Lusk, John Marshall

John was a member of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus for one season joining in May, 1991. He sang as a member of the Bass section. The Chorus refers to these members who are no longer able to sing 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

John Lusk was my very dear friend in high school, at Lakeland High School. We spent many hours at each others’ homes, laughing and having a grand ol time. John was hilarious! He was a fantastic musician. We were in the flute section together, and performed in duets and trios together too. He auditioned and was first chair flute in the Florida All State Band multiple years! The best of the best. We stayed in touch for a few years after high school, way before the internet, but slowly lost touch. He called me one day, after he moved to San Francisco in the late 70’s and told me he was gay. I chuckled and said, I know. I’ve tried to find him unsuccessfully over the years. Today, my daughter was helping me look, again. She wondered aloud, I wonder if he survived the AIDS epidemic. Well, we found his obit today, and AIDS did steal him away. So very sad I never got to talk with him again. I am happy he found a great life in San Francisco, where he found community, and sang in the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus! I’m so proud of him! I love you John.

i met John at a party, late seventies... in the kitchen. his self introduction was sarcastic and beautiful. i never questioned his demeanor and we became good friends. he did an incredible impression of oatmeal coming to a boil with his face and i watched him tie cherry stems into knots in his mouth. he had a beautiful baritone voice, and was an excellent flutist. and for a while, he hung out at my parent's house, while us kids tried to create an acoustic band without ever coming up with an actual name. he was always John. (3 funny, alert, and in his moment.