1965 �" 2009
John Paul Diaz Russell passed away peacefully on November 13 at the age of 44. He died at the home of a close friend while watching television. The cause of his death is unknown at this time.
Raised in Seattle, where his father, mother, and four brothers still reside, John came to San Francisco at the age of 15. After living on the streets, he enrolled in Huckleberry House's gay and homeless youth service programs. He then became one of the first counselors and outreach workers at the Larkin Street Youth Center. Later in life, John was very active in the recovery community in San Francisco.
John will be greatly missed by his friends and family who loved him dearly for his energy, quick laugh, personal charm, intelligence, and sense of social responsibility in life. John was especially grateful for the friendship and support of Deirdre English, who held a special place in his life. We will all remember John when we see the sun brightly shining in the afternoon sky.