Michael was born in 1953 in Albuqerque, New Mexico, where he was raised. Michael came to San Francisco to find community, to creat family, and to be welcomed when much of the country was still hostile to the LGBTQ community.
He was diagnosed with HIV in the mid 80's. The news hit hard, and the treatment he began took its toll. the HIV drugs were harsh then and there were many horrible side effects with these early drugs.
Michael survived as many of his friends died from the effects of HIV/AIDS. Michael worked at Positive Resource Center and AIDS Legal Referral Panel as a paralegal after obtaining his certificate, and worked to elect many progressive candidates in San Francisco. As he became an activist our San Francisco political community became Michael's family. He championed so many issues that affect diversity in our city. Michael was a proud feminist who valued the women in this life and community.
Michael was an elected member of the Democratic County Central Committee from 2004 until his death (a Vice President), served as President of the Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club in 2004, and was appointed to the San Francisco City College Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee, where his questioning helped bring attention to mishandling of funds at that institution.
Michael was determined, opinionated, persistent, intolerant of bullshit, prickly, always questioning. He challenged us all to move a common agenda, come together beyond our own personal ambitions, but to also never back down out of convenience or feigned civility. "Civility doesn't make change," he often said.
He not only showed up, he advised, opined, debated, argued, protested, got arrested, drafted policy, and so much more. Campaign after campaign, issue after issue, Michael shared our deep concerns about everything, and a strong and unwavering belief that anyone can help make change.
Michael believed that and Michael lived that.
As the symptoms of the AIDS and lymphoma ravaged his body, Michael was admitted to SF General Hospital. With the amazing care of Diane Jones, and the incredible SF General Hospital workers, as well as the Laguna Honda staff and those at his final resting place UCSF Medical Center -- His care, through coming too late, was the best in the world and gave Michael a fighting chance. He was clearly comforted and supported by his community in his final days, support that mattered so much to him.
Michael has been a integral part of the work that brought our progressive community together. Michael's agenda was our agenda. We will miss you every day, Michael.
~ by Debra Walker ~
Michael leave behind his political family, his roommate and close friend Lorae Lauditch and their two cats, Missy and Cadeau, his close friend Debra Walker, his sister and brother inlaw Karin and Tomas Butchart and his niece Marisa Butchart.
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