Hot Springs High School Class of '64
Hot Springs High School Class of '64 2 December 2009 The following items are excerpts from correspondence concerning Jack Voorhies. To Robert Woodall from Bruce (Skip) Purdy: It was nice to talk to both of you today. I have been hearing from his former classmates much of the morning and it is comforting to me that he was held in such high regard. To be interested in Jack is to know that he was an out and proud gay man and very proud of his masculinity. I tell you this because the copy of the obituary that I'm attaching is being published in a gay newspaper (which, because this is San Francisco has a very wide circulation). I've also attached a fairly recent picture, also very typically Jack. I loved him very much, and we were a very happy and affectionate couple. It was a great honor to care for him in his final days and he was very lucky to be able to come home to die. I miss him terribly. Anyway, thanks again for the kind words. Feel free to keep in touch, if you wish. Bruce (Skip) Purdy |
Jack Voorhies
Jack Pemberton Voorhies March 5, 1946 – Nov. 23, 2009 Jack passed away at home from complications from AIDS after a long period of declining health. A dancer for much of his life and an aficionado of physical fitness even after that part of his life ended, he perhaps felt more betrayed than most when his body began to fail him. Jack danced, taught, and choreographed in many places across the country, including the University of Arkansas, The Harkness Ballet in New York, and the Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati. Nearly the last of his line, Jack is survived by few family members and a small circle of friends. He is also survived by his partner of 5 years, Bruce (Skip) Purdy, whose great privilege it was to care for him during his final days. I will miss him terribly. Those who may have known Jack that I'm not aware of are free to call 415-567-5056 to make inquiries. No memorial is planned at this time. |
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Last updated: Wednesday, December 2, 2009