Obituary of Brian D Soper

Brian D. Soper died peacefully at his home on 1/18/18 holding the hand of his husband, George Gay. He was 68 years old and had been ill for just a couple of months with myelodysplasia. He leaves a void in the lives of his many friends, and the love of his life, George. They lived together for nearly 40 years, and were married in Toronto in 2004. Brian managed Dr. Gay's Cambridge medical practice for over 10 years, and retired about 5 years after the practice was taken over by a large medical group. He learned quilting from his dear friend, Shirley Coulter, who recognized in Brian an eye for color and design. She helped him learn and adapt basic sewing techniques to overcome his challenges caused by cerebral palsy. Brian's life was always one of challenges and discrimination which were overcome by his determination, optimism and impish humor. He was born in Carthage, NY on 2/23/49, and adopted by Midge and Byron Soper. His incredible Mom got him the therapy and rehab he needed as a child and when the local school system failed to provide adequate education —she ran for the school board and started their mainstream education program for disabled children. Brian's own brown eyes and seductive personality won him friends in high places and got him a college education and a government job (which he gave up to manage a medical practice in Cambridge). He discovered his gay sexual orientation in Wash. DC in the 70's and moved to Cambridge and a monogamous relationship just in time to avoid the AIDS epidemic. He became an advocate for the rights of women, GLBT and disabled folk in the United Methodist Church, serving on many committees and commissions for the General Church. The past 20 years have been spent with his "harem" of quilting friends, and enjoying classical music, especially Baroque and Opera. Although grateful for the many friends he has in the church, he's given up on the "magic stuff" of the church and as such there will be no formal funeral, but look for a happy celebration of his life in the spring. Nitardy Funeral Home is helping with arrangements, and has additional information about Brian "www.nitardyfuneralhome.com", as does "CaringBridge.org".