McArthur Otis ''Buddy'' W., age 51, of Richfield, left this life with grace and dignity during the early morning hours of August 9th, 2002 after a 20-year battle with HIV/AIDS. He was born in Levelland, TX on October 27, 1950. A resident of Texas for most of his life, he claimed Minnesota as his home three years ago. He was employed most of his life in retail sales and management. He most recently was employed by Kitchen Collections at Mall of America during the 2001 holiday season as a sales clerk. Buddy's sense of humor, charm, wit and gentle nature will be missed by those whose lives he touched. He was also very devoted and proud of his pets, Pepper and Pearl - they were the center of his universe. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survived by his brother, James Eaker & his wife of New Mexico; several nieces & nephews, and special friends, Steve Langland and Vance Woller. We wish to thank Grace House for their compassionate care of Buddy during his final weeks of life. Also to be thanked are Clinic 42, Open Arms, Aliveness, MAP, numerous case managers and the staff of Abbott Northwestern Hospital and Hospice services. Memorial service Friday, Aug. 30, 6 pm at Grace House, 4457 3rd Ave S., Mpls. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Grace House or Aliveness Project. ''We'll miss you ol' Skinny Bear!''