Mar 02, 2007  |  By: JOEY DIGUGLIELMO  | COMMENTS     

A founding member of D.C. Lambda Squares and longtime caller at many of its square dancing events died early Wednesday morning after collapsing at a beginner’s square dancing class Monday. Warren Jaquith, who was involved with the gay dance club for 25 years, died at Georgetown Hospital with his long-time partner, Tom Pearson, at his side. Jaquith seemed fine early Monday evening for the Lambda Squares’ Mainstream Class at Washington’s First Baptist Church on 16th Street, leading the beginning dancers, most paired with “Angels” or veteran Lambda dancers, through a review of previously mastered calls. But after a break, it was announced that Jaquith had fallen ill and the remainder of the class was canceled. The next day Larry Ferri, president of the club, sent an e-mail to its members saying that Jaquith had suffered a massive stroke, was in intensive care, was non-responsive and had a grave prognosis from doctors. Pearson, who was with him along with members of Jaquith’s family, informed Ferri of Jaquith’s condition. On Wednesday, Ferri sent a follow-up e-mail informing members of Jaquith’s death. “It is extremely difficult to accept that such a terrible thing has happened to Warren,” Ferri said. “He was such a good and decent person and we all loved him dearly.” John Burlison, “Happy” to Lambda members and vice president of the club, echoed Ferri’s sentiments. “Warren has been such a quiet, faithful and wonderful presence in the club for years and years,” Burlison said. Jaquith was 59. He was a receptionist at American Advertising Federation in Washington where he worked since 1998. Details of funeral arrangements were not available by press time.