THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

Born on Nov. 18, 1935, in Harvey, Illinois, to Peter and Marion Thomas, he was orphaned at age 4 and raised by his Uncle Ray and Aunt "Cookie" in LaGrange, Illinois, and Lebanon, Missouri.

Peter graduated from Stoutland High School, near Lebanon, and later attended Drury University, where he studied piano; he also played the violin. Serving in the U.S. Army as a SPE-4, he served in Korea, where he was a member of the Bayonet Chorale, continuing his lifelong love of music. In November 2015, he celebrated both his 80th birthday and his retirement from Labelmaster, in Chicago. He also worked at Embosograph and Pacific Flush Tank.

Peter, a private person, was still outgoing and dedicated to his friends. He was an early member of the leather/Levi's social club Rodeo Riders of Chicago, becoming its doorman in December 1976. Except for three years, he was foreman for the club's 35-year existence. He was deeply involved with MACC ( Mid-America Conference of Clubs ), becoming its president in 1986 and holding that office until September 2002. As the organization's official history states: "Peter Thomas was responsible for the preservation of the MACC as a viable organization and its survival." He was given the title Honorary President for Life. Today, Pete's overlay with club colors is on display in the uniform exhibit at the Leather Archives and Museum "as it should be" according to Rob Ridinger, MACC historian and co-founder of Trident Windy City.

Above all, Peter was a gentle man and a gentleman. Always offering his assistance to other L/L clubs, he had a way with people and took the MACC motto—"Brotherhood is not just a word. It's a way of life"—to heart. He will be deeply missed, as will the ubiquitous Cubs baseball cap and that touch of playfulness that endeared him to so many. ( He thus had the nickname "Papa Smurf." )

A memorial will be held at Touche, 6412 N. Clark St., on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2-4 p.m.