John David Waite

John David (Jack) Waite, of Stone Ridge, died at home on May 2, 2009, after a long illness. He was 95 years old. Born in Utica, Montana, on September 3, 1913, he was the son of the late David and Hazel Waite, Montana ranchers. Two sisters, Jeanne and Peggy, predeceased him. Upon graduation from the University of Montana, he relocated to California where he became the personal assistant to the Academy Award-winning actor, the late Fredric March. In that capacity he met Harry Crowley, artist and musician, who became his life partner for 39 years until his death in 1979. During World War II he served four years in the United States Navy. After the war he was employed in the sales department of IBM for nearly 35 years prior to his retirement. Jack was a great animal lover and contributed significantly to those organizations established for the care and protection of all animals. He particularly loved cats and leaves behind his beloved Prince and Dame Edna. He was also an avid gardener and spent most of his springs and summers producing gardens of such beauty that strangers driving by would stop simply to thank him. Before his death, he was proud to be the oldest living charter member of the newly formed Hudson Valley Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) Community Center on Wall Street in Kingston. In 2008 the Board of Directors of the Center honored him and Dr. Theodore W. Hayes, his partner of 26 years, by naming the Center's main conference room in their honor. In addition to Dr. Hayes, his survivors include his long-time "sisters," Dr. Melva J. Wade and Mary F. Johnston, of Rhinebeck, NY; his oldest friend, Dr. Norman Miller, Pacific Palisades, CA; and his extended family at the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center. A celebration of life will be conducted on Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. at the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center, 300 Wall St., Kingston. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center, P. O. Box 3994, Kingston, NY 12402.