Chris Bolton

August 1986, San Francisco

Christopher Alan Bolton
09 Aug 1956 - 20 Jan 1993

Clubs & Associations

Obituary

BOLTON, CHRISTOPHER ALAN. In this city, January 20, 1993. Beloved son of James and Frances Bolton of Gilroy. Devoted brother of Charles Bolton of Pasadena, Carter Bolton of Livermore, James S Bolton of Morgan Hill, Michael Bolton, U.S.M.C., Catherine Bolton of Gilroy and Carrie Howell of San Jose. Loving friend of Corky Balin. Also survived by 4 nieces. A graduate of St. Mary's College of Moraga, CA. A member of Gold Rush Square Dance and St. Francis Church of Assisi. A native of Rockford, IL, aged 36 years. Friends are respectfully invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, 10 A.M. at St. Ignatius Church, 3235 Arden Way. Inurnment private. Remembrances may be made to the Sacramento AIDS Foundation or Mercy Hospice Program. Arrangements by the A.J. NICOLETTI FUNERAL HOME.^[1]

Remembrances

Memories of Gold Rush
by Joe Sobiesiak circa 1996
CHRIS BOLTON was a very strong dancer. He was one that could walk through a number once, and remember it. Chris was a very kind guy. He helped me through a couple of boyfriend problems. He was a great listener and gave good advice. Chris was another of our callers. He lived here in The City and dated Corky who lived in Sacramento. At this time, rehearsals were alternated between Thursday and Saturday so Chris could spend weekends in Sacramento. Eventually, he moved to Sacramento with Corky. When this happened, the Team was invited to come and spend weekends with them. I would go up as often as I could and we would "paint the town red". When Chris became sick, I was working free-lance. I would go up for three or four days to spend time with them. Chris would always have a funny story to tell. He was always making sure that people were having a good time. Even when he was in pain. Corky asked me to be a pallbearer at Chris' funeral. It was the hardest thing for me to do, but I felt so honored to be asked. One of my fondest memories will be the last State Fair we went to.

by Monte Roush circa 1996
My opposite (in Square Dancing), and a great person, was CHRIS BOLTON. He and I had a great understanding for each other. We both loved dancing; and the Team! Although there are many memories that I could share, the one that I'll always remember, is the time Gold Rush performed at a fund raiser for the Gay Softball League. We were doing a number that we'd done "forever" when, out of the blue, the caller (Keith Bishop) sung out the wrong calls. The look on Chris' face was hysterical! We both knew it was wrong; everyone knew that the number was memorized; and the ongoing joke was that we "Never listen to the Caller" ... so what did Chris and I do? Without a second thought, we did the move that was called. This broke down the square and brought the number to a dead stop - and in front of an audience! I don't think we laughed over anything as much! Chris also did some singing for Gold Rush. I remember the first time he sang before an audience. It was at Western Star's 7th Anniversary and he was NERVOUS! You could hear it in his voice - and see it in the shaking hands. He eventually called several numbers for the group and constantly improved. We miss you, Chris! But, I know you're up there dancing away and having a great time!