Robert Rolofson, 78, passed away from complications of esophageal cancer Nov. 23, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Born April 28, 1933 in Heyworth, Ill., Rolofson's early life was in nearby Bloomington, where his father operated a Phillips 66 service station on busy US 51. The facility was also equipped to service passing motor trucks. Rolofson had a paper route, worked in a drive-in root beer stand and diner, and later in a clothing store. For two years, Rolofson attended Illinois State Teachers College at Normal, Ill., with an education major.
Rolofson was a Korean War Veteran. He enlisted in the U.S. Army for a two-year active-duty obligation, 1953-1955.
Rolofson's first Chicago retail job was in the young men's and student shop at the Carson Pirie Scott downtown store where he stayed for five years. He subsequently worked for prestigious men's stores beginning with A. Sulka & Company, followed by Jerrems, Higgins, Frank, & Hill, and Capper & Capper. He spent the last 25 years at the Burberry store on Michigan Avenue.
Rolofson had a life partner for more than 40 years, Bruce Gant. They were active volunteers for Travelers & Immigrants Aid and the associated thrift shops, Bargains Unlimited and Treasures in Transition. Along the way, they created a social organization known as the St. James Family (because Rolofson and Bruce lived at 452 St. James Pl.), and persons new to Chicago were often directed to them for assistance in settling in the city.
The late Jon-Henri-Damski, noted columnist and gay activist, wrote the following comments in Gay Chicago in December 1979: "When I first heard of the St. James Family, I thought it was pure hokum. … That two mature Taureans in black leather jackets with cock rings on their epaulets, could call themselves Mom and Dad, and have a group of fifty 'children,' who also called them Mom and Dad, seemed silly, forced, and unnatural. But after watching them for over a year, I have discovered that the 'family' is a mixed group of warm individuals, who are learning to cope effectively with separation and loneliness in a big city. They have put together a unique association that preserves the best traditions and conventions of a healthy family; yet, which also allows each member of the family to be gay, different, and free."
Gant died Aug. 19, 2000, from a major heart attack. Rolofson began attending St. James Episcopal Cathedral. He attended a Shrove Tuesday pancake supper and was sitting with a group that included Stan Zimmerman. Thus began a good friendship of more than eight years that included theater, opera, movies, travels, etc.
Among Rolofson's other friends are actor Matt Roben; Frank and Sarah of Frank's bar; the many friends from Chicago Prime Timers; the owners and staff of Beef & Brandy restaurant; the owners and staff at Horizon Café; and the Coronado Theater organ group in Rockford.
Rolofson's cremains will be interred in the columbarium at the Episcopal Church of the Atonement, Chicago. A memorial service and interment are scheduled for 12 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012, at the Church of the Atonement (Episcopal) 5749 N. Kenmore Ave. Contact Stan Zimmerman at 312-671-7010, or the church at 773-271-2727 or info@churchoftheatonement.org .