Hugh O’Connor

* We have known Hugh O’Connor for over 18 years. He was a kind, generous, gentle and confused man, who never could understand how to find the happiness around him. He had many friends who tried to help, who tried to set examples, who had lived through his torments, who loved him. Despite all this, he ultimately felt so alone that he reasoned that only through death could he find peace (March 29-30).

For people who never had the opportunity to know him, please do not think of him as a drugged-out rich kid who didn’t know what he had. Hugh should be remembered for the love he gave, not the drugs he took. He battled with personal tragedies, fought cancer and the loss of friends who died too young, yet helped so many people through his love and graciousness. But he could not overcome the demons that came with his addiction.

He was the most gentle of souls, who will be dearly missed.

DAVID HITTELMAN

KATINA ZINNER

Santa Monica

* During a TV news segment, Carroll O’Connor, discussing the tragic death of his son, said that he wasn’t sure if we shouldn’t legalize drugs, thereby putting the pushers and criminals out of business.

That comment wasn’t mentioned in your March 30 story. Instead, you carry the quote, “We all know what we have to do. We have to get rid of this menace to our country.” O’Connor’s missing “legalization” comment sure puts a different spin on the story, doesn’t it?

ANN CALHOUN

Los Osos