www.GayPeoplesChronicle.com

July 3, 2009

GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE 5

obituaries

Scott Alan Harbottle

Ceveland-Scott A. Harbottle, an active member of Liberation United Church of Christ and of the North Coast Men's Chorus, died on May 15, 2009 at age 53. He is survived by two sons, Alan and Thomas Harbottle; his father and sister; by dear and caring friend; Mark Fant; and many other family and friends.

Scott battled depression for many months but, unable to cope with dayto-day challenges, he took his own life.

Scott Harbottle

An attorney, he worked for 19 years for Key Bank. He often assumed additional responsibilities to help his work team meet deadlines and departmental goals. Scott generously shared his legal expertise whenever possible, especially for the benefit of the LGBT community.

He sang baritone with the North Coast Men's Chorus, which awakened his love of performing. He eagerly performed with the chorus at community events, including the John T. Carey

AIDS Walk, Pride festivals, and Human Rights Campaign dinners. He also enjoyed theater and could often be found in the audiences at Playhouse Square, the Beck or the Cleveland Playhouse.

Scott's friendship with Mark Fant, which began in 1999, was a source of joy, pleasure and meaning for both of them. Mark brought laughter to Scott's life and shared his concern for the wellbeing of LGBT communities. From 1998 to 2009, Scott filled a number of

leadership roles at Liberation Church, including moderator, administration committee chair, worship & music committee chair, and, most recently, chair of the congregation's Sanctuary Remodeling Committee. He also sang in the Liberation choir, taught Sunday school classes and served as writer/ director of the Liberation Children and Youth Theater. Insights and ideas he offered during church council and congregational meetings were always valued.

Neither Scott's love of music and performing, nor his commitment to Christian service, could overwhelm his devotion to his sons. He willingly sacrificed in order to be with Alan, who will be a college freshman in the fall, and Thomas, a college junior, whenever an opportunity arose. He cherished their summers in Cleveland and family gatherings on the Outer Banks. Scott was a dedicated father, a wise brother, a caring son, and a responsible spouse. He was kind-hearted and loved people, opening to others an array of good qualities: sensitivity, sincerity, spontaneity, creativity, compassion, tenacity, trust and open-mindedness. Many will miss his brilliance and his kind and good heart.

Scott's family has asked that memorial contributions may be made to Liberation United Church of Christ, 13714 Madison Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio 44107, marked "New Sanctuary Fund."

Making history

ANTHONY GLASSMAN

Sue Doerfer, executive director of the Cleveland LGBT Center, speaks to the assembled throng of 400 Community Shares supporters at the organization's annual "Power Lunch" on June 19.

Joining Doerfer on stage were George Forbes, president of the Cleveland chapter of the NAACP, attorney and activist Leslye Huff, and NAACPCleveland executive director Stanley Miller.

The quartet were honored with Community Shares' 2009 special award, called "The Power of Participation: Making History," for their work in getting a domestic partner registry passed in Cleveland.

Huff, as co-founder of Asé In Our Hands Coalition, and Doerfer met with Forbes in his roles with the NAACP and with the Call and Post, a traditionally African-American newspaper, to discuss the proposed registry. After their meeting, Forbes came out in support of the registry. At the luncheon, he told the crowd that, in his law practice, he had never had an LGBT civil rights case brought to him.

After speaking with Doerfer and Huff, however, "I want to be associated with the LGBT community!" he concluded.

The Cleveland LGBT Center is a member organization of Community Shares, which provides support for non-profit organizations around northeast Ohio.

-Anthony Glassman

Jason R. Joyner memorial and fundraiser celebration

Cleveland-Anyone who ever met him

knew his full name, Jason R. Joyner. That is how he introduced himself every time. Jason R. Joyner's friends, family and coworkers will celebrate his life in a memorial celebration on July 11 on Cleveland's near west side. The celebration will also be a fundraiser for Jason's 14-year old son, Ja'Shawn.

As an activist, artist, father and friend, Jason lived a full life in his brief 33 years. Born in November 1975, Jason passed away suddenly in his sleep on May 15, 2009 from an apparent seizure.

While with us, Jason lived an extraordinary life. At 22, he traveled to Zimbabwe and South Africa as a humanitarian and health educator in the fight against AIDS. He was instrumental in the resurgence of the Brother Circle of Cleveland and also was a mainstay in BlackOut Unlimited. Both groups were center pieces in the AfricanAmerican same-gender loving community. Jason also was one of the founding members of the Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theater, where he danced beautifully.

However, the thing that he was most proud of was his son, Ja'Shawn Kenneth Joyner. While Jason had moved to New "York and most recently Chicago, he was never more than a plane ride away. As a flight attendant, Jason was constantly in Cleveland for parent-teacher conferences, field trips or just to spend the day with

Shawn. In a world were so many fathers skirt their responsibilities, he was a shining example of manhood.

In celebration of a beautiful life, his friends have planned a memorial celebration to be held on July 11 at 7 p.m. at Cleveland Public Theater's Parish Hall, at 6205 Detroit Avenue. The memorial will include memories of Jason from those who knew him, as well as a performance from Michael Medcalf, founder of the Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theater. As a special gift, the creators, producers and directors of the DL Chronicles have put together a video package for the

event.

Immediately following the memorial will be the celebration. As Jason was a fun-loving person, planners want to celebrate his life as he lived it, with joy. The suggested minimum donation for the celebration is $10, which will have music by DJ Robbie Rob, a cash bar, and light refreshments. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Ja'Shawn Joyner Fund.

Anyone who cannot attend, but who wishes to donate can send checks or money orders to: Jason R. Joyner, 722 South Bixel, Suite 1043, Los Angeles 90017. A credit/debit card option is also in the works. Updated information can be gained by visiting the memorial website at http://jasonjoyner.squarespace.com.

Jayson R. Joyner with his son Ja' Shawn