He was often compared in looks to Cheech Marin.
He loved the stage and was vigorously involved in the production of Folsom Follies. He enjoyed music, was a collector of fine wines, and loved to travel. He was often found singing show tunes in his squad car. He loved three men: Jesus, Mozart, and Rob. He lived in San Francisco for 22 years and worked as a bellman in the Four Seasons Cliff Hotel. He was beautiful and shy, and heads would turn when he walked down the street. He treated this casually and was not impressed by the attention of strangers – well, not often. With a surprising bass voice, a twinkle always in his eyes and his great red beard, he was affectionately known as Little Red Bear to his many friends South of Market. Always a creative person, he loved nothing more than puttering around the house, tending his plants, painting and making a warm and inviting home for his lover, Julio, and his cat Pookie. He also enjoyed photography, at both ends of the camera. All of his close friends knew him for his bad jokes, his cowboy hats, his toothpick, and, most exciting, his outsized tool he was so proud of. Creativity was his middle name; he could make anything look beautiful. Born in Pawtucket, R.I., and raised in Providence, he joined the Army after high school but got his pay docked for punching a sergeant. The 42-year-old Georgia native was an important part of the San Francisco cocktail piano circuit. He was heard at private parties by Gordon Getty, Liberace, and Frank Sinatra. At a clinic a nurse suggested he dance at a local nightclub, and a career was born. He got out of the service by sleeping with a colonel and continued dancing and stripping in New York City, where he moved in 1988. His lighting bolt butt tattoo and matching nipple ring were his trademark. Leaving the weak and painful body, I hope he is with the Christ Jesus that he was so devoted to and made it to Heaven, a place he looked forward to visiting even more than Hawaii, where we almost got to go.
Much much thanks for the link to the obits. Truly amazing to read. You really found something there Michael. In my experience, if you clear your mind and concentrate, you can communicate with them. I need to practice that.
March 22nd, 2010 at 10:27 pm