Bob Basker….activist pioneer, founder of Mattachine Midwest, Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame member….died recently at the Jewish Home in San Francisco, reports Chicagoan Bill Kelley, a friend of Basker’s for more than 35 years. He had been living in the home since April 2000, after being diagnosed as being in the terminal stages of heart failure and finding that he could no longer live in his own apartment. Until his death, he remained active on a number of agencies’ and organizations’ boards (In-Home Services Public Authority, NAACP San Francisco chapter, and Alexander Hamilton [gay] American Legion post).
CHET WALTON, well-known for his hair styling skills and community spirit, and most recently an instructor in the Cosmetology Program at Truman College, passed away April 14 from lung cancer. Chet was the brother of Catherine Battle, and Rosemary, Charlotte, Judy Kay and Roy Walton, and the son of Rose. Visitation will be April 18, 2-9 p.m. with a memorial wake at 8 p.m., Blake and Lamb Funeral Home, 544 W. 31st St., Chicago. Funeral services will be April 19, 10 a.m., St. Michael’s Church, 1633 N. Cleveland. Flowers can be sent to the funeral home, or donations to the American Cancer Society. On a personal note, Chet was one of the first openly gay men I knew. He and his former long-time partner were friends of my parents and fiercely openly gay role models during the 1970s. I looked forward to having Chet cut my hair and simply “be” as a gay man during my formative years. “Chet and Danny” were always a popular duo at family gatherings, and were among the vast Chicago diversity our family was proud to be part of. …. Tracy Baim