Describing a “Monumental Man”
I was going through photos and came up with some from 1987. There were times in those very early days when we took a Saturday morning and just hung out, had breakfast and chit-chatted and misbehaved.
One of those days was at my house on a summer morning. We were outside on the deck, and I took photos of Toni Obermeyer and Steve Scheibel on a hot day.
An imagined conversation between Dr. Bill Valenti and Dr. Steve Scheibel in the early days of Community Health Network. Provided by Dr. Bill Valenti
Many of you remember Steve as co-founder with me of Community Health Network and all the great work he did in Rochester and later after he moved to San Francisco. I’ve talked about him and will continue to do so – he meant that much to everyone.
Toni put needle exchange and harm reduction on the map in Rochester and in a lot of other places. She was a strong advocate for people with HIV and people with drug addiction.
A lot of our horsing around involved costumes, like wigs and high heels. This particular time was just wigs. It just happened naturally. Toni and Steve were sort of snuggling and she was wearing the wig because it had just been done.
Toni Obermeyer and Steve Scheibel in 1987, on a Saturday morning hang-out at Bill Valenti’s house. Provided by Dr. Bill Valenti
All of a sudden they decided to switch and the next thing you know, Steve is wearing the wig.
Steve Scheibel in a wig during a Saturday morning hang-out session. Provided by Dr. Bill Valenti
Steve Scheibel in drag. Provided by Dr. Bill Valenti
I have other shots of him in drag. He really was quite monumental. In fact, that’s how he was remembered at his funeral, almost five years ago.
Jennifer Sweet, who was a patient, gave a eulogy for Steve. She described him as a monumental man, and here’s what she said:
“What is a monumental man? He is one who has made an impression that is never-ending and a memory that shall stand tall as a statue into the forever. No one will forget his massive bodybuilder arms that loved each and every individual in a warm embrace.
“None of us can forget to kiss on the cheek or that infectious smile as he walked into any room he entered.”
Well said, Jennifer.
A tribute to the scientist, the bodybuilder, the great Dr. Steve Scheibel.