Sad news today as our very own saints of the SF Streets, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, have announced that Pope Dementia The Last, aka Popie, aka Huntly Gordon, has passed away at the age of 91. Popie always cut a striking figure, even among the be-feathered, be-sequined, and be-wimpled hullaballoo of the city’s charitable gaggle of nuns, with his stark white-painted face, imposingly phallic mitre, and fabulously decorated chasubles. And what a life he lived!
As Sisters leader Sister Roma posted this morning:
RIP Pope Dementia The Last. 1934-2026.
It is with a very heavy heart I share that the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Inc. has lost one of our beloved members, Huntly Gordon, affectionately known as “Popie.”
Huntly and I were introduced to the Sisters through our mutual friend Norman, aka Sister Luscious Lashes. We joined the order and have been friends for 40 years. I was blessed to be by his side yesterday morning in the ICU to say my goodbyes.
Popie was an irrepressible, larger than life personality who enjoyed travel and the finer things in life. His impressive career included working in media and news, founding a record label that produced Sylvester, and continuing to work in a bookstore after retirement.
He dedicated the final decades of his life to activism and community service with the sisters as well as confounding a nonprofit organization that brings youth to museums, movies and other cultural events.
His Joie de vivre and impactful, important work kept him vital and thriving, with a personality and energy that belied his 91 years. In fact, the night before his passing, he was in his happy place, the Electroluxx party, where he found joy on the dance floor and in community.
Huntly and I and shared countless memories and adventures and I will miss him dearly. Soar high and save me a seat next to you and Luscious. Oh the reunion that will be.
Gordon was “discovered” by foundational Sisters Sr. Vicious Power Hungry Bitch, Sr. Luscious Lashes, and Sr. Blanche de Root at a fundraiser, and joined the order in 1988. Ever a “party pope,” Gordon appeared regularly at the wild Electroluxx party—as Roma points out, event he night before his passing—and other cute queer night-time ki-kis.
I will miss his sometimes eerie (I was raised Catholic!) yet wondrously benevolent presence at local events. A true icon of San Francisco has left us.
