This is a very important entry for me. I wanted share the life of an important Torontonian with you. An individual you may have not known, but should have. Dr. Karl Wilkins also known as The “Good” Doctor, or Lobster.   He named me “Woodchuck” – because I he saw me as hyperactive scamparing about with my obsessive compulsive ways. Karl craved the extraordinary, but also embrassed pop culture appeal.  When I first walked into his Saturday morning cartoon-like apartment, it was all that I needed to see. I knew I had found someone of unique character.

We met on-line back in the mid 90′s on a dial-up connection in an irc chat-room based on pro wrestling – he was the fan and me the pro wrestler in becoming. He was a Phd student in Medicine and I was doing my MFA in Visual Arts. Both of us were academics, creative. and gay. Along with his life companion Tim (who was named Lizard or Lizzards), we would come together as individuals who embrassed each other and also set each other free. From that time on Karl had been an amazing friend; concerned, encouraging, celebratory, and always present (even when he lived in San Fransisco).

This week Karl passed away from a severe depression. I am fortunate to have had the chance to speak with him on-line (strange how things come full circle) just prior to his death. After my visitation with him today at the funeral home, I left with an important thought that I wanted to share with you openly. “In this world, there are individuals who take away another’s pain and foster well being in that person. They are generous, and spend more of their emotional and physical energy on others.  They are so good at what they do that sometimes it is to their own neglect. I ask that you take the time out to thank these healers when you encounter them. They deserve your admiration.” Karl was definitely a healer.  Just ask any of his friends. We have all experienced his powers first hand in our lives in some way. Before seeing him for the last time today, I ate at Swatow on Spadina with my friend Steph. She came to give me support. Today was a hard day. I know Karl, with his pop cultural ways, wouldn’t mind me revealing what my fortune cookie read in his memorial. It stated: “You have a strong instinct to take care of the people you love.” That fortune wasn’t for me, it was for Karl. I love you very much Lobster (more than you know) and am grateful to you for letting me into your life. Thoughts of optimism go to all your loved ones.

Sincerely and with never-ending friendship,

Scott the “Woodchuck”