The Bay Area Reporter confirmed that its former political editor, Wayne Friday, died by suicide yesterday. He had reportedly been battling Parkinson's disease, and his health had faltered in recent weeks, according to the B.A.R.

The 79-year-old covered the city's political scene in a weekly column called Our Man Friday, and was close friends with the columnist he replaced in the job—Harvey Milk.  

Here's what the B.A.R.'s publisher, Michael Yamashita, had to say about Friday's contributions to San Francisco's LGBT community:

"Wayne was a gay rights pioneer who played a major role in the growth of LGBT political power in San Francisco. Harvey Milk was the B.A.R.’s original political columnist. When Harvey finally won his seat on the Board of Supervisors, Wayne replaced Harvey, and soon his column became essential reading in City Hall.

Wayne’s connections and sources guaranteed a weekly dose of political gossip, blind items, and predictions. He was a San Francisco character from the old school and I’m going to miss him."

City Attorney Dennis Herrera, who was friends with Friday, had this to say:

"He was not just a legendary community leader, but an unbelievably good friend to me and countless others who relied on him for his good nature, his spice, his spirit, and his friendship. Words can't express how much I'm going to miss all of that. He was one of a kind, and he's going to be sorely missed. I and a lot of other folks loved him a lot."

As we learn more details about any memorial services that might be planned for Wayne Friday, we'll keep you posted.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, visit San Francisco Suicide Prevention, call the crisis line at (415) 781-0500 or text MYLIFE to 741741.