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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 7, 2011)
O R E G O N S LE S B IAN/GAY/B l/T RA N S/QUE E R N E W SM A G A Z IN E JANUARY 7 2011 5 LETTERS Submit /our letters to the editor, commitment announcements, transitions or list /our events online at JUSTOUT.COM. » CUCK ON THE READER SUBMISSIONS BUTTON LETTERS “Reeled In" Post Repeal? T o T h e E d it o r : Personally, I don’t have a clue why any self- respecting queer would even consider joining the military despite the pitiful bennies one gets in return. But then, I’m anti-war, which is irrelevant to sexual orientation anyway. I suspect the real reason [the] “Don’t ask, don’t tell” (D A D T) repeal is being consid ered (have you heard this before?) is that the military is tired o f recruiting from a pool of morally and socially bankrupt petty criminals, high school dropouts, grade school dropouts, functional illiterates and losers, to open the door to our sweet, smart, intelligent gay men and women. Contrary to what some think, the repeal o f D A D T is actually us (the queers) doing a favor to the heteros. I’d say we could tie our participation in the military (for those so inclined) to first, repeal o f the Defense o f Marriage Act (D O M A ) and second, instate ment o f the rights o f full citizenship to all G L B T people. But my advice to all potential military recruits is, don’t bite the hook that dangles in front of you. You will be reeled in to be brain washed and fucked over big time. Kim Bailer, RN Gladstone , Ore. TRANSITIONS Athanasios “Saki” Katsavopoulos June 2 8 ,1947-Dec. 19,2010 A native o f Patras, Greece, Saki came to Portland in 1974 as a merchant seaman and fell in love with Sotiria “Sandra” Katchis; they married that year and had two sons, Leftheri and Ianni. As a youth in Greece he served as an elite Evzone guard in the army and won bouts as a prize fighter. In Portland he first worked at Portland Bottling Co. and later for his late mother- in-law, Georgia Katchis, in the family busi ness, Three Sisters Tavern. Eventually he and Sandra took ownership o f it, which they developed in its last decades into an estab lishment friendly to Portland’s downtown gay community, with entertainment famous along the entire West Coast. Saki was known for a boisterous, em bracing warmth and an engaging, tough but sweet manner. He held listeners spellbound by fierce, heavily accented storytelling o f world exploits. H is most cherished blessings in retirement were his grandchildren, Isa bella, Georgia and Athanasios. Along with them, his wife and sons, he is also survived by his mother Kalliope and siblings Maria, Theodoros and Christos o f Patras, Greece; daughter-in-law Nikki; sisters-in-law Maria Boyer and Pauline Gustafson and husband Michael; five nephews, one niece, grand- nephews/niece; and the extended Bakouros, ChalkiopouloSjTsirimiagos and Boyer fami lies o f Portland. Services were held on December 22 (Trisagion) and December 23 (funeral) at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Portland. Memorial gifts are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project. Donald Baker Ross May 1 7 ,1935-Dec. 20,2010 Don Ross surprised everyone with his TO THE EDITOR early departure December 20, 2010. His last words were, “Please bring me my iPad.” Don was born M ay 17,1935, in Portland to Cecil J. Ross, M .D . and Lucy Baker Ross. He was the youngest o f four children and was predeceased by his brothers, Jack Ross and W illiam Ross, M .D . Following in his father’s footsteps, Don graduated from Washington High School in 1953. After graduating, he attended W il lamette University where he was a Sigma Chi and, most importantly, met the love o f his life and future wife, Joanne Lindstrom. In 1958 Don graduated from Oregon State College (now University) with a Bachelor o f Science in mechanical engineering and a Bachelor o f Arts in business. A s owner o f Brett-Ross, Inc. for 30 years, Don was a re spected member o f the business community and enjoyed the people he worked with as a manufacturers’ representative. From a young age, Don was attracted to things mechanical and electrical. His mother quietly allowed (and apparently secretly en joyed) that he turned her 1950 Ford into a coveted hot rod. Don’s family benefited from the many electronic devices he built for them. However, not much surpassed his pleasure in racing his custom M ini for the last 10 years. A member o f numerous car clubs, Don’s pas sion for cars and collecting culminated in his collection o f over 15,000 H ot Wheels toys. Avid travelers, Don and Joanne stopped counting at 50 countries. Two African safaris; visiting his mother’s birthplace in La Paz, Bo livia; and recently touring Poland for Chopin’s 200th birthday were but a few destinations. A strong believer in civic engagement,Don was on the Multnomah County Republican Central Committee for 20 years, a part o f the Multnomah County Cable Regulatory Task Force, Wood Village Planning Commission, Wood Village City Council and a member o f Trumpeters, a Republican businessmen’s Toastmasters’ group, for 23 years. After 49 years as a proud and active Re publican, he no longer felt at home in the party. In 2008 he registered as a Democrat and was excited to vote for President Obama. For the last 20 years, he has been highly re garded for his unwavering support and assis tance to the gay community through Parents, Families and Friends o f Lesbians and Gays (P F L A G ), Equity Foundation and Basic Rights Oregon. Family and friends will always remember Don for his sense o f humor, positive disposi tion, exemplary moral compass and uncon ditional love. Don is survived by his wife o f 54 years, Joanne Lindstrom Ross; children, Becky Raz,Tonette Ross and Fred Ross; five grandchildren; and sister, Margaret Claire. A celebration o f Don’s life took place on December 28 at M cM enamins Edgefield Manor. Remembrances may be sent to Equity Foundation, P F L A G Portland or the Prostate Cancer Program at O H S U Foundation. CORRECTION A story in our December 17 issue incor rectly reported the organizer o f a queer dance night [ Vol. 28, No. 1, pp. 35-36, “The Year in Nightlife”]. Gayborhood is organized by DJ SkyPimp; D J Alicious is a guest performer. We regret the error. CREDIT Ju st Out neglected to credit the photogra pher o f our December 17 issue’s cover image o f Portland Mayor Sam Adams. It was taken by Thomas Le Ngo/TriM et. Your life experiences, compassion, humor and safe home can help a teen in foster care and positively impact our community. Call Boys & Girls Aid today to learn more about the rewards of foster parenting: 503-542-2323 or visit boysandgirlsaid.org would make a great foster parent for a teen Boys & Girls Aid We value and openly support LGBTQ youth and families. 24/7 support, generous reimbursement, and comprehensive training avail able for all foster parents.
