Al Nichols' Memorial Service

I just returned from the Memorial Service for my friend, Al Nichols. Al passed away in December 2002 after being diagnosed with AIDS/HIV in 1993. The memorial service was held today at the AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park.

The service was beautiful. Dozens of people attended, including a several people who flew in from the Mid-West for the weekend. There were also several members of the San Francisco's Gay Mens Chorus - Al had worked there for the last few years.

I was deeply touched by all of the people involved with the service. A few of Al's closest friends spoke - reminding us all of how many people's lives he had touched, influenced and affected in such a positive way. The service concluded with a couple of songs sung by the chorus. They released an album a couple of years ago from their show "SFGMC Does Queen". On that album, they had dedicated the song "We Are the Champions" to Al, in honor of his fight against his illness. We all stood in a circle formation, and held hands as everyone sang.

I met Al about 4 years ago when he moved out here from WI. We had both been involved in the color guard activity for a large part of our lives - we had several friends in common.

I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to have Al as a friend. He will always be remembered and loved.