March 3, 1946 – March 29, 2012
A well-known kitchen designer to the elite of San Francisco during the 1980s and 1990s, Robert died on March 29 of a massive heart attack. His last few years were spent in the loving presence of his East Coast family, sister Frances, brothers Paul and David, and beloved mother Lillian. Before moving to San Francisco from Rochester, New York, Robert had been a teacher and political idealist, and some of his happiest memories were of living with dear friends Carol and Gary at "The Farm," an early hippy commune. In 1974, after relocating to San Francisco by battered Volkswagen bus, he was among the first generation of gay men to move into the Castro, and was a well-known gay rights activist, educator, partier, and gorgeous guy. No gay Pride Parade was complete without Robert, wearing cut-off shorts and little else. The party suddenly came to an end when his dear friend Gary Merle became ill and died from the so-called gay cancer, later to be known as AIDS. During his 24-year relationship with partner Chris Jacobson, and with the loving support of Carol Wegener, Joan Mills, and many other Bay Area friends, Robert dealt with his own HIV-positive condition with strength and courage. He donated much of his time and energy to the AIDS Emergency Fund, volunteered in the National AIDS Memorial Grove, joined in the candlelight march to honor the life of Harvey Milk, protested at City Hall over the Dan White verdict, and in general was a part of the early struggle for gay rights and HIV funding. A memorial gathering will be held this spring. For further information contact: Chris Jacobson at [email protected] or Carol Wegener at [email protected].