Rosa Rufus never said a bad word about anyone.

She always had a smile on her face.

Such are the memories shared as her friends and colleagues at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago reel from the loss of her presence.

Rosa Lee Rufus died in the early morning of Friday, Jan. 18. For eight years, Rufus worked in the finance department for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC), ending her career as contracts coordinator. She was a quiet and deeply private person, but those who knew her remember her as a remarkable and sweet woman who loved to read, cook and spend time with her family.

“She was just a very dear woman, very kind and very gentle,” said Mark Schad, AFC’s contracts manager.

Fernando Blasco Lagos stands (center with red hat) with his peers at the United States Conference on AIDS in November. (AFC Photo-Ed Negron)

Fernando Blasco Lagos, a longtime HIV/AIDS advocate for the Latino community, died on Dec. 23. A celebration of his life is planned for Saturday, Jan. 14, from 2 to 4 p.m., at the First Congregational Church, 1305 N. Hamlin Ave., Chicago.

Fernando will always be remembered for his immense joy, his profound commitment to helping and serving the community, his generous spirit, his welcoming smile and his high regard for his friends. As we grieve his passing we're grateful for the opportunity to have shared time and space with such a special person, who continues to be an inspiration for us all.

It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of John Davis, a great warrior in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Davis died on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011, after a long battle with HIV. He worked as an emergency services associate, on the housing team, at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) in 2007 before leaving for health reasons. Davis will be remembered as a relentless and courageous advocate for those with HIV/AIDS, particularly on Chicago’s South Side.

“John was very passionate and committed,” said Melanie Paul, supportive housing coordinator for AFC. “He helped me find my voice when I first started advocating.”

Community Advocate Lonnie Fulton passed away on September 9, 2010. His fellow members of the AIDS Housing Advisory Council had these words to share:

Susan Armstrong – "Lonnie was a great mentor; my first effort at public speaking was with him."

Fernando Blasco – "He was an honest man, a wonderful person and very valuable to the community."

Patrice Dean – "Lonnie, the AVON Man, was a dedicated advocate for all issues for people living with HIV. He was willing to keep speaking up until a situation was resolved."

The AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s Care and Housing Teams mourn the loss of case manger and housing advocate Lester Ward. Lester was a committed and caring individual who formally began his work in the HIV community in 1999 at Asian Human Services. Lester managed to find balance between his career and personal life. He was an avid movie buff and lover of the theater.

As an advocate and person living with HIV/AIDS, Lester happily served on the NorthSide HIV/AIDS Coalition and was determined to help people living with HIV. Lester believed in people and the human ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable circumstances.  He, too, basked in the glow of joy found on the faces of his clients once they achieved their goals. Success, whether large or small was worthy of celebration. For Lester, sharing client victories was the most rewarding aspect of his job.