Guestbook

I remember you Stephen! Lattes, books, and chitchat in cafes. ❤️

I remember you Ivor! Meeting you on the Muni after the New Order concert at the IBeam. ❤️

Dear Billy, When I think of you, I envision someone filled with joy, a joy that lifted you up and let you float past the obstacles that those who did not know you placed in the way of your happiness. You may have felt some hard bumps that left some dark and painful bruises as you passed them by; but the joy you were made of kept you afloat always. And so I know right now, wherever you are, that is a land you have filled with joy. 🌹

My lover of 21 years Michael James and I were patients of Steve Mehalko in his private practice in San Francisco from about 1983 until Michael’s death from AIDS in 1993. Steve was a great person and he became a friend. Needless to say he was a brilliant doctor. I am an old man now. 81 years old. Steve discovered that I stayed HIV negative through some unusual ( possibly genetic) circumstances. Steve died in 1999. I have remained HIV negative all these years while having several lovers die of HIV over the last 35 or so years. I want to thank Steve for helping me and thousands of other gay men through the labyrinth of joy and pain of life . Billy Cross wcross@gmail.com

This is my grandmother that I never got to meet and I was just reading up on her finding out how we liked a lot of the same things. My mom and my aunt look like a spitting image of her and even her son. I wish we had the same care as we have now in the 80s so I could've met my grandmother but then again, she fought so hard and put herself out there so that we could have the care that we do now for people living with AIDS.

I remember Kevin from when I was in middle school and high school. My family attended his father's church. I had a crush on Kevin from the get-go, he was kind and sweet, funnier than others boys I knew. I loved to have him play the piano for me. I always knew Kevin was special and as I became aware of his differences I began to understand him more fully. And understand his family dynamics a bit better. I always loved him, and I believe he loved me, and he held a special place in my heart all these many years. We drifted apart as friends often do, but I knew when he passed. I could feel it, and I still feel it.

Jono joined Visual Aid in San Francisco, back in 1997. He wrote, These days, the drama of my life is being played out on the landscape of my body. My experiences of learning to cope with the epidemic, of losing many loved ones, of learning to maintain a sense of appreciation and hope are as vital to my arts education as the formal training I've received. Art-making is my way of dealing with my utter sense of loss and my experience of personal transformation. I'm not seeking vouchers or supplies from Visual Aid at this time. Rather, I'd like to become a Visual Aid artist because I'd welcome the opportunity to exhibit with other artists with AIDS, and to become a part of the Archives. Jono's Visual Aid file has a permanent home at the Archives of American Art in Washington, DC. It can be viewed in person, or digitized. https://www.aaa.si.edu/services/reproductions

Dear Steve, I will never forget your Handsome face and smile! You had such a brilliant mind, you will be missed by everyone you touched!

My dearest Peter - Mahalo / Thank You / Danke for our Love, Travels, Understanding, Learning and Memories we made together. You took a Damaged Boy and taught him to be a Strong Man = Forever. You taught me Love. You still swirl around Me , You still see this Miraculous Life through my Eyes & Heart. I still hear your deep baritone Aussie voice - I do, and your chuckle ... I've kept your favorite t shirt = ANGEL on the chest , 32 yrs now ... your smell has faded on it ... I have lived a breathtaking Life since - I could not have done this without you my Love! We will be reunited soon = with so may other Loved Ones. It will be one fuck of a great party, I know this. This is TRUBLU = your eternal mate = calling out to you ...Donnie.

Thinking of you Dominic and so many other friends that we lost during this time. 💔

I am so sorry to hear of Gene Morrison’s death at the hands of a brutal killer. Was his murderer ever found? I am a retired social worker turned criminologist who volunteers to help uncover new information in the cold case homicides of gay and bisexual men. If Gene’s friends or family want me to take a look at the case, reach out to me at ClarkWilliams@hotmail.com. It’s never too late to find justice.

Crayne and I were quite close...I met him when he transferred to the store where I was the evening front end manager at a years closed Safeway at 1300 Bush @ Larkin. I might have met him through his then lover Jan Markwell who was a Safeway manager who I met and liked as I transferred to his store from the Marina. We were the Three Musketeers. I am half Japanese and Half Canadian Scottish. Robert Vierra was a fantastic colorist and hairstylist and the first of too many of people I knew to pass from what became known as AIDs. We were among the few Gay Asians I knew of. I miss them both. I visited Crayne in the hospital hours before he passed. Very bright and always attracting the hunkiest Haoleand so did Robert who was very shy. I was nearly always at their side. Although I had so many issues being hapa haole, but which Gay of our period didn't have issues? I miss them dearly to this moment Always in my heart brothers.

I remember Randy garvin.. loving kid a kind hearted kid My parents chuck worked for Randy's dad Ed.. and my mom babysat for bernice Randy's mom .. randy and his siblings.. Later ed and bernice became my godparents.. I couldnt wait to go visit them.. the family was my extended family.. I was so hoping to talk with randy... but never got the chance once he grew up.. Rest in peace Randy .. you were always my brother in my heart Loved by my parents and my family..

Bob was my uncle. I was only 3 years old when he died. I would like to speak with people who knew him. I can be contacted at sky7ar@gmail.com. Thank you!

Lee was my stepbrother. I only met him a few times, but he seems like he was a wonderful, caring human being. He is missed.

Much love and prayers to you, Gary. Your spirit is forever eternal. I am more educated and informed about AIDS because of your bravery and selflessness. God Bless you, brother.

Buddy, you're in my thoughts this morning. Remembering you and your roommate David at your place on, I believe it was Walter Street. You were such a sweet man.

Thanks for your web site. I had the Obit for my Brpther.

Theatrical creative Dan Turner selected me as one of several for a backer's audition of his musical Cinderella II. His kindness and encouragement for all involved was a model for obtaining the best in our team effort in staging this wonderful musical comedy. This was an exceptional memory from my time living in San Francisco 1979-84. To this day, Dan's loss still affects me and, I'm sure, all who had the pleasure of his company.

My first partner had a framed Night Flight promo poster hung in his SoMa loft. The event date was 30 December 1977. He told me he had attended. His name was Chuck Barricman and he passed away in 2005. A few days ago, I came across the poster and hung it in my office. I saw your name and did a search. I was in high school when you left and yet your footprints remain.

Just thinking about you after all these years, Janis. You hired me when I first moved here in 1986 and kind of took me under your wing. What followed were some pretty unforgettable times. This year marks my 40th year here in San Francisco. I hope you're resting in peace, kid.

Fausto was a close friend of my brother,Jamie, in the late 60's and early 70's. They met at Del Mar and they plus several other guys spent a lot of time playing penny ante poker and we also had many weekend barbecues and Fausto always brought the most wonderful beans made by his Mom. Really great memories. I'll always remember remember what a sweet extra brother he was to me and an extra son to myMom. Will always love you.😘

I just finished a semester-long National History Day project, which every junior at my school has to do. I did it on Lou Sullivan. I didn't know of him before until my therapist recommended I look into him as a topic for this huge project. After 5 months of work and research, I finished the project. I've grown to appreciate the man that Lou was, even if he lived long before I was born. I never knew I could get so attached to a school research project. Thank you, Lou.

This is my brother and I miss him deeply. He was the best so kind and loving. If I only were able to get to him before he past I'll have to wait to see him in heaven love you sis

You were kind and generous. Exceptionally beautiful. I think of you often, especially when I listen to the CDs you burned for me or look at the model starship that Frank made in your memory and bears the name USS Glen Renkly. I miss you.

On December 20, 2005, a few months after you left us, I wrote this: Your death is a nightmare, will I ever awaken, my faith has been shattered, this disease it has taken. Belief is laid to waste, eternity becomes hollow, my choices seem pointless, I have nothing to follow. You have been released from this illness - no, torture, but I still feel the pain, desolation, and horror. How can you be gone? Your absence is appalling, it seems like just yesterday, in love we were falling. - It's been over 20 years and it still hurts. I still miss you. I carry you with me everywhere I go.

I was Nicholas’s foster son, and I am deeply grateful that this obituary acknowledges that part of his life and of mine. I want to say thank you for the love and care that Nicholas and his partner Alan gave me during that time. It mattered more than I can say. They modeled a healthy, loving gay relationship for me— not perfect, but real, with disagreements, reconciliation, and visible affection. One small memory of Nicholas has stayed with me for decades: the way he answered the phone, “Hello, this is Nicholas,” always sounding genuinely joyful. That joy—and that love— remain with me still.

Hi Dan thinking of you as it is close to your heaven date 12/12/93. I was telling my son how we would run down to the Embarcadero for lunch. You wouldn’t believe the change with the new Baseball park is right where we would sit and have lunch. Miss you Dan I tell everybody how good of a friend you were to me.

Dean, I just saw the movie Eternity. If there is an eternity, I wish that I could spend it with you.

Mark: my BFF. remembering you today on World AIDS Day, and everyday! luv u! stevie b.

I remember Paul well. So many decades he missed, as we all grew into middle age. I'm sending love to his family and friends.

You are remembered.

I was so happy to see Ted's obituary, as I never saw it before. I worked with Ted at Speedway and he was such a mentor to me at the start of my career. I loved his humour, both sarcastic and self-deprecating. I remember his love for his vintage Kodak cameras that he would bring them into work to show me. I think of Ted often and miss him, wishing he had beat the disease he lived with for so long. Love you, Ted.

I had no idea this obituary existed for my brother. I love and miss him forever. He was so intelligent and one of my best friends. I will share this with my siblings, Karla and Kevin as I doubt they know about it either.

I just finished reading Fairyland after also seeing the recently released film. Thank you, Alysia Abbott, for writing such a beautiful tribute to your father Steve’s love for his daughter, his accomplishments as a poet and novelist, and his bravery facing AIDS. You also evoke so vividly the fear and stigma of the AIDS era, as well as the compassion and kindness of so many who helped both those with AIDS and their caregivers. For those of us who lived through that era it will always be with us.

Miss you so much.

Lou, my students loved learning about you. Thank you for being a beacon for so many trans people young and old.

You are missed and forever in my heart.

The pain of many years still grows but not as fast as the love! You were always the uncle with the motorcycles, the cars, and the coolest 'stash anyone could grow. Surely your talent, your humor, your skills will be missed but hopefully, forever shared with anyone you run into since you're passing. With all my love! Always my Uncle Wat

Dear Michael, the time I spent with you was an important part of my life in San Francisco. I remember meeting you at a party hosted by Russell D. You chatted me up, not knowing the grief I was working through. Michael, you were incredibly genuine and handsome. We made plans to meet for a date later. I think it was later that night you were hit by a car while riding home on your motor scooter. I recall you calling me from the hospital after multiple surgeries on a fractured pelvis. I remember the pain you smiled through, even with tears in your eyes. When you were discharged home with a hospital bed to your apartment on Potrero Hill in SF, you rang me up to come over. You still smiled through your recovery. We dated a few times during the months that followed, but a relationship was not in the cards for us. Then one morning you called me while I was working at Toshiba Medical in SSF. I new from your voice something was very wrong. When I arrived you were in distress with a very high fever. I drove you to SF Gen'l ER. They took you in immediately. In the weeks that followed, you told me you that you had AIDS. After being stabilized in the days that followed, you returned home. The months passed, then a mutual friend told me you were in the ICU at Ralph K Davies. I remember when I visited you. Your oxygen saturation had dropped and you were wearing a non-rebreather mask. When I came in, sat on your bed, held your hand, I asked if you remembered me. I saw the tears in your eyes when you nodded yes several times. I told you I loved you as I left. You smiled. That was the last time I saw your beautiful boyish smile. Michael, you were loved then as you are loved now. Thank you for walking into my life and allowing me to be a part of yours.

What a marvelous friend, mentor and co-conspirator you were. I think of you all the time, our chats, jaunts around The City and more. You are never forgotten, dear Larry.

Renard, we met through work. I don't recall if you were training me or I was training you. We were figuring it out together. You always had a smile. You were a gem in my work day. I have thought of you over the years and today, watching a documentary on US memorials, the Quilt was featured. So again thinking of you. Thank you for being a friend. A big hug!

Hi Dad! Miss you so much! I wish we had more time together. I would have loved to talk with you about so many issues. I loved our time together on the Hunt farm in the hills of Soquel. I cherish our memories and all the photos I have of you! I love you!

Sending love to all affected by tragic loss

Oh Bruce. This was the obituary I was not hoping to find. I often think of you quite fondly when I remember the day we took a really, really, really, long lunch break so that we could go and buy tickets to see David Bowie on his Serious Moonlight tour. We had a lot of fun at that concert. Actually, every time I listen to Bowie I think of you. I also remember when you had some work done on your deviated septum. I used to josh you on that. You were an incredible guy and I'm so happy to have known you, even if it was for a short time. Blessed be, my friend.

Always in my thoughts. Peace and All Good.

Gary’s lover, Geoff Booth, was my professor and then my boss at San Francisco VA/UCSF, and I knew both of them pretty well. After Gary died, it was as if Geoff had fallen into a well that he was never able to climb out of. He died about 18 months after Gary of a heart attack, dying in the back of ambulance on the way to the hospital. We all knew Geoff had really died from a broken heart.

Gary’s lover, Geoff Booth, was my professor and then my boss at San Francisco VA/UCSF, and I knew both of them pretty well. After Gary died, it was as if Geoff had fallen into a well that he was never able to climb out of. He died about 18 months after Gary of a heart attack, dying in the back of ambulance on the way to the hospital. We all knew Geoff had really died from a broken heart.

My Dear Bob, it's now 2025, It's been a very long time since my last writing. I still think of you so often and the beautiful relationship we had. The Laughter, the joy, all the many friends we had. Always doing things together and with others. After your death all of our friends also passed away one by one over the next ten years. All gone, every single one. It's shocking that I'm still here and in good health for a 73 year old. My great joy over these past years has been my dogs, Mikey, Joshy and Stevie. As each one passed away, I asked his spirit to help in my search for another. Mikey found Joshy for me and we had 15 wonderful years together, I had 10 years with Mikey. Then I asked both of my previous babies to help find what will be my last doggie. That's Stevie. Oh my God, did they come through.I've only had him a month and I'm just crazy in love with him. 8 months old and Jack Russell and Brussels Griffon mix. I miss you everyday, and you must hear me talk to you a lot. Love Steve

Oh the things this boy could have become, if only his mother would not have been an addict... So talented, finally so loved, and still no Happy End but a life too short because of his mother's addiction