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Author Topic: Rocky.  (Read 16789 times)

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Offline anniebc

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  • Posts: 6,185
  • AM member since 2003
Rocky.
« on: March 02, 2014, 09:43:17 pm »
Just wanted you all to know that Rocky passed away last Wednesday after suffering a sever fall and then having a nasty infection set in.

He was taken home last Monday and passed quietly at home with his partner Craig.

RIP Rocky, your pain has now gone and your body is now at peace.

In sadness
Jan :'(
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Never knock on deaths door..ring the bell and run..he really hates that.

Offline Jeff G

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  • How am I doing Beren ?
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #1 on: March 02, 2014, 09:47:35 pm »
My condolences ... this is devastating news .
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You can read more about Transmission and Risks here:
HIV Transmission and Risks
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Offline Buckmark

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  • Would you like to tie me up with your ties, Ty?
    • Henry's Home Page
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #2 on: March 02, 2014, 09:52:58 pm »
I'm shocked, and can't really think of adequate words right now.  Having met and spent time with Rocky personally several times at AMG, this really hurts.  But as far as hurting goes, as Jan said above, Rocky's pain is gone.

Henry
"Life in Lubbock, Texas, taught me two things:
     One is that God loves you and you're going to burn in hell.
     The other is that sex is the most awful, filthy thing on earth and you should save it for someone you love."
- Butch Hancock, Musician, The Flatlanders

Offline J.R.E.

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  • Positive since 1985, joined forums 12/03
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #3 on: March 02, 2014, 10:14:47 pm »
I am so deeply saddened to hear this.  :'(   No words can describe how shocked and saddened I am. 

RIP Rocky


Ray
Current Meds ; Viramune / Epzicom Eliquis, Diltiazem. Pravastatin 80mg, Ezetimibe. UPDATED 2/18/24
 Tested positive in 1985,.. In October of 2003, My t-cell count was 16, Viral load was over 500,000, Percentage at that time was 5%. I started on  HAART on October 24th, 2003.

 As of Oct 2nd, 2023, Viral load Undetectable.
CD 4 @676 /  CD4 % @ 18 %
Lymphocytes,absolute-3815 (within range)


72 YEARS YOUNG

Offline phildinftlaudy

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  • sweet Ann what you think babe...
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #4 on: March 02, 2014, 10:46:35 pm »
Oh...
Disbelief...
Pain...
Shock...
Hurt...
Followed by more pain -
and a memory of the first person to greet me with a giant, heartfelt, and sincere hug and larger than life smile at AMG in Washington D.C.

I really can't believe this - May you rest in the most comfortable of peace Rocky - thank you for making a newcomer feel welcome. I will remember your kindness always.

-Phil
September 13, 2008 - diagnosed +
Labs:
Date    CD4    %   VL     Date  CD4  %   VL
10/08  636    35  510   9/09 473  38 2900  12/4/09 Atripla
12/09  540    30    60   
12/10  740    41  <48   
8/11    667    36  <20  
03/12  1,041  42  <20
05/12  1,241  47  <20
08/12   780    37  <20
11/12   549    35  <20
02/12  1,102  42  <20
11/12   549    35  <20

Offline Robert

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  • Posts: 2,658
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #5 on: March 03, 2014, 01:25:02 am »
oh jan....

my heart is broken. Tears come to my eyes. He and Rick were the 1st to ever great me at AMG and now they're both gone. Such a deep loss.

My deepest condolences to his lover, husband, partner, friend. I forget what Rocky called him but he always referred to Craig in a lovingly disparaging way. The way only a lover could.

in sadness.....robert
..........

Offline zach

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Re: Rocky.
« Reply #6 on: March 03, 2014, 01:34:28 am »
condolences to all that knew him, he seems genuinely loved around here. thoughts to his family as well

Offline tednlou2

  • Member
  • Posts: 5,730
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #7 on: March 03, 2014, 01:37:13 am »
Very sad to hear this.  My condolences to his partner, Craig, as well as all who knew and loved him.

Offline wolfter

  • Member
  • Posts: 5,470
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #8 on: March 03, 2014, 05:15:56 am »
How terribly sad.  I believe Rocky was the first to greet most of us at AMG's.  My first one, he talked me on the phone to assist with my navigation skills to get me to the hotel where I was met with the greatest and grandest hug imaginable.  He had that ability to make a person instantly feel welcome and I'll always remember and appreciate him.

We've lost a truly beautiful person and I'll definitely miss his uniqueness. 

RIP buddy

Greg
Being honest is not wronging others, continuing the dishonesty is.

Offline bocker3

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  • You gotta enjoy life......
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #9 on: March 03, 2014, 08:48:25 am »
This is just devastating news.  The tears are flowing, but I am at a loss for words.

Like so many others, Rocky was the first person to greet me at my first AMG in Boston -- I will always remember his, "Aren't you Bocker - I recognize the head".  AMG will never be quite the same without our, on the ground cat herder.......

Rocky, RIP -- you will be missed terribly.   :-*

Tearfully,
Mike

Offline denb45

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  • "1987 Classic Old School POZ+"
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #10 on: March 03, 2014, 09:54:43 am »
 :'( nooooooo 
"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Offline WillyWump

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Re: Rocky.
« Reply #11 on: March 03, 2014, 12:05:39 pm »
This is a really tough one. Devastating.

Rocky was one of the good guys.

 :'(

Rocky didn't participate much in the general forums but he had a big presence at the AMG gatherings. Alot of people are not aware of all the behind the scenes stuff he did for AMG, and he never wanted any acknowledgement for what he did he preferred it be kept underwraps. He lived for the gatherings and cherished them greatly.

Rocky was our official AMG greeter, and as he did with the others he was the first person that greeted me out in front of the Chandler hotel at our Boston AMG. In that moment I felt as though I had known him forever, he was so warm and welcoming. At Vegas AMG he had his little handwritten list of peoples arrival times folded up in his pocket and he was constantly checking it and making sure he was at the front to greet each attendee as they arrived with a big hug and even bigger smile. I Even remember a few of us sitting at the bar near the front and he thought he saw Jan and Jen arriving and he jumped up and ran to the front screaming "JAN, JAN MY DEAR!!" but it wasn't Jan it was some poor terrified lady cowering at the sight of this crazy man with flailing arms running toward her. I'll never forget that, ever.

Herding cats- Yes if anyone was adept at at least trying to herd us all at AMG it was Rocky. Sure, he rarely succeeded but he never gave up trying, I cannot count the times he would stand in front of the group trying to get everyone's attention, clapping his hands, snapping his fingers and screaming "People, People!"...I can still here his piercing nelly voice resonating through the crowd. The scene usually concluded with Rocky turning and shaking his head and sighing.
He was like our AMG mother, quick to shake a finger at you, but even quicker to give you an amazing hug.

At the DC AMG I had the privilege to room with Rocky and it was one of the best AMG's I ever had. We would get into arguments every morning because he would always be up at the crack of dawn throwing open the curtains all the while repeating "GET UP SWEETPEA! GET UP!" He used to irk the hell out of me but I wouldn't have it any other way. Many a night we would head back to the room after a full day of festivities and just pour ourselves a drink and talk about life for hours on end. I was lucky to have those moments with Rocky.

We had recently exchanged texts about rooming again in San Diego. I'm gonna miss him terribly. The AMG experience just lost something forever and it wont be the same without him.

Something tells me that when each of our days are up, and we get to where we are going, wherever that is....Rocky will be there checking a folded up sheet of ragged paper and greeting us warmly

Miss you buddy. RIP.


Ps- Village People Party :-*

« Last Edit: March 03, 2014, 12:15:12 pm by WillyWump »
POZ since '08

Last Labs-
11-6-14 CD4- 871, UD
6/3/14 CD4- 736, UD 34%
6/25/13 CD4- 1036, UD,
2/4/13, CD4 - 489, UD, 28%

Current Meds: Prezista/Epzicom/ Norvir
.

Offline denb45

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  • "1987 Classic Old School POZ+"
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #12 on: March 03, 2014, 01:01:18 pm »
I'm very sad about the passing of Rocky, all I could say when I read this, is what I could muster up

"NO" it cannot be true, he cannot be gone, I remember Rocky @ my very 1st AMG in DC

we had a little get together in one of the AMG attendee's room, I was a little at ease

and kinda nervous, I had hives all over my arms & hands, and he told me

that it might be some animal(s) that might be here in the hotel

turns out it was a few flea bites, nothing more

he gave me the biggest HUG that i ever got form anyone else, and he told me

(it's ok big guy were all friends and now your are our new friend)

also at the meet & greet rocky let bob & I taste our very 1st Manhattan

after that, I was so BOXED, I don't recall much else for the rest of the lovely fun filled night  :D

RIP Rocky,  you will be missed terribly, and it deeply saddens me, that I'll never get to see you at another AMG, I'm crying all over my keyboard right now  :'(

I'm at a loss for words, and this was very hard to post & get it out in the open

with great sadness,  I'll miss you Rocky  :'(

HUGS

DEN
"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Offline Lou-ah-vull

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,029
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #13 on: March 03, 2014, 04:56:55 pm »
Like all of you... I am totally shocked and deeply saddened.  Without question, Rocky was the "driving force" that kept AMG together especially in the moments where it seemed as if the event would not take place because of the discord. 

When we were there, as so many of you have already mentioned, he would go the extra mile to greet everyone, especially the newcomers, and to usher them into the fold of the others. 

Most of us only see each other once a year (and even more of us, not at all except on the forums) but I can unequivocally say that Rocky will always remain in my memory.  At the extremely vulnerable time of the first year of my diagnosis, he was one of those calming personalities that allowed me to see and understand that one could live, and live well, with HIV.  I will always be indebted to him for that.

He (along with Jan) knew how to tap into my passion for ministry and to ask and enable me to take over responsibility for the AMG Memorial Service.  It will please his spirit to no end to know how we will honor him this first year at the memorial service but also in the ones in the years to come.

Like many of you, I will want to have more to say later, to collect my thoughts.  For the moment, let me just honor Rocky as a good and decent man, a loving and compassionate person, and a treasured friend.  I am quite certain that I will never forget him and my life will be forever graced for having known him...although much too briefly.

Rest now in peace my dear friend, we will miss you....

Gary
Diagnosed Oct. 2005
10/05:  367 (26.2%), 24556 VL
01/06:  344 (24.6%), 86299 VL
04/06:  374 (22.0%), 87657 VL
05/06:  Began HAART 05/15/06, Combivir/Kaletra
07/06:  361 (27.8%), 1299 VL
10/06:  454 (32.4%), 55 VL
01/07:  499 (38.4%), UD
02/07:  Switched to Atripla 2/8/07
04/07:  566 (37.7%), UD
08/07:  761 (42.3%), UD
06/08:  659 (47.1%), UD
01/09:  613 (43.8%), UD
07/09:  616 (47.4%), UD
01/10:  530 (44.2%), UD
07/10:  636 (48.9%), UD
01/11:  627 (48.2%), UD
07/11:  840 (52.5%), UD
01/12:  920 (51.1%), UD
07/12:  857 (50.4%), 40
10/12:  UD
01/13:  710 (47.3%), UD
07/13:  886 (49.2%), UD
01/14:  985 (46.9%), UD
06/14:  823 (47.2%), UD
01/15: 1366 (45.2%), UD
07/15: 1134 (50.7%), UD
02/16: 1043 (55.1%), UD
08/16:  746  (55.4%), UD
08/16:  Switch from Atripla to Genvoya

Offline Joe K

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  • Posts: 5,821
  • 31 Years Poz
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #14 on: March 03, 2014, 06:05:37 pm »
No, no, no, no, not again.  I simply have no words right now.  After all this time, and all the loved ones lost, I thought I had no more heart to break.

I was wrong.

Joe

Offline Jody

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,961
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #15 on: March 03, 2014, 07:40:41 pm »
This is just awful news to hear.  The second I saw Jan post about dearest Rocky a fear crept into my bones and sure enough it was true.  Rocky was the first to greet me at our very first AMG in Toronto and I told him he was more handsome in person than his picture that was then up on the forums.  I also am at a loss for words as this man was just the sweetest guy I knew.  I remember when Ric died he was the first person I called and we were heartsick.

We spoke several times a year on the phone and he last called when the San Diego AMG plans were initiated.  I am so glad we got to go to Seattle.  He was so proud that his adopted hometown was chosen in 2011.  I will miss Rocky so very, very much and cannot believe that he is gone.  Way too young and much too soon for our beloved Rockala.  Everyone who knew him just adored him. I will miss him all the remaining days of my life. 
 
Rest in peace you dear, sweet, compassionate, kind and wonderful man.

Jody  :'(
"Wake up to find out that you are the eyes of the world".
 "Try to discover that you are the song that the morning brings."

Grateful Dead

Offline Jeff G

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  • How am I doing Beren ?
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #16 on: March 03, 2014, 07:52:36 pm »
I remember when I met Rocky, I walked in from the street into the hotel lobby in Seattle and although I had never met him or knew what he looked like it only took one look into his eyes and a instant to know he was in charge of something he was happy and proud to be doing and that I was welcome to be a part of it .

He will be missed .   
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You can read more about Testing here:
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Offline WillyWump

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  • EPIC FIERCENESS!
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #17 on: March 03, 2014, 09:09:11 pm »
I still don't want to believe this.

POZ since '08

Last Labs-
11-6-14 CD4- 871, UD
6/3/14 CD4- 736, UD 34%
6/25/13 CD4- 1036, UD,
2/4/13, CD4 - 489, UD, 28%

Current Meds: Prezista/Epzicom/ Norvir
.

Offline anniebc

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  • Posts: 6,185
  • AM member since 2003
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #18 on: March 03, 2014, 11:28:48 pm »
I still don't want to believe this.

None of us do Will.

Jan :'(
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Never knock on deaths door..ring the bell and run..he really hates that.

Offline mitch777

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  • Posts: 4,087
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #19 on: March 03, 2014, 11:51:08 pm »
Wish I had the chance to meet him. My sincere condolences to you all.
33 years hiv+ with a curtsy.

Offline David_CA

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  • Posts: 3,246
  • Joined: March 2006
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #20 on: March 04, 2014, 02:40:09 am »
I'm in a bit of shock about this.  As with many, Rocky was the first to greet us for all the AMG's we've attended.  I remember our first one, in Montreal, D and I were both a bit nervous.  Rocky met us and made us feel part of the group.  He and I texted about a month and a half ago; who would have thought it'd be the last time. 
Black Friday 03-03-2006
03-23-06 CD4 359 @27.4% VL 75,938
06-01-06 CD4 462 @24.3% VL > 100,000
08-15-06 CD4 388 @22.8% VL >  "
10-21-06 CD4 285 @21.9% VL >  "
  Atripla started 12-01-2006
01-08-07 CD4 429 @26.8% VL 1872!
05-08-07 CD4 478 @28.1% VL 740
08-03-07 CD4 509 @31.8% VL 370
11-06-07 CD4 570 @30.0% VL 140
02-21-08 CD4 648 @32.4% VL 600
05-19-08 CD4 695 @33.1% VL < 48 undetectable!
08-21-08 CD4 725 @34.5%
11-11-08 CD4 672 @39.5%
02-11-09 CD4 773 @36.8%
05-11-09 CD4 615 @36.2%
08-19-09 CD4 770 @38.5%
11-19-09 CD4 944 @33.7%
02-17-10 CD4 678 @39.9%  
06-03-10 CD4 768 @34.9%
09-21-10 CD4 685 @40.3%
01-10-11 CD4 908 @36.3%
05-23-11 CD4 846 @36.8% VL 80
02-13-12 CD4 911 @41.4% VL<20
You must be the change you want to see in the world.  Mahatma Gandhi

Offline aztecan

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  • 36 years positive, 64 years a pain in the butt
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #21 on: March 04, 2014, 11:01:40 am »
Rocky was the first one to greet me in Montreal as well. We shared many good moments together over the years.
The last time I saw him was in D.C., when he was leaving the hotel. Before he got into the taxi, he turned around and gave me a big hug, saying he wanted to say good bye properly just in case it was the last time.

And it was.

In great sadness,

Mark
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline Joe K

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  • 31 Years Poz
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #22 on: March 04, 2014, 12:25:08 pm »
Rocky was a person, that regardless of how much time had passed since you last met, acted as if it had only been yesterday.  Whenever Rocky and I spoke, I always came away feeling that he really cared about me, that I mattered to him and that he cherished our friendship as much as I did.

Always prim and proper, you could see that sparkle in his eyes, and that sparkle spoke volumes.  Rocky was the consummate people person.  He reveled being with friends and loved ones and he lived this conviction though his life and in the service of others.  He may not have been that active on the forums; however, he was active behind the scenes and has been a driving force behind the AMGs since their inception.

Rocky also had a very special gift, which he shared freely.  Somehow, Rocky could melt the ice with virtually anyone and make you immediately feel that you belong and are welcome.  His beautiful nature was always on display and people were naturally attracted to him.  While he mostly presented himself as composed and subdued, he could become a stark-raving-flaming-queen at times, only to morph, yet again to be one of the most caring and compassionate people I have ever had the privilege to know.

If I had to capture Rocky in one word, that word would be: genuine.  He lived his life as he believed and he made a special effort to let everyone know, just how special they were and how happy he was to be sharing life together.

He was a friend whose essence cannot be condensed into words.

We would never want to capture moonbeams or rainbows, as their beauty is to be shared, to inspire all who may gaze upon them.

Rocky was such a beauty, inspiring to all during his life and remembered forever.

Joe

Offline Jody

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Re: Rocky.
« Reply #23 on: March 04, 2014, 01:08:15 pm »
I too am having a particularly tough time with Rocky's passing.  Whenever we spoke on the phone, usually around the AMG planning stages and I picked up the phone he would always, without fail say: "Is this the man of my dreams?"  And I would always reply: "I bet you say that to all the guys".  And he would say: Oh no!.

Our AMG's will never be the same and my life will be forever changed.  I'm so glad I got to know dearest Rocky.

Jody :'(
"Wake up to find out that you are the eyes of the world".
 "Try to discover that you are the song that the morning brings."

Grateful Dead

Offline aztecan

  • Member
  • Posts: 5,530
  • 36 years positive, 64 years a pain in the butt
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #24 on: March 05, 2014, 09:50:30 pm »
It took me a day to really grasp the fact Rocky is gone.

I still have trouble believing it.

Life has many twists and turns, but this really stopped me in my tracks.

I agree, when we all head to whatever lies beyond the veil, I know Rocky will be there, creased and folded paper in one hand, manhattan in the other, waiting to give us a big hug, a kiss and a, "It's good to see you, baby," which is what he always called me.

With tears and lots of love,

Mark
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline Jody

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Re: Rocky.
« Reply #25 on: March 05, 2014, 10:53:16 pm »
Yes Mark....I can just hear him saying:  Ooooohhhhh no you don't mister!!!

Rocky was very much the glue that kept so many of us together.  Forever to be missed, never to be forgotten.

Jody :(
"Wake up to find out that you are the eyes of the world".
 "Try to discover that you are the song that the morning brings."

Grateful Dead

Offline WillyWump

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  • EPIC FIERCENESS!
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #26 on: March 06, 2014, 11:47:26 am »
I was just thinking last night how my AMG experience always revolved around Rocky, and how I was going to feel kind of lost and incredibly sad at AMG now. I really have no desire to go now, I'm sure that will change but its how i feel right now

blah.





« Last Edit: March 06, 2014, 11:50:28 am by WillyWump »
POZ since '08

Last Labs-
11-6-14 CD4- 871, UD
6/3/14 CD4- 736, UD 34%
6/25/13 CD4- 1036, UD,
2/4/13, CD4 - 489, UD, 28%

Current Meds: Prezista/Epzicom/ Norvir
.

Offline Lou-ah-vull

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Re: Rocky.
« Reply #27 on: March 06, 2014, 11:54:55 am »
Will,

I will be your conscience on this one!  You KNOW what Rocky would say and what he would want more than almost anything:  for AMG to continue.  We will have a special opportunity to remember him (and the others as well) at the Memorial this year.  Rocky would have it no other way.

I am struggling with all of this too as are many of us who knew Rocky.  This was a surprise and a shocking one too.  It is, as we all know too well, a part of life.

I, for one, hope you will be able to come and share AMG with us and share in our honoring Rocky's important contributions to our group.  There will be tears for sure...but there will also be laughs and inspiration.

Gary
Diagnosed Oct. 2005
10/05:  367 (26.2%), 24556 VL
01/06:  344 (24.6%), 86299 VL
04/06:  374 (22.0%), 87657 VL
05/06:  Began HAART 05/15/06, Combivir/Kaletra
07/06:  361 (27.8%), 1299 VL
10/06:  454 (32.4%), 55 VL
01/07:  499 (38.4%), UD
02/07:  Switched to Atripla 2/8/07
04/07:  566 (37.7%), UD
08/07:  761 (42.3%), UD
06/08:  659 (47.1%), UD
01/09:  613 (43.8%), UD
07/09:  616 (47.4%), UD
01/10:  530 (44.2%), UD
07/10:  636 (48.9%), UD
01/11:  627 (48.2%), UD
07/11:  840 (52.5%), UD
01/12:  920 (51.1%), UD
07/12:  857 (50.4%), 40
10/12:  UD
01/13:  710 (47.3%), UD
07/13:  886 (49.2%), UD
01/14:  985 (46.9%), UD
06/14:  823 (47.2%), UD
01/15: 1366 (45.2%), UD
07/15: 1134 (50.7%), UD
02/16: 1043 (55.1%), UD
08/16:  746  (55.4%), UD
08/16:  Switch from Atripla to Genvoya

Offline Robert

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,658
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #28 on: March 06, 2014, 04:07:09 pm »
will

as jody fondly remembers,  "Ooooohhhhh no you don't mister!!!"

all week I've been thinking of Rocky and how much he meant to me. We all have our stories to share and together those stories will give us our Rocky back if only for a moment. That's a moment we need to celebrate together and show Rocky just how much we love him.

robt
..........

Offline WillyWump

  • Member
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  • EPIC FIERCENESS!
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #29 on: March 06, 2014, 06:09:25 pm »
Yall are absolutely right Gary and Robert.

I was just having a moment this morning.

I do have another story though...for those that were at the DC Meet and Greet do you remember the open bar we had for an hour? Ill never forget how Rocky started the countdown to the bar closing. He let out this High pitched scream saying "BAR CLOSES IN 5 MINUTES PEOPLE! Even though we had our own space the whole restaraunt could hear it, Im sure people in Maryland could hear it too ;).

Then ...

"FOUR MINUTES TILL BAR CLOSES!"

"THREE MINUTES TILL BAR CLOSES!!

"TWO MINUTES TILL BAR CLOSES!"

BAR IS CLOSED!
 
 ;D

Miss the hell out of ya buddy.
« Last Edit: March 06, 2014, 06:15:35 pm by WillyWump »
POZ since '08

Last Labs-
11-6-14 CD4- 871, UD
6/3/14 CD4- 736, UD 34%
6/25/13 CD4- 1036, UD,
2/4/13, CD4 - 489, UD, 28%

Current Meds: Prezista/Epzicom/ Norvir
.

Offline pozniceguy

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  • Niceguy Dallas
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #30 on: March 07, 2014, 12:30:51 am »
just  had  to  wait  before  commenting,,,so  absolutely  unexpected... was  assuming  he  would be  with us in SD  and  had  sent him emails  about possible  sights  to see  etc... already  said  many times  he  was the  "cat  herder"  we just assumed  he would  keep  track and get us  going  whether to  the  bar or  dinner  or  wherever..the  first one there to  say  hello  and usually up  waiting in the lobby to be sure every one was accounted for....   still  in  Denial...he is  gone???? still  fresh in my mind solid,  fun ,happy , guy ...   RIP  Rock

Nick
remember the good times...honor the past but don't live there
Le stelle la notte sono grandie luminose, nel cuore profondo del Texas

Offline britchick

  • Member
  • Posts: 487
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #31 on: March 07, 2014, 07:10:29 am »
Rocky sounds like  he was a very special man and he had the ability to make everyone feel at ease.Im sure he will be greatly missed, but very fondly remembered as the heart of the Annual Meetings.
RIP Rocky

britchickxx

Offline Ann

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  • Member
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  • It just is, OK?
    • Num is sum qui mentiar tibi?
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #32 on: March 07, 2014, 07:14:59 am »
I'm still at a loss for words. Although I've never met Rocky in person we used to talk on the phone from time to time and it's difficult to believe I'll never have that chance again. He was one helluva guy and will be greatly missed.

RIP Rocky. You made the world a better place while you were here.

Condoms are a girl's best friend

Condom and Lube Info  

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Offline Cliff

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Re: Rocky.
« Reply #33 on: March 07, 2014, 01:38:35 pm »
I didn't want to open this thread.  He was a good, funny man.  Another voice to try and keep hold of in my head.  I hope you're ok Jan.




Offline anniebc

  • Member
  • Posts: 6,185
  • AM member since 2003
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #34 on: March 07, 2014, 05:08:54 pm »
There wasn't an AMG that went by that Rocky and I didn't argue about something, his catch phrase to me was "Now look here Missy" someone likened us to an old married couple.  I still miss him terribly , but I'm thankful that he is no longer in pain.

Miss you darling
Jan :'(
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Never knock on deaths door..ring the bell and run..he really hates that.

Offline hope_for_a_cure

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,517
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #35 on: March 16, 2014, 06:30:12 am »
I feel embarrassed to admit that I have been so 'out of the loop' lately and am just learning of this as I read here this morning.  Seattle was where I met him and will never forget how he greeted us when we first arrived.  Such a sad loss. 


Offline weasel

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,906
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #36 on: March 17, 2014, 11:36:37 am »
I feel embarrassed to admit that I have been so 'out of the loop' lately and am just learning of this as I read here this morning.  Seattle was where I met him and will never forget how he greeted us when we first arrived.  Such a sad loss.

   Oh My GOD !     I too just saw this post ! 

     Rocky was the first guy I met as he was coming off the plane in Las Vegas ; I was holding an
" AMG GATHERING  " sign , like a LIMO driver . Rocky was frantically looking for Willy Wump .
    I was the official TAXI , as I had a Ford Explorer to drive people around .

      We all had a great time in Seattle too .

     I fell in love with Rocky , He had such a fun spirit   :'(

     He will be missed by all the knew and loved him !

                                                                 R.I.P.  Rocky ,
                                                                                      In sadness , Carl 
" Live and let Live "

Offline HippieLady

  • Member
  • Posts: 219
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #37 on: March 17, 2014, 08:32:15 pm »
I am deeply saddened by this news. Rocky was such a sweet man, the first to greet me in Vegas at the unofficial AMG and made me feel welcomed. He took time to reach out to me and see how I was doing on many occasions since then.  I will miss him terribly!

RIP Rocky
~Katie~
Diagnosed HIV+ April 30, 2010

Current CD4-638  VL-UD  11/2013

Offline thunter34

  • Member
  • Posts: 7,374
  • His name is Carl.
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #38 on: March 18, 2014, 07:33:28 pm »
I am just now seeing this, and I don't even have words.  I can't even begin to tell you how stunned and devastated I am by this.

No AMG will ever be the same for me.
AIDS isn't for sissies.

Offline anniebc

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  • Posts: 6,185
  • AM member since 2003
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #39 on: March 19, 2014, 10:29:32 pm »
Two photo's that Basquo sent me. These were taken in Mexico City when we first met Basquo's partner. Rocky loved Mexico City, it was one of his favourite AMG's. I still miss him terribly and think of him often.  Thank you Basquo for sending them to me.

In sadness
Jan :'(



-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Never knock on deaths door..ring the bell and run..he really hates that.

Offline WillyWump

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Re: Rocky.
« Reply #40 on: March 19, 2014, 10:34:25 pm »
Nice pic. Thanks for sharing.

Lord how he loved the AMG's

 :'(
POZ since '08

Last Labs-
11-6-14 CD4- 871, UD
6/3/14 CD4- 736, UD 34%
6/25/13 CD4- 1036, UD,
2/4/13, CD4 - 489, UD, 28%

Current Meds: Prezista/Epzicom/ Norvir
.

Offline anniebc

  • Member
  • Posts: 6,185
  • AM member since 2003
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #41 on: March 20, 2014, 01:13:23 am »
Sorry if this is to much, but I have been putting a wee album of all the times and places Rocky and I spent together, these are just a few and I wanted to share with them with all his AMG/forum mates.

Aroha
Jan












-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Never knock on deaths door..ring the bell and run..he really hates that.

Offline phildinftlaudy

  • Member
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  • sweet Ann what you think babe...
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #42 on: March 20, 2014, 06:59:56 am »
Gone way too soon
And definitely left an impression on all those whose lives he touched - even, if only, for the briefest moments in time...

Miss you Rocky. But, counting on you to be there to be the first to greet me when we see each other again.


Thanks for the pictures Jan - they warm my heart.
September 13, 2008 - diagnosed +
Labs:
Date    CD4    %   VL     Date  CD4  %   VL
10/08  636    35  510   9/09 473  38 2900  12/4/09 Atripla
12/09  540    30    60   
12/10  740    41  <48   
8/11    667    36  <20  
03/12  1,041  42  <20
05/12  1,241  47  <20
08/12   780    37  <20
11/12   549    35  <20
02/12  1,102  42  <20
11/12   549    35  <20

Offline skeebo1969

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  • Posts: 5,931
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #43 on: March 20, 2014, 10:05:56 am »


  RIP Rocky.
I despise the song Love is in the Air, you should too.

Offline WillyWump

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  • EPIC FIERCENESS!
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #44 on: March 20, 2014, 08:15:07 pm »
Those are great pics Jan. That last one of you with your head on his shoulder got me teary-eyed.

and I remember those pink granny panties from Boston. LOL! He thought that was sooo funny!
POZ since '08

Last Labs-
11-6-14 CD4- 871, UD
6/3/14 CD4- 736, UD 34%
6/25/13 CD4- 1036, UD,
2/4/13, CD4 - 489, UD, 28%

Current Meds: Prezista/Epzicom/ Norvir
.

Offline emeraldize

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,397
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #45 on: March 21, 2014, 12:35:00 am »
Thank you for posting those photos, Jan.

Meeting Rocky in Montreal sure was memorable.

To you, Jan, and others who were so close to him--and to Craig, I am sorry for your loss of a lovely, lively, loving friend.




Offline OneTampa

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,021
  • "Butterflies are free."
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #46 on: March 23, 2014, 11:30:29 am »
Condolences for the very sad news of Rocky's passing.
"He is my oldest child. The shy and retiring one over there with the Haitian headdress serving pescaíto frito."

Offline heartforyou

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,132
  • I must be a survivor in many ways...
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #47 on: April 16, 2014, 03:24:36 am »
I just found out that Rocky has left us. I am in disbelief.

We were at the first AMG in Toronto.
Both crying in each others arms and asking ourselves : why are we still here?

I am short of words to express my grief. I wish Craig strength in these hard days.

Love you Rocky

Infected 1983. Diagnosed in 1987 and still kicking
Dovato once daily. Hydrea

Happiness is the freedom of breathing fresh air every day.

Offline AlanBama

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  • Posts: 3,670
  • Alabama: the 'other' 3rd World Country!
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #48 on: April 21, 2014, 07:29:42 pm »
I'm in shock, as I am just now learning of this.  I am kind of hurt and a bit surprised that NO ONE communicated with me about his death!

No one thought I might like to know about this?  I guess it speaks volumes to me.

 :'(
"Remember my sentimental friend that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others." - The Wizard of Oz

Offline Jody

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,961
Re: Rocky.
« Reply #49 on: April 23, 2014, 03:04:38 pm »
Dear Alan, I am truly sorry I did not contact you...I thought of you and some other folks that did not yet reply here early on but just got busy with this and that and forgot to contact you, Tim, Hermie and some other old timers here...I took for granted that folks check out these forums more often than they do sometimes.

Anyway, know that Rocky thought you were a very sweet and kindly man as we all know about you.  He will be missed and once again as an old timer here I am sorry I did not reach out to you soon after the awful news came down.

Be well dear old friend.

Jody :(
"Wake up to find out that you are the eyes of the world".
 "Try to discover that you are the song that the morning brings."

Grateful Dead

 


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