Email from Jim Kane:

We are neighbors but have never met.

I learned tonight of the death of Phillip which apparently we both knew as a friend. I am leaving on a trip tomorrow so sadly won’t be at Frogs for the get together tomorrow night. If you wouldn’t mind mentioning this email I would appreciate it if an approriate time arises.

I was race director for the Pride Run for 5 years from 1995 through 2000. Phillip and his involvement with the Gay and Lesbian Funding Initiative gave us a matching grant for several years that ended up creating the largest contribution that we ever made to the community from the Pride Run. Linda Ellis will know of this but Frontrunners was also the first organized group that gave funds to help start the ALCI. Those funds were possible because of Phillip’s matching grant money.

Aside from that what I must say about him is that there was never a conversation with him where he didn’t seek to find a way for us to do something together for a community cause. He was always working it! I also remember that in any conversation Phillip always dove further into my thoughts than most people I know. He made any conversation his ONLY conversation with depth in listening and understanding. It was uncomfortable even at times and certainly different than your usual ‘how is our day going’ type questioning.

If at all possible please mention how much Frontrunners and me valued his work, commitment and friendship.

Thank you Maria. Hope we meet someday.

My best,
Jim Kane