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On behalf of PRC’s Board, Staff, Volunteers and Clients, we want to take a moment to honor the life and acknowledge the recent passing of Ambassador James C. Hormel. Ambassador Hormel has been a fierce advocate, activist and philanthropist for decades. Many of us have come to know him for his abiding and tenacious desire to love and understand humanity. He was fearless in his quest to live as his most authentic self. For those of us who understand and appreciate the journey and hardship it takes to live such a life, we know that to do so takes immense courage. That courage led Ambassador Hormel to participate in, and lead some of the most consequential conversations of our time, while holding some of the most important and influential positions. His ability to engage in philanthropy in such significant ways, benefited countless individuals.
At critical times throughout PRC’s history, Ambassador Hormel stepped in to provide significant support that allowed for the agency to expand and deepen its essential services for San Francisco’s most vulnerable populations. His consistent presence, steadfast concern, and the way in which he leaned into PRC with his philanthropy, allowed us to maintain our services during difficult times, and to thrive and expand during better times. Ambassador Hormel and Michael’s major gift to PRC’s ElevateSF comprehensive campaign was absolutely transformational for the agency, permitting us to integrate our services under one roof, become more sustainable, and better serve our clients’ needs. We are deeply grateful for Ambassador Hormel’s incredibly significant impact on PRC as an agency and the work we do on a daily basis.
Upon reflection, PRC’s CEO, Brett Andrews, states, “Jim is among one of my closest and dearest friends in San Francisco. His attentiveness, passion, and care for the community is unmatched. Few people knew that Jim had an incredibly wicked sense of humor, which spoke to the depth of his intellect. I will miss our dinners, our periodic rides up North and the countless ways in which I felt so uplifted and inspired by his magnificent spirit.” PRC Board Member Kent Roger also asserts, “Our CEO Brett Andrews lost a dear personal friend, PRC has lost a tireless benefactor and our community has lost a pioneer and champion. Jim’s book provided instrumental guidance to my coming out journey. We are poorer for his passing but so much richer for his having chosen San Francisco to make his indelible mark.”
We send our deepest condolences to his beloved spouse Michael P. N. Hormel, the entire Hormel family, and all who had the pleasure of being in Ambassador Hormel’s powerful presence. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.