Christopher J. Van Scott, 47, a psychologist at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. died Friday, November 20, 1998, of complications of AIDS at his home in D.C., according to his friend Barbara Schwerdt of North Hollywood, California.

Van Scott was born Nov. 15, 1951, in Chicago, and grew up in Derwood, Md. He earned a bachelor’s degree in theater management from the University of Wisconsin in 1980. After college graduation, he came to D.C., where, Schwerdt said, his love for the theater led him to a position at the Kennedy Center.

He became interested in deafness and completed a degree in sign language interpreting at Gallaudet University in 1985. Van Scott and Schwerdt then moved to Southern California, where he earned a second bachelor’s degree in psychology from California State University at Northridge in the late 1980s. While studying at Northridge, he worked at the National Center on Deafness as a tutor to deaf students.

He continued his education by entering the doctoral program at the California School of Professional Psychology in Southern California.

Van Scott returned to Gallaudet in 1992 and worked as a psychologist in the Mental Health Center, where, colleagues said, he made “innovative contributions” to group and student training programs.

After his retirement in 1997, he divided his time between his home in D.C. and the Chesapeake Bay shore, where he enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening.

He is survived by Dr. Eugene and Mary Van Scott, his younger brothers, Stephen and David Van Scott, two sisters-in-law, and two nieces, all of the Philadelphia area; and numerous friends. He was surrounded by friends and family at the time of his death.

His remains were cremated, and private memorial services will be held in Church Creek, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Van Scott’s memory may be made to the Whitman-Walker Clinic, 1407 S St., NW, Washington, DC 20009.

Source: Washington Blade

Submitted by Bob Rourke | Transcribed by Nanette Edwards

Justin Leon Evink, 41, of Alexandria, Virginia, died Wednesday, April 12, 1995, of complications associated with AIDS at Fairfax Hospital in Virginia, according to his best friend, Ernie Hoffmann of Washington, D.C.

Evink was born Dec. 27, 1953 in Pipestone, Minn. He graduated from the Minnesota School for the Deaf in May 1973 and afterwards attended Gallaudet University in D.C. for two years.

Evink worked for Bell Atlantic in D.C. from 1975 until his retirement in 1993.

Evink’s other interests included traveling, attending parties, and going to many leather/Levi events. He was a member of Capital Metro Rainbow Alliance, a Gay social club for people who are deaf or hearing impaired. Evink was also a member of the leather/Levi club Highwaymen, TNT. He also enjoyed teaching sign language to his friends and co-workers.

In addition to Hoffmann, Evink is survived by his mother, Joan Hawkins and stepfather, Milo Hawkins of Benson, Minn.; brother, Kevin Evink of Spicer, Minn.; and stepbrother, Dustin Hawkins of New Ulm, Minn.; and several nieces and nephews.

Evink is also survived by friends Bob Fisher, Vishwas Pethe, Tony Cocove, Dean Rotenberger, and Bill Revell, all of the D.C. metropolitan area.

A memorial service was held April 19 in Minnesota and a celebration of Evink’s life will be held Saturday, April 29, at 4 p.m. at Gallaudet University in the Peikoff Alumni House (aka Ole Jim), 800 Florida Ave., NE. Call Hoffmann or Revell at (202) 387-3689 for more information on the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Evink’s name may be made to the Friends in Need Fund, c/o Highwaymen, TNT, PO Box 545, Ben Franklin Station, Washington.

Submitted by Bob Rourke | Transcribed by Nanette Edwards

James Jackson Humphrey, a longtime resident of Washington, died on Thursday, April 11, at the Alexandria Hospital in Virginia, of complications associated with AIDS. He was 38.

Born in Mt. Hope, W. Va., Humphrey attended the West Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind. After graduation he went to work for the U.S. Bureau of Mines in the printing department. Later, he moved to D.C. and continued his education at Gallaudet University, earning a degree in accounting.

Humphrey was hired by the Information Systems management office of Gallaudet as an accountant. He later worked for the General Services Administration of the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Falls Church, Va. as a junior accountant. In 1980 Humphrey worked at the General Services main office in D.C. as chief senior accountant until his retirement late last year.

Humphrey was an active member and past officer of the Capital Metropolitan Rainbow Alliance, a local organization of Gay people who are deaf.

Survivors include his parents, Jack and Nellie Humphrey; a sister, Debbie Blake; and nieces, Stephanie Hanilton and LeAnn Blake, all of Beckley, W. Va.; and many loving friends in the Washington area.

Submitted by Bob Rourke | Transcribed by Nanette Edwards

Jackie at CMRA’s Halloween party at Tracks around 1990. Photograph submitted by Bob Rourke.

Brian Richard Guy of Laurel, Maryland, died Tuesday, February 21, 1995 at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, of AIDS related complications, according to his friends, Christopher Brawner of Silver Spring, Maryland, and Lorre Weinstock of Seabrook, Maryland. He was 28.

Known to his friends as Bri, Guy was born in Sisseton, S.D. on Dec. 17, 1966. His family resided in Veblen, S.D., where he spent his early years. At the age of four, he was enrolled in the South Dakota School for the Deaf in Sioux Falls. He graduated in 1985 and moved to Washington, D.C. to attend Gallaudet University, where he served as vice president of preparatory student affairs.

Guy later worked as a carpenter and at the Children’s Museum of Washington. He also served as a TTY operator for Deaf AIDS Action, and counseled others as a relief program specialist for Deaf Horizons and in the independent living skills programs at Deaf REACH in D.C.

Guy attended Bethany Community Church in Laurel, where he participated in the choral program. An avid bowler, he bowled in two local leagues and was also a member of the Gallaudet gymnastics team. Guy loved painting, writing poetry, ice-fishing, swimming, camping, and crabbing. He spent many of his holidays at his family’s farm in Veblen.

“Throughout Brian’s illness, his thoughts were positive, and he always gave encouragement and strength to others,” said Brawner and Weinstock.

Guy is survived by his parents, Charles and Adeline Guy of Veblen; brother, Randy Guy of Lake City, S.D.; four sisters, Rochelle Nickeson, Renee Olson, and Bonnie Barrett of Veblen and Becky Wolford of Moorehead, Minn.; grandmother, Serine Anderson of Britton; and a host of friends in Minnesota, South Dakota, and the Washington, D.C. area.

Guy’s remains were interred in rural Veblen, under snow filled skies, on Feb. 25 at Zion Lutheran Cemetery. A memorial service will be held Sunday, April 30 from 1-3 p.m. at P.A.H. (formerly Ole’ Jim) at Gallaudet University in D.C.

Contributions in Guy’s name may be made to Deaf AIDS Action, PO Box 2925, Washington, DC 20013, or to Deaf REACH, 3521 12^th St., NE, Washington, DC 20017.

Submitted by Bob Rourke | Transcribed by Nanette Edwards

Community Leader J. Charlie Mckinney Dies

J. Charlie McKinney passed away on Thursday, April 9, 1998 in his home in Columbia, S.C., following a long, debilitating illness.

Charlie served as Vice President on the NAD Board of Directors from 1974 to 1976. He also chaired the Convention Committee for the 1988 convention in Charleston, S.C. Charlie performed at many NAD conventions with the late Alan R. Barwiolek as part of CHALB Productions. In addition, he was on the National Committee for the Laurent Clerc Dedication recently held in Hartford, CT.

Instead of a funeral or memorial service, he desired to have a Celebration of Life, which will be held on Saturday, May 16, 1998 from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. at South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind, Herbert Center, Hwy. 56 South, Spartanburg, S.C. The event will be followed by a reception.

Those who especially desire to share a favorite experience or remembrance of Charlie should inform Kathy Brown Mignerey at SCSDB – 864-577-7505 V/TTY. Due to time constraints, the number of those making presentations may have to be limited.

Charlie has also requested that those desiring to give memorials select one of the following three organizations:

Foundation for the Multihandicapped, Blind and Deaf of S.C. 344 Cedar Springs Road Spartanburg, SC 29302. (Charlie served on the board of this organization)

Source: NAD Broadcaster | Submitted by Bob Rourke | Transcribed by Nanette Edwards

Tom Kane, deaf AIDS advocate, dies at 45

Thomas P. Kane, 45, a pioneer deaf AIDS activist and a longtime resident of Washington, D.C., died Sunday, January 15, 1995 at George Washington University Hospital of AIDS related pulmonary failure, according to his buddy of four years, Kenton Twidt and his friend Eileen Paul, both of D.C.

Kane was the founder of the Deaf NAMES Project of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, and he arranged for the initial display of this quilt during the Deaf Way conference at Gallaudet University in 1989. Also at this conference, Kane created and presented the first workshop on deaf Gay culture. He was one of the first TTY operators to work on the Metro TeenAIDS hotline, responding to callers who were deaf. Kane was a founding member of Deaf AIDS Action, an organization created by deaf people to address AIDS in the deaf community. From 1991-93, he worked as an AIDS outreach worker and educator for Deafpride, Inc., a Washington-based organization working for the human rights of people who are deaf and their families. Kane was generous in sharing his experiences of being HIV-positive and having AIDS and he was also a member of the Deaf HIV/AIDS support group.

An officer and active member of the Capital Metro Rainbow Alliance, a local organization for deaf Gay men and Lesbians, Kane was also archivist for the national organization, the Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf, and a member of the D.C. Association of Deaf Citizens. Most recently, he worked as a free-lance DeafBlind interpreter for the Gallaudet Interpreting Service. Before working at Deafpride, Kane had worked for the Government Printing Office on the Federal Register.

Kane was born Sept. 29, 1949 in the Bronx, N.Y., where he grew up. He graduated from St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf in the Bronx. Kane earned a bachelor’s degree in communication arts from Gallaudet University in 1986. He loved acting and was a member of the Alpha Psi Omega National Honor Theater Fraternity.

Kane was very proud of being Irish and celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with special energy. He had a sometimes wicked wit and mischievous humor, according to Twidt. Kane was also a skilled photographer and a budding cook, and he also loved traveling, reading, and art. Lately he had chosen the sunflower as a symbol for life and had surrounded himself with them. He died on a Sunday at noon, when the sunflower faces directly overhead, attended by Twidt and many friends.

“Tom chose to live without drinking alcohol for the last 15 years of his life and faced the progression of AIDS with courage and without losing his zest or energy,” said Paul. “He was always ready to take on the system which oppresses deaf and Gay people.” Even during his last stay in hospital Kane continued to advocate, calling 911 when no one responded to his call button, and getting action.

In addition to Twidt and Paul, Kane is survived by two aunts, Elizabeth Hahn of Ossining, N.Y.; and Catherine O’Halloran of Staten Island, N.Y.; several cousins; and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Helen Grant and Thomas Kane.

Source: The Washington Blade | Submitted by Bob Rourke | Transcribed by Nanette Edwards

Dennis M. Raila, 39 of Hobart, Ind., died Wednesday, Jan. 18. He is survived by his mother, sister, two brothers, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Raila was a civilian employee of the U.S. Army in Washington, D.C.; and treasurer and member of the Deaf Club of Northwest Indiana.

Contributions to Hospice of the Calumet Area or AIDS Research would be appreciated.

Submitted by Bob Rourke | Transcribed by Nanette Edwards

Longtime Washington, D.C., resident William Michael Bradley, died June 11 at a Michigan hospital of an AIDS-related pneumonia, according to a longtime friend, Bob Rourke of Alexandria, Va. Bradley, of Clinton Township, Mich., was 34.

Bradley was born in 1960 in Detroit, where he also grew up. He graduated from the Michigan School for the Deaf in 1979.

In 1983, Bradley moved to Washington, D.C. He attended Gallaudet University for two years. While in the area, he also worked as a model and a computer operator at Georgetown University, National Governors Association, and New York Life Insurance.

In 1991, Bradley moved to Seattle. He began suffering from AIDS-related illnesses and began visiting a hospital that offered services for people who are deaf.

When Bradley returned to Michigan in 1992, he found himself in a hospital that didn’t offer these services and fought to improve hospital care for deaf people with AIDS by helping to bring TTY phones and sign language interpreting into Michigan hospitals.

In addition to Rourke, Bradley is survived by his mother, Isabelle Bradley Brown of Roseville, Mich.; his stepfather, Jerry Brown; his sisters, Karen Bradley and Margo Bradley of Flint, Mich.; and his brothers, Richard Bradley of Clinton Township, Mich.; and Mark Bradley of Sterling Height, Mich.

Funeral services were held June 14 in Eastpointe, Mich.

Submitted by Bob Rourke | Transcribed by Nanette Edwards

Wednesday, June 14, 1995

Illness made man an activist for better care for deaf people

Jean Calmen, Free Press Staff Writer

William Michael Bradley coped with deafness almost all his life, after suffering an ear infection and high fever when he was six months old.

After graduating from the Michigan School for the Deaf, he attended Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., did some modeling and worked as computer operator at Georgetown University.

But when he developed AIDS and was hospitalized repeatedly, he learned about special problems of communication.

After being in a Seattle hospital that offered special help for deaf people, he returned to Michigan in 1992 and found himself in a hospital that didn’t provide that help.

“He went through a lot of extra pain and suffering because of his hearing handicap.” Said his mother, Isabelle Bradley Brown.

Mr. Bradley fought for rights for deaf people in hospitals and helped created the awareness that brought special phones and interpreters into area hospitals, she said.

Now, several area hospitals post “a little square patch that looks like a question mark with an ear,” she said, meaning the hospital provides special services for deaf people.

“Whenever you see the ears on the door of a hospital, it’s because of William,” Brown said.

Mr. Bradley of Clinton Township died Sunday at Mt. Clemens General Hospital of pneumonia associated with AIDS. He was 34.

In recent years, he marched for gay rights in Washington and helped raise money for AIDS education, but he was especially concerned about deaf people who had AIDS or were at risk, she said.

“He was very angered by the lack of education about AIDS in the deaf community.”

Besides his mother, survivors include his stepfather, Jerry Brown; three sisters, and two brothers.

The funeral will be at 3:30 p.m. today at S.K. Schultz Funeral Home, 21705 Gratiot, Eastpointe.

Source: Detroit Free Press | Submitted by Bob Rourke | Transcribed by Nanette Edwards

Milton W Teasley, 47, of Washington, D.C., formerly of Owensboro, died Thursday, Jan. 7, 1993, at his home. He graduated from St. Rita School for the Deaf in Cincinnati and attended Gallaudet College in Washington. He attended the Catholic Church. His mother, Louise Conkright Teasley, died June 23, 1967: and his father Milton P. Teasley, died July 3, 1974.

Survivors include three brothers, Mike Teasley, Steve Teasley and Mark Teasley, all of Owensboro; seven sisters, Becky Frantz, Brenda Roebuck, Sherry Nash, Kathy Stephens and Vickie Masterson, all of Owensboro, Janice York of Tampa, Fla., and Pam Chapman of Rock Springs, Colo.; 25 nieces and nephews; 22 great-nieces and great-nephews; and several aunts, uncles and cousins in the Owensboro area.

Submitted by David Perez and also by Sarita Johnson | Transcribed by Nanette Edwards | Bottom Photograph Submitted by Bob Rourke

Nevin Charles Ivester was born in Glasgow, MT on November 1, 1964 and moved to Orlando, FL in 1972. He attended special classes for the deaf at Rock Lake Elementary, Robert E, Lee Junior High, Florida School for the Deaf and Blind and graduated from Oak Ridge High School.

Nevin lived in Atlanta, GA until June 2006 when he moved to his parents’ home in Christmas, FL. He had been battling cancer since September 2006. Survived by his son, Alexander Lee Ivester and daughter, Sara Pearl Ivester both of Eustis, FL, his parents Dorthy and James Ivester of Titusville, FL.

He departed from this life on June 9, 2007.  He is buried at Christmas Cemetery, in Christmas, FL.

Submitted by his best friend, Randy Glenn