We’ve sad news to report from San Francisco that two leaders in that Bear community have recently, suddenly, passed away.

Lurch, the Founding President of the Bears Of San Francisco and longtime MC (every year but one) of their International Bear Rendezvous passed away on December 8th. He’d a history of heart problems that finally resulted in his succumbing to congestive heart failure. For those who’ve not been to IBR Lurch was also featured as “Nurse Mike” in the popular Bear comic series “Leonard & Larry“. Lurch was an active, much-loved, member of his community and will be greatly missed.

On December 10th Ed Costa, President of the Bears Of San Francisco from 2000-2002, died of a sudden heart attack. He was instrumental in expanding the BOSF into a “revolving non-profit organization” and widely regarded as a ‘good guy’. He leaves behind his partner Joe Fitzpatrick and many friends and fans.