Learning, this morning, that Louis Escobar has died, brought back so many memories! When I first met Louis he was an impossibly-handsome activist young doing outreach for the Aids Task Force, of which John was a member. His job was providing education (and condoms) in bars. It seems so long ago! (It WAS so long ago!)
Years later I was executive director of the Lucas County Democratic Party when Louis came to us asking for endorsement as a candidate for city council. I was sceptical. Could a gay Hispanic ex-priest really get elected? I remember Sue Wuest’s answer: she did not want to live in a city where Louis Escobar couldn’t get elected. She was right. With the party’s endorsement and with the help of Sue and countless others, he pulled it off. And now they are both gone.
For quite a while I knew Louis mainly as an elected official who was hardworking but sometimes difficult. Always a friend, usually an ally, and often a pain in the neck, but in a good way.
When my daughter got married, Louis was the officiant. His advice and affection meant a lot. After my granddaughter was born, Louis was a frequent guest at her birthday parties. He and Kelly loved to give her the most beautiful outfits!
When I became chair of the Pathway board, I asked Louis to join me there. As always, he was ready to help and eager to make sure that community, especially the Hispanic community, was included.
In the last few years, I saw Louis at the occasional party or when we crossed paths at a restaurant.
He was a good man, and I will miss him.