Michael McClure

Michael McClure (October 20, 1932 – May 4, 2020) was an American poet, playwright, critic, songwriter, and novelist. He became known as one of the five poets (including Allen Ginsberg) who read at the famous San Francisco Six Gallery reading in 1955. 
He was one of the inspirations for Jack Kerouac's "The Dharma Bums". He soon became a key member of the Beat Generation. A character named "Pat McLear" is inspired by him in Kerouac's "Big Sur".
McClure was born in Marysville, Kansas. He studied at Municipal University of Wichita, the University of Arizona and San Francisco State College. He spent his career in San Francisco.
McClure died of stroke-related problems on May 4, 2020 in Oakland, California, aged 87.