Sallying

Desi Deschaine

On Sunday my friend Desi Deschaine invited me to go boating. I couldn’t go. In fact, I didn’t even reply. I knew he had sent a mass text and that all his friends were welcome. I thought I would have time to respond after the weekend. I thought there would be future invitations.

I was wrong. Desi drowned Sunday night.

Known for his enthusiasm and charm, Desi could coax people into anything. He was a social creature with ties to many D.C. communities. Because of his high profile job, his death is all over the news. One headline fittingly calls him “Beloved.” Desi loved this city, and worked tirelessly to serve the public with his infectious passion. His memorial will be crowded with mourners from across the District and across the country. We will all share him in our grief.

Remembering Desi makes me smile. Desi celebrating his graduation from Catholic, Desi at my wedding, Desi in Rehoboth Beach, Desi at Taste of the South, Desi at Hamburger Mary’s, Desi mixing drinks in my kitchen at one of our late night parties, Desi drafting me to wave signs for various political candidates, Desi working to bring baseball back to DC, Desi marching in the Pride Parade. Desi was everywhere. I am blessed to have known him.

I pulled up his last message, sent Sunday morning.

Weather calls for a sunny day on the water. We r setting sail by 1pm from the Baltimore Marine Center. It’s gonna be a great day for boating in the harbor. Call or text if u have direction or parking questions. We hope you can join us!! :) not sure when we will be boating next sooo…. :)

Even though no one will ever read it, I had to send him one last text. I simply said, I love you, and hit send.

Related: Desi Deschaine in his own words.

Links:

Beloved D.C. Council Staffer Dies in Baltimore Drowning
D.C. Council Aide Dead in Apparent Drowning
District Council Aide Dead in Apparent Drowning
Gay D.C. Council Aide Drowns in Baltimore