Harold 'Harry' James Straetz

Main Album

The world doesn't seem as bright now that you are gone. Your optimism and enthusiasm lifted many a dark cloud for many people. You will be missed. Wayne

You,Sir, were a gift to the Community and to me personally in ways beyond your knowing. Peace to you and your memory!

Harry was the first person I met at Outreach and he made me feel welcome right off. He was able to be totally present with whomever he was talking with if it was a few seconds or a longer conversation. I will greatly miss knowing that such a wonderful soul is here on earth with us. I have come to realize in the last few weeks that I loved Harry as a person, and regret that we were not able to be better friends. Blessed Be...........Harry

A few years ago I was looking for an opportunity to serve my gay community on a speakers bureau. Someone told me about OutReach and about Harry. I went down to meet him and he was so cordial and welcoming to me. He explained their program and I went to the training and started speaking right away. Harry like to call me "a walking dictionary of gay history" because of my years as an activist. It was one of the nicest compliments I've ever recieved from anyone. I loved working with Harry at OutReach and will miss him terribly.