Speakers included Cook County Chief Judge Tim Evans, who was an alderman in the City Council in the 1970s when Kelley was among the gay activists lobbying for a city gay-rights ordinance. Other people who worked with Kelley in the 1960s and 1970s also spoke, including longtime activist Gary Chichester, attorneys Ralla Klepak and Ed Mogul, activist Chris Riddiough and businessman Chuck Renslow.
Community colleagues and friends who spoke also included businessman Fred Eychaner, Rep. Greg Harris, Commissioner Mona Noriega of the Commission on Human Relations (who also read a letter from Mayor Rahm Emanuel), historian Tim Stewart-Winter, Angel Abcede from Asians and Friends Chicago, Windy City Times Publisher Tracy Baim, Susana Darwin of the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago, Professor Mark Wojcik, and Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame Chair Israel Wright Jr.
Chen Ooi spoke eloquently about his relationship with Kelley, which began in 1979. Michael Kelley, Bill’s brother, also addressed the gathering.
The Lakeside Pride Woodwind Quintet performed during the reception and program. Beautiful video and photo segments were placed throughout the program, as designed by Jeffrey Owen Roscoe. Roscoe, Dean Ogren, Gary Chichester and Baim organized the service with Chen Ooi.