TRIBUTES

Triton Peter Hebbron

In the spring of 1983, I attended a dinner at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles held by MECLA, a committee of gay men and women raising money to support politicians who would stand up for gay-rights legislation. Our keynote speaker that night was Senator Edward Kennedy. At one point, my friend and I said to ourselves, "Why not?" and wandered over to the table where Mr. Kennedy had just finished dinner. I remember being surprised that no bodyguard hovered nearby - we just tapped him on the shoulder. Instantly, Teddy jumped to his feet, to shake our hands, not to accept our gratitude for being there, but to thank us for having him. I'll never forget his easy, boisterous laughter. We were nobodies, but Teddy Kennedy looked us straight in the eye, with friendship and respect.

There's a reason this magnificent man was so loved. Thanks for everything.