Tuesday, May 05, 2009

JOHN THOMAS WINDHAM, III


I am very sad. A man I loved very much passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2009. He was a great humanitarian, a great lover of opera and art, a superb french chef, a steadfast friend and companion, and a true lover of Dr. B., his dogs, and his family.

"In response to the exploding number of AIDS patients and the staggering lack of medical resources available to them in the mid-80s, John and Alfred decided the Burnside Clinic would focus exclusively on HIV treatment and research. While Alfred provided professional medical care, John took charge of their patients’ related needs, making connections with social service agencies, legal and financial resources, and psychological counselors. As the epidemic grew, John managed numerous clinical trials of new drugs and protocols, carefully screening and matching patients with experimental programs. Seeing so many patients encounter rejected insurance claims and other financial obstacles, the Clinic established the John Windham Patient Assistance Fund, a charitable organization that provided crucial support for HIV patients in need. Despite his cancer diagnosis and treatment, John continued his HIV work until Alfred retired and the Burnside Clinic closed last year."


His art, though abstract, is riveting and stirring.

He was loved, and will be missed by everyone that knew him.

1 comment:

Monogram Queen said...

He sounds like a WONDERFUL person! I am glad I picked today to pop in on your blog and read such a fine tribute. May he rest in peace...