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Mark Finn, Leo Grin, Steve Tompkins & Rob Roehm A Great Loss to Howardian Studies My friend and frequent contributor to TGR, Steve Tompkins died of a heart attack on March 23rd. News of his passing spread like a wildfire across the internet over the weekend, shocking and saddening his many friends and fans. Tributes began popping up on various Howard and fantasy websites and show no signs of slowing down. Over the years Steve had written many defining essays on Howard and his writing. His work appeared in number of publications including The Cimmerian, The Dark Man, The Robert E. Howard Companion, The Chronicler of Cross Plains, TGR, two Del Rey books, Kull and The Best of Robert E. Howard, Volume II and The Barbaric Triumph. He also edited the Bison book titled The Black Stranger and Other American Tales. While Steve had contributed thousands upon thousands of words to Howard and fantasy scholarship, at the age of 48 he was just scratching the surface of what he was capable of contributing in years left un-lived. His keyboard and voice and are now silent, but his many essays and blog postings will live on as long as there are eager Howard fans out there willing to expand their knowledge and join Steve in crossing over horizons yet undreamed. Steve's Obituary: Steven Bray Tompkins Steven Bray Tompkins passed away suddenly on Monday, (March 23, 2009) at the Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. He leaves his parents, Gerald and Mary Tompkins of West Hartford, CT; a brother David of Marfa, TX; and twin brothers, Jeffrey of Brooklyn, NY and Mark of Los Angeles, CA. Steven was a 1978 graduate of Hall High School and a 1982 graduate of Columbia University. He had been employed by Bank of New York/Mellon Bank in Manhattan. An avid reader, he was fluent in German and published widely online and in print on American genre fiction. Graveside Services at Fairview Cemetery in West Hartford will be held at the convenience of the family. Links to Tributes to Steve: Rusty Burke Charles Gramlich Leo Grin Morgan Holmes Howard Jones Brian Murphy Deuce Richardson Charles Saunders Steve Trout Read "Black Stranger, White Wolflord or, Not Out of the Woods Yet" by Steve (from REH: Two-Gun Raconteur #12) -- Posted by Damon C. Sasser on April 6, 2009 Updated April 7, 2009 / Updated April 8, 2009 / Updated April 20, 2009 _________________________________________________________________________ Joan entertaining a couple of the "usual suspects" (Rusty Burke & Mark Finn) Another Death in the Family Hot on the heels of the devastating news about Steve Tompkins, Howard fans learned of the passing of Joan McCowen. Joan had been bravely battling cancer for over a year and lost that battle last Saturday morning. Needless to say, Death has nothing to be proud about. Last December, surrounded by her friends, family and group of fans from across the country, a special celebration was held honoring her life and her tireless effort to bring Howard to life for the many visitors to the Howard House. Joan was the docent usually posted outside Robert's room, ready to regale all who would listen with stories about Robert and the fantastic yarns he spun in that tiny room. I can find some solace in her passing in that she is reunited with her beloved husband Alton who preceded her in death by several years. When I return to Cross Plains this June I won't physically see her, but she will be there watching over the House and Robert's room in particular. You can read two excellent tributes to Joan here and here. -- Posted by Damon C. Sasser on April 7, 2009 __________________________________________________________ Where in the World is Don Herron? Good friend of TGR Don Herron keeps busier than a one-legged man at an ass kicking contest. Besides his outstanding Howard scholarship and his world renowned Dashiell Hammett Tour, Don's always totting across the country like a grizzled Waldo in a fedora -- you never know where he's going to pop-up. Check out the news section at his website for his latest adventures and appearances. And be sure and order a copy of his new book, The Dashiell Hammett Tour: Thirtieth Anniversary Guidebook. - -- Posted by Damon C. Sasser on April 1, 2009 |
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