Obituaries

tedmo or notte led

Galen Koehler, long-term survivor, chased tornadoes

Galen C. Koehler, long-term HIV survivor and Lakewood resident, died of complications from AIDS on August 12 at the age of 33. Galen had a complex personality which touched and affected the lives of many people through his disaster relief work, nursing, spiritual gifts, storytelling, sobriety, and penchants for bunnies and vacuum cleaners.

As a firefighter and a registered nurse, he was actively involved in emergency preparedness and disaster relief efforts with the City of Lakewood and the American Red Cross. A teenage encounter with a tornado (which broke his back) set his course towards the Severe Storm Center of the National Weather Service, for which he Coordinated tornado and thunderstorm watches. He also participated in nationwide tornado "chases," where trained observers follow, videotape and report on storm characteristics. His last chase was in Texas a month before his death.

Galen, having been diagnosed in 1984 and with his medical background, was often asked to participate in HIV panel discussions introducing doctors to the AIDS epidemic. Their basic question of "How are you living longer than others?" could not be answered directly. However, Galen was always very aware of any shifts in his health and body functions and worked closely with his doctor at University Hospitals.

He reached his fourth sober anniversary just before he died. Becoming a part of Alcoholics Anonymous was an important and meaningful step in his life, offering

inner peace and serenity that he valued highly. In September, 1990, he was initiated as a Traditional Reiki practitioner and spent the last two years offering his handson healing gift to people in his home and at Ohio AIDS Coalition Healing Weekends.

His knack for telling stories, especially of escapades during his carefree travels, kept audiences doubled over in laughter. Nothing would delight him more than finding a new rabbit on his doorstep or a vintage Kirby vacuum cleaner at a flea market. His love of life, and compassion for others will be missed by many.

Few people knew that Galen was a natural medium, being able to channel spiritual messages, a gift he had all his life but chose to restrict. His natural mother, Genevieve, frequently brought him to the Memorial Spiritual Church where he channeled messages as a youngster. His mother died when he was a teenager.

Galen is survived by his father George, stepmother Helen, sisters Gretchen Hines and Genie Koehler, nephew Bryan Hines, and a large family of stuffed rabbits. A memorial service was held on August 17. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross and the Health Issues Taskforce.

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Obituaries may be placed free of charge, by mail, fax, or hand delivery (see page 2 for address). We can't take information over the phone. Include your name and phone, so we may contact you. A photo can be included; please send a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want it returned.

September 18, 1992 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE Page 7

OMEGA CUT

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