Fifth Section

In honor of our Fifth Section, we have established an endowment fund to assist deserving chorus members with expenses for leadership training, vocal workshops, and other chorus activities which require a financial commitment from our singers. We welcome any contributions to this fund in honor of our Fifth Section members. We also encourage you to consider making a bequest to the chorus from your estate. For more information about either, please send email to the Webmaster.

Chorus Member	Our Memories	Died
Ben Threatt	Ben sang with SVGMC during the late 90's. He loved wearing his tuxedo for performances, and he even had suspenders for his pants and spats for his shoes! He passed away due to diabetic complications, and his family has requested donations in Ben's memory to the American Diabetes Association.	September 29, 2008
Michael Bryan	We believe Michael was active in the chorus in the 80's or 90's, and he attended at least one GALA festival, possibly Denver.	May 17, 2006
Marty Kirkland		January 1, 2000
Jeffrey Gentry	Jeffrey Gentry sang with SVGMC for several years and in that time, he made a tremendous impact on the growth and exposure of the chorus to the community at large. A charmer and schmoozer, he tirelessly attended government meetings on behalf of the chorus and continuously worked to keep in touch with other community groups. The absence of his quick mind, hilariously irreverent wit, and beautiful voice leaves a gaping wound in our midst.	February 5, 1999
Mark Chapa	A long-time singer in SVGMC, Mark was a devoted member who rarely missed a rehearsal and always had a smile on his face. He was gentle and kind, quick to laugh, and always there to help. Often he was the only member who would decorate the hall for concerts. Everyone would arrive for warm-ups and he would be up on a ladder still working away. His love for the chorus was evident from his selfless actions and enormous efforts. He and his infamous chocolate brownies will be missed for a very long time.	January 23, 1998
Ira Greene	Ira only sang with the chorus for one concert period, since his busy schedule as a doctor made reheasing regularly difficult. Despite that, he continued to support the chorus from the audience and through generous contributions. Ira died in a house fire.	September, 1997
Raymond Rivera	Raymond sang in the chorus for a couple of concerts. After some time off, he rejoined, but his health began failing before the concert, and he was not able to return to the chorus. He was soft-spoken and thoughtful, and his dark latino looks turned more than one or two eyes.	October 10, 1996
Peter Conroy	Pete Conroy sang with the chorus for many years. In several "melodramas" performed by the chorus, he took on roles that nearly stole the show. In one case, he wrote the show! In addition to his musical and creative work, he was a dedicated Board member serving as Treasurer in his final two years with the chorus.	April 11, 1995
Will Cunningham	Will sang baritone with SVGMC. He had a great sense of humor and was always quick with a joke. His favorite song was Sometimes When We Touch, which SVGMC sang at his funeral.	November, 1993
Bob Welton	There is so much to say about this wonderful man that we could post a book. Bob founded SVGMC and was its first director. Part director, part den mother, it was his dream that started this chorus in 1983 after hearing the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus perform. He said, "If they can do it, so can we," and he made it happen. For nearly ten years, he kept that dream alive, nurturing at times, cajoling at others, but always working to help SVGMC prosper. Musician, actor, gentleman, queen. He truly cared about the chorus and everyone in it. Bob's death of a heart attack was a cruel blow to the chorus and a great loss to the organization. At his memorial service, we sang, I Shall Miss Loving You from the requium, When We No Longer Touch. An unexpected life insurance policy left to another chorus member was donated in his name. We still miss loving you, Bob.	November 25, 1939 to December 12, 1992
Jim Clarke	Jim Clarke was the third director of SVGMC and a continued supporter long after moving on to other projects.
Jerry White
Bob Stockman
Steve Merten
Bob Yanes
Larry Giordano