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From: Tim Evanson [mailto:[email protected]] Hi all... The gay porn industry has lost one of its founders. Chuck Holmes, founder and owner of Falcon Studios, passed away from complications due to AIDS on Saturday, September 9. He was 55. Falcon's press release is below. Tim #1 Chuck Holmes, well known video producer, philanthropist, and advocate for gay and lesbian rights, passed away on Saturday, September 9 from AIDS/HIV-related complications. He was 55. Chuck Holmes was born in Terre Haute, Indiana and received a degree in Business Administration from Indiana State University. His first job was with a manufacturer of prefabricated buildings, and in 1971 the company promoted him to Western sales manager for residential housing and transferred him to San Francisco. When his division was eliminated in early 1971, Chuck bought three adult gay films and several mailing lists at the urging of an adult film entrepreneur, and by mid-year had sent out his first mail order piece. Falcon Studios had been born. Originally offering its titles on 8mm film, Falcon was one of the first to offer its titles on videocassette. Now, nearly three decades later, Chuck had not only introduced three new lines -- Jocks Studios, Mustang Studios and the Falcon International Collection -- but offered the Signature dildo collection, the expanded Falcon Accessory Line, the FalconStudios.com Web site, and had recently ventured into the burgeoning world of DVD. Chuck had been responsible for discovering, grooming and promoting some of the top names in the business including Al Parker, Bill Henson, Sky Dawson, Kris Bjorn, Chad Douglas, Steve Hammond, Rex Chandler, Christian Fox, Ken Ryker, Hal Rockland, Eric Stone and Tom Chase. With more than 300 titles in the current offering library, Chuck, his production team and his models had earned top awards year after year. While remaining involved as CEO, Chuck turned the day-to-day running of the Falcon Family of Companies during the past few years over to Executive Vice President John Rutherford, who also serves as Director of Production. He and Vice President Terry Mahaffey will continue to run the business based on the proven precepts established by the founder. Chuck had been involved with our community in numerous ways, giving back to those who need assistance and offering a voice for basic equality. He was a major contributor not only to over 20 HIV/AIDS outreach programs, but also to such projects as the new San Francisco Community Center Project, Amnesty International, Global Green, and the Sierra Club. A staunch Democrat who recognized the need for our voice to be heard in the nation's capitol, Chuck was a past board member of the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund and was a current board member of the Human Rights Campaign which funds lobbying and legislative activities, sponsors fair-minded political candidates, and provided financial resources for major educational campaigns. Chuck was dedicated to "an America where lesbian and gay people are ensured of their basic equal rights -- and can be open, honest, and safe at home, at work, and in the community." A memorial service and reception are being planned -- details will follow. In lieu of flowers and in Chuck's honor, friends and associates are encouraged to make donations to The Human Rights Campaign. Please contact Alex MacLennan as follows:
c/o H.R.C. |