Michael C. Botkin, 39, a Chicago native and a psychologist and columnist in San Francisco, died Aug. 8 at his San Francisco home. Mr. Botkin died of AIDS, said his partner, Steven Finlay. He worked as a psychologist and therapist and helped to form support groups for people who are HIV-positive. He wrote a column for the Bay Area Reporter, a weekly newspaper. His columns explored HIV socially, politically and medically, Finlay said. “In many ways, they journaled his own struggles with HIV,” Finlay said. Mr. Botkin who was raised in West Rogers Park, graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago and received his doctorate from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. In addition to Finlay, he is survived by his father, Albert “Bud” Botkin; a brother, Abbey Botkin; two sisters, Rose Botkin Buick and Frances Botkin; and his stepmother, Sally Botkin. A memorial service is scheduled Sept. 22 in San Francisco.
