LEATHER TRIBUTE TO KEATH ELLIS BUTTERWORTH
9-25-1962 - 10-26-2005
Written by Wendy Sue B.
Keath was the definition of a Gentleman. A Gentle Man. He was honorable, caring, loyal, detail oriented, a perfectionist. He fought for the underdog, was not afraid to call out injustice and practiced selfless service in his everyday life. He dedicated himself 200% to anything he volunteered for. Keath was the perfect representative of a Leatherman for our community in his words, spiritual beliefs and in his actions. Keath inspired me.
We met about 20 years ago, in the early 80's, at the height of the Disco era. We were both young pups, he was in his early 20's, I was about 25 when we became fast friends. Keath was one of my younger Gay brothers and I his Dyke sister. I don't remember exactly how we met. Maybe it was volunteering at The Gay Center, or for a Gay Pride March, at an AIDs Candlelight Vigil, maybe working at a fund raiser where Keath was interpreting for the deaf, it could have been at Showbiz or BJ's when Keath and Clint Johnson were together. As young Gay folk, Clint was a mentor and inspiration for both of us and they made quite the cute couple.
When Keath and I met, we in the LGBTQ community had taken on a lot of responsibility in the early years of the Gay Cancer..... GRIDS..... AIDS. Our friends were dying and we cared for PWAs (people with AIDs) before we knew of taking precautions, our friends were dying. No one else but our community was there to take care of our loved ones. Many men had been abandoned by their families when they came out. Gay Leathermen saw the tragic affects early on in the epidemic and were the first to create safer sex practices and educate about the AIDS crisis. As a young man, Keath was one of those Gay Men. The medical community was afraid, many doctors and nurses wouldn't even touch someone who was diagnosed. They wore full surgical gear and their patients never even saw their faces under the masks, some even refused to give treatment or care to PWAs. Keath as a young gay man cared and he did something.
He formed C.C.A.P. (Concerned Citizens for AIDs Patients) with his Mom Carolyn, a few other parents and some of us volunteers from The Gay Center. C.C.A.P was the first group in San Diego to care for PWAs, going into their homes, cooking, cleaning, running errands, making hospital and hospice visits. We did anything and everything to help out back then. Keath was a hairdresser and knew that looking good and a perfect hair cut helped a person feel better, especially Gay Men. He volunteered to give free haircuts to PWAs, along with many other things C.C.A.P. did. Keath's actions reflected the beautiful upbringing his parents instilled in him. I hold so much admiration and respect for Keath, his Mom and family for their compassion and devotion to the LGBTQ and AIDs impacted community. There were times in those early days when they paid the burial expenses of men who had no one else caring for them. Keath had a fantastic family support system, who give selflessly and share their love unconditionally.
During one of our many heart to heart talks, I asked Keath why he was so dedicated to volunteering. Why put so much energy into C.C.A.P.? Why not be out there playing, dancing in the discos and living life like other young gay men his age? Keath replied that he hoped someone would be there for him and his family, if they ever had a need. How could he expect help, if he didn't give to others now, when he had the chance to do so. It tore his heart up to see PWAs, friends, men dying alone in a hospital bed with no one there for them except the nursing staff. Volunteering became a second career for Keath and he loved giving of himself completely.
Keath perfected the art of service, to the men he loved and served in his relationships and in his service to Community. His actions spoke volumes and rarely can I remember Keath raising his voice in anger toward anyone. A few years ago, Keath and I were on a Club X workshop panel speaking on ‘Leather and Spirituality'. We all represented a wide spectrum of beliefs, Keath as a Christian from MCC and I as a Jewish, Dianic Witch. We both spoke of consciously bringing our personal spirituality to everyday life combining Mind, Body and Spirit in our sensual expressions. Keath was a deeply spiritual person, a true Christian who carried unconditional love for everyone in his heart. He lived his life ministering, threw his actions and by his convictions trying to create a more peaceful loving world. There is an empty space on our planet and it is my hope that each of us in Keath's honor will shoulder a little bit more in the challenge of healing the Earth.
I will cherish the last moment I saw Keath and Merlin (Merlin E Gross) together, right after the Commitment Ceremony at this years Pride Celebration, on that Sunday afternoon. He wanted more then anything to marry Merlin. Seeing that look of infinite joy, bliss and happiness radiating on Keath's face and eyes was mesmerizing.
I will hold this final memory of Keath and Merlin in my heart forever. Rosa Parks and Keath both fought for injustice throughout their lives. I see them now walking together hand in hand sharing Eternal Peace. Blessed Be Keath!!!
9-25-1962 - 10-26-2005
Written by Wendy Sue B.
Keath was the definition of a Gentleman. A Gentle Man. He was honorable, caring, loyal, detail oriented, a perfectionist. He fought for the underdog, was not afraid to call out injustice and practiced selfless service in his everyday life. He dedicated himself 200% to anything he volunteered for. Keath was the perfect representative of a Leatherman for our community in his words, spiritual beliefs and in his actions. Keath inspired me.
We met about 20 years ago, in the early 80's, at the height of the Disco era. We were both young pups, he was in his early 20's, I was about 25 when we became fast friends. Keath was one of my younger Gay brothers and I his Dyke sister. I don't remember exactly how we met. Maybe it was volunteering at The Gay Center, or for a Gay Pride March, at an AIDs Candlelight Vigil, maybe working at a fund raiser where Keath was interpreting for the deaf, it could have been at Showbiz or BJ's when Keath and Clint Johnson were together. As young Gay folk, Clint was a mentor and inspiration for both of us and they made quite the cute couple.
When Keath and I met, we in the LGBTQ community had taken on a lot of responsibility in the early years of the Gay Cancer..... GRIDS..... AIDS. Our friends were dying and we cared for PWAs (people with AIDs) before we knew of taking precautions, our friends were dying. No one else but our community was there to take care of our loved ones. Many men had been abandoned by their families when they came out. Gay Leathermen saw the tragic affects early on in the epidemic and were the first to create safer sex practices and educate about the AIDS crisis. As a young man, Keath was one of those Gay Men. The medical community was afraid, many doctors and nurses wouldn't even touch someone who was diagnosed. They wore full surgical gear and their patients never even saw their faces under the masks, some even refused to give treatment or care to PWAs. Keath as a young gay man cared and he did something.
He formed C.C.A.P. (Concerned Citizens for AIDs Patients) with his Mom Carolyn, a few other parents and some of us volunteers from The Gay Center. C.C.A.P was the first group in San Diego to care for PWAs, going into their homes, cooking, cleaning, running errands, making hospital and hospice visits. We did anything and everything to help out back then. Keath was a hairdresser and knew that looking good and a perfect hair cut helped a person feel better, especially Gay Men. He volunteered to give free haircuts to PWAs, along with many other things C.C.A.P. did. Keath's actions reflected the beautiful upbringing his parents instilled in him. I hold so much admiration and respect for Keath, his Mom and family for their compassion and devotion to the LGBTQ and AIDs impacted community. There were times in those early days when they paid the burial expenses of men who had no one else caring for them. Keath had a fantastic family support system, who give selflessly and share their love unconditionally.
During one of our many heart to heart talks, I asked Keath why he was so dedicated to volunteering. Why put so much energy into C.C.A.P.? Why not be out there playing, dancing in the discos and living life like other young gay men his age? Keath replied that he hoped someone would be there for him and his family, if they ever had a need. How could he expect help, if he didn't give to others now, when he had the chance to do so. It tore his heart up to see PWAs, friends, men dying alone in a hospital bed with no one there for them except the nursing staff. Volunteering became a second career for Keath and he loved giving of himself completely.
Keath perfected the art of service, to the men he loved and served in his relationships and in his service to Community. His actions spoke volumes and rarely can I remember Keath raising his voice in anger toward anyone. A few years ago, Keath and I were on a Club X workshop panel speaking on ‘Leather and Spirituality'. We all represented a wide spectrum of beliefs, Keath as a Christian from MCC and I as a Jewish, Dianic Witch. We both spoke of consciously bringing our personal spirituality to everyday life combining Mind, Body and Spirit in our sensual expressions. Keath was a deeply spiritual person, a true Christian who carried unconditional love for everyone in his heart. He lived his life ministering, threw his actions and by his convictions trying to create a more peaceful loving world. There is an empty space on our planet and it is my hope that each of us in Keath's honor will shoulder a little bit more in the challenge of healing the Earth.
I will cherish the last moment I saw Keath and Merlin (Merlin E Gross) together, right after the Commitment Ceremony at this years Pride Celebration, on that Sunday afternoon. He wanted more then anything to marry Merlin. Seeing that look of infinite joy, bliss and happiness radiating on Keath's face and eyes was mesmerizing.
I will hold this final memory of Keath and Merlin in my heart forever. Rosa Parks and Keath both fought for injustice throughout their lives. I see them now walking together hand in hand sharing Eternal Peace. Blessed Be Keath!!!
LEATHER TRIBUTE TO KEATH ELLIS BUTTERWORTH
9-25-1962 - 10-26-2005
Written by Wendy Sue B.
Keath was the definition of a Gentleman. A Gentle Man. He was honorable, caring, loyal, detail oriented, a perfectionist. He fought for the underdog, was not afraid to call out injustice and practiced selfless service in his everyday life. He dedicated himself 200% to anything he volunteered for. Keath was the perfect representative of a Leatherman for our community in his words, spiritual beliefs and in his actions. Keath inspired me.
We met about 20 years ago, in the early 80's, at the height of the Disco era. We were both young pups, he was in his early 20's, I was about 25 when we became fast friends. Keath was one of my younger Gay brothers and I his Dyke sister. I don't remember exactly how we met. Maybe it was volunteering at The Gay Center, or for a Gay Pride March, at an AIDs Candlelight Vigil, maybe working at a fund raiser where Keath was interpreting for the deaf, it could have been at Showbiz or BJ's when Keath and Clint Johnson were together. As young Gay folk, Clint was a mentor and inspiration for both of us and they made quite the cute couple.
When Keath and I met, we in the LGBTQ community had taken on a lot of responsibility in the early years of the Gay Cancer..... GRIDS..... AIDS. Our friends were dying and we cared for PWAs (people with AIDs) before we knew of taking precautions, our friends were dying. No one else but our community was there to take care of our loved ones. Many men had been abandoned by their families when they came out. Gay Leathermen saw the tragic affects early on in the epidemic and were the first to create safer sex practices and educate about the AIDS crisis. As a young man, Keath was one of those Gay Men. The medical community was afraid, many doctors and nurses wouldn't even touch someone who was diagnosed. They wore full surgical gear and their patients never even saw their faces under the masks, some even refused to give treatment or care to PWAs. Keath as a young gay man cared and he did something.
He formed C.C.A.P. (Concerned Citizens for AIDs Patients) with his Mom Carolyn, a few other parents and some of us volunteers from The Gay Center. C.C.A.P was the first group in San Diego to care for PWAs, going into their homes, cooking, cleaning, running errands, making hospital and hospice visits. We did anything and everything to help out back then. Keath was a hairdresser and knew that looking good and a perfect hair cut helped a person feel better, especially Gay Men. He volunteered to give free haircuts to PWAs, along with many other things C.C.A.P. did. Keath's actions reflected the beautiful upbringing his parents instilled in him. I hold so much admiration and respect for Keath, his Mom and family for their compassion and devotion to the LGBTQ and AIDs impacted community. There were times in those early days when they paid the burial expenses of men who had no one else caring for them. Keath had a fantastic family support system, who give selflessly and share their love unconditionally.
During one of our many heart to heart talks, I asked Keath why he was so dedicated to volunteering. Why put so much energy into C.C.A.P.? Why not be out there playing, dancing in the discos and living life like other young gay men his age? Keath replied that he hoped someone would be there for him and his family, if they ever had a need. How could he expect help, if he didn't give to others now, when he had the chance to do so. It tore his heart up to see PWAs, friends, men dying alone in a hospital bed with no one there for them except the nursing staff. Volunteering became a second career for Keath and he loved giving of himself completely.
Keath perfected the art of service, to the men he loved and served in his relationships and in his service to Community. His actions spoke volumes and rarely can I remember Keath raising his voice in anger toward anyone. A few years ago, Keath and I were on a Club X workshop panel speaking on ‘Leather and Spirituality'. We all represented a wide spectrum of beliefs, Keath as a Christian from MCC and I as a Jewish, Dianic Witch. We both spoke of consciously bringing our personal spirituality to everyday life combining Mind, Body and Spirit in our sensual expressions. Keath was a deeply spiritual person, a true Christian who carried unconditional love for everyone in his heart. He lived his life ministering, threw his actions and by his convictions trying to create a more peaceful loving world. There is an empty space on our planet and it is my hope that each of us in Keath's honor will shoulder a little bit more in the challenge of healing the Earth.
I will cherish the last moment I saw Keath and Merlin (Merlin E Gross) together, right after the Commitment Ceremony at this years Pride Celebration, on that Sunday afternoon. He wanted more then anything to marry Merlin. Seeing that look of infinite joy, bliss and happiness radiating on Keath's face and eyes was mesmerizing.
I will hold this final memory of Keath and Merlin in my heart forever. Rosa Parks and Keath both fought for injustice throughout their lives. I see them now walking together hand in hand sharing Eternal Peace. Blessed Be Keath!!!
9-25-1962 - 10-26-2005
Written by Wendy Sue B.
Keath was the definition of a Gentleman. A Gentle Man. He was honorable, caring, loyal, detail oriented, a perfectionist. He fought for the underdog, was not afraid to call out injustice and practiced selfless service in his everyday life. He dedicated himself 200% to anything he volunteered for. Keath was the perfect representative of a Leatherman for our community in his words, spiritual beliefs and in his actions. Keath inspired me.
We met about 20 years ago, in the early 80's, at the height of the Disco era. We were both young pups, he was in his early 20's, I was about 25 when we became fast friends. Keath was one of my younger Gay brothers and I his Dyke sister. I don't remember exactly how we met. Maybe it was volunteering at The Gay Center, or for a Gay Pride March, at an AIDs Candlelight Vigil, maybe working at a fund raiser where Keath was interpreting for the deaf, it could have been at Showbiz or BJ's when Keath and Clint Johnson were together. As young Gay folk, Clint was a mentor and inspiration for both of us and they made quite the cute couple.
When Keath and I met, we in the LGBTQ community had taken on a lot of responsibility in the early years of the Gay Cancer..... GRIDS..... AIDS. Our friends were dying and we cared for PWAs (people with AIDs) before we knew of taking precautions, our friends were dying. No one else but our community was there to take care of our loved ones. Many men had been abandoned by their families when they came out. Gay Leathermen saw the tragic affects early on in the epidemic and were the first to create safer sex practices and educate about the AIDS crisis. As a young man, Keath was one of those Gay Men. The medical community was afraid, many doctors and nurses wouldn't even touch someone who was diagnosed. They wore full surgical gear and their patients never even saw their faces under the masks, some even refused to give treatment or care to PWAs. Keath as a young gay man cared and he did something.
He formed C.C.A.P. (Concerned Citizens for AIDs Patients) with his Mom Carolyn, a few other parents and some of us volunteers from The Gay Center. C.C.A.P was the first group in San Diego to care for PWAs, going into their homes, cooking, cleaning, running errands, making hospital and hospice visits. We did anything and everything to help out back then. Keath was a hairdresser and knew that looking good and a perfect hair cut helped a person feel better, especially Gay Men. He volunteered to give free haircuts to PWAs, along with many other things C.C.A.P. did. Keath's actions reflected the beautiful upbringing his parents instilled in him. I hold so much admiration and respect for Keath, his Mom and family for their compassion and devotion to the LGBTQ and AIDs impacted community. There were times in those early days when they paid the burial expenses of men who had no one else caring for them. Keath had a fantastic family support system, who give selflessly and share their love unconditionally.
During one of our many heart to heart talks, I asked Keath why he was so dedicated to volunteering. Why put so much energy into C.C.A.P.? Why not be out there playing, dancing in the discos and living life like other young gay men his age? Keath replied that he hoped someone would be there for him and his family, if they ever had a need. How could he expect help, if he didn't give to others now, when he had the chance to do so. It tore his heart up to see PWAs, friends, men dying alone in a hospital bed with no one there for them except the nursing staff. Volunteering became a second career for Keath and he loved giving of himself completely.
Keath perfected the art of service, to the men he loved and served in his relationships and in his service to Community. His actions spoke volumes and rarely can I remember Keath raising his voice in anger toward anyone. A few years ago, Keath and I were on a Club X workshop panel speaking on ‘Leather and Spirituality'. We all represented a wide spectrum of beliefs, Keath as a Christian from MCC and I as a Jewish, Dianic Witch. We both spoke of consciously bringing our personal spirituality to everyday life combining Mind, Body and Spirit in our sensual expressions. Keath was a deeply spiritual person, a true Christian who carried unconditional love for everyone in his heart. He lived his life ministering, threw his actions and by his convictions trying to create a more peaceful loving world. There is an empty space on our planet and it is my hope that each of us in Keath's honor will shoulder a little bit more in the challenge of healing the Earth.
I will cherish the last moment I saw Keath and Merlin (Merlin E Gross) together, right after the Commitment Ceremony at this years Pride Celebration, on that Sunday afternoon. He wanted more then anything to marry Merlin. Seeing that look of infinite joy, bliss and happiness radiating on Keath's face and eyes was mesmerizing.
I will hold this final memory of Keath and Merlin in my heart forever. Rosa Parks and Keath both fought for injustice throughout their lives. I see them now walking together hand in hand sharing Eternal Peace. Blessed Be Keath!!!
