized Patrick Toner in his book, Memories of My Gay Brothers (2000).

Pat was my first cousin and very best friend. I miss him even today. I found this site by accident looking for Pat’s photo to show my son, who was born in 1997. Pat and I were only one year apart in age, so I knew him, and loved him, my whole life. I knew he was special to me and our family and friends in Birmingham, but am so proud to know how much he meant to the glbt community in San Francisco. He never told me how much work he was doing to benefit those around him. He always did good others, gave generously of his time and talent. When he moved back to Birmingham I was living there at the time. We would go out to the bar where his partner worked to meet his friends and watch the local drag queen contests. I had so much fun with him, and watching him with other people. What I miss most, though, is talking to him about anything and everything.

I went to high school with Pat in Birmingham. He was a year or two ahead of me but we had one science class together at some point. I was struck by how handsome he was but yet so kind to me, and everyone for that matter. I lost touch with him after he graduated but heard he moved to San Francisco and what a short but amazing life he led. I think of him to this day, wishing I had known him better and been more of a part of his life. He was a wonderful man.