Mark Shekter received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the North Texas GLBT Chamber of Commerce in April. The longtime activist died Sunday, July 19 of pancreatic cancer.
Longtime LGBT and AIDS activist Mark Shekter died shortly before 1 p.m. today (Sunday, July 19), following a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer.
According to the last entry in Shekter’s journal at CaringBridge.org, he died at 12:53 p.m. with his family at his side. The journal entry reads: “Over the past several days, Mark was able to say goodbye to his loved ones, and was at peace in his home when he died. The family is in the process of making arrangements for his memorial and will have that information out to everyone soon. If Mark were here, he would want to thank all of you for your support, friendship and love this past year. He appreciated his full life and all of his loving friends and family. Much love to all.”
Shekter received the North Texas GLBT Chamber of Commerce’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the chamber’s annual awards dinner on April 24. Shekter owned Surrealty Corporation, a real estate agency, and Graphic+Design+Group+International. He was known for his work as an architectural and interior designer, but he was also known for his years of volunteer work in Dallas’ LGBT community. Shekter founded Meals on the Move, or MOM, which for several years delivered meals to people with HIV.
Dallas Voice will add information regarding memorial services as it becomes available.