Omegas
On Jan. 8, Lambda Chi Alpha lost one of its volunteer treasures. Milo “Mike” Gonser, a ‘Yooper’ from the upper peninsula of Michigan, was born on July 25, 1943. Survived by his partner, then husband, Steve Kiely of 35 years, in-laws Sharon Howard, Judy and Tom Kiely, and extended family members.
A graduate of Northern Michigan University in 1965, Milo entered the Navy and served time in Vietnam. In 2007 he and Steve toured both Hanoi and Saigon. Using the GI Bill, he attended the DU School of Law. He worked for the next 45 years in private practice specializing in employment and discrimination law.
Mike was passionate about law, equality, Lambda Chi Alpha, travel, opening our home to friends and family, and of course his beloved cats. His involvements included the CBA, co-founder of the LGBT law association, Denver Professional Men’s Club, lifelong mentor and teacher in his fraternity, and a political activist
In addition, the following members of Lambda Chi Alpha have been reported as deceased since Dec. 1, 2016. Our condolences to their friends and families:
Alabama
Rev. Ervin A Brown, III
Died: Dec. 12, 2016
Alabama – Birmingham
William J. Borgini
Died: Sept. 30, 2016
Arkansas State
Robert M. Wood
Died: Feb. 5, 2015
Auburn
Joseph Coleman
Died: Dec. 31, 2016
Boston
John S. Eaton
Died: July 23, 2016
Colby
Robert F. McCaughey, Jr
Died: Sept. 20, 2015
Drexel
John P. Myer
Died: May 2, 2016
Eastern Kentucky
Jared Banta
Died: Dec. 27, 2016
Ferris State
Andrew D. Kerr
Died: Dec. 26, 2016
Florida Southern
Ronald W. Schmitt
Died: Jan. 7, 2017
Franklin & Marshall
Leon E. Kauffman
Died: July 24, 2016
Georgetown
Rev. Dr. Joe E. Lunceford
Died: Dec. 14, 2016
Georgia
Dr. Otis H. Stephens
Died: Dec. 2, 1016
High Point
James G. Sprinkle
Died: Dec. 27, 2016
Louisiana Tech
Neill S. Matthews
Died: Oct. 5, 2016
Louisville
Stewart E. Conner
Died: Nov. 28, 2016
Memphis
Michel C. Hopper
Died: Dec. 2, 2016
Tye J. Griffin
Died: March 9, 2015
Nevada – Reno
George L. Siri, Jr.
Died: Dec. 31, 2016
Jordan Eliades
Died: Dec. 15, 2016
North Carolina – Charlotte
Dr. Loy H. Witherspoon, Jr.
Died: Jan. 15, 2017
North Texas
Joe G. Cooper
Died: Nov. 24, 2016
Sewanee
Peter D. Steffen
Died: Nov. 17, 2016
Simpson
James W. Weatherstone
Died: July 3, 2016
Texas Christian
Roger E. McInnis
Died: Dec. 31, 2016
Virginia Tech
Jonathan W. Stauffer
Died: Dec. 23, 2016
Washington
Howard S. Samsel
Died: Jan. 18, 2016
