John Ashley Eakes ’75

John Eakes died Nov. 21, 1998, in Philadelphia of complications of end-stage liver disease. He was 45. After earning his Princeton AB, summa cum laude, in religion, John went on be a Navy officer and to earn his PhD in clinical psychology at George Washington U. After his discharge from the Navy, he became manager of psychological services for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority in Philadelphia, where he also established a private practice. His illness prevented his pursuing postgraduate study as a candidate in the program in adult psychoanalysis at the Philadelphia Psychoanalytic Institute.

A gay activist who challenged discrimination, John contributed to gains made in the area of privacy and to establishing rights for domestic partners in Philadelphia. Friends and family mourn the loss of his love, kindness, strength, and humor.

John is survived by his partner of 21 years, Jeff Weeden; his mother, Jane; his sister, Donna Coch; and his brother, Edward E. Jr. Contributions in John's memory may be made to the Bobby Sherman Fund at Thomas Jefferson U. Hospital, 925 Chestnut St., Ste. 110, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

The Class of 1975