drwex | Marty Gear, RIP

Just got word over email that Marty Gear, known to many thousands in fandom and in the MD/DC area, has died. His memory will always be a blessing to me.

Marty was someone I knew from, and always looked forward to seeing at, conventions. Usually we'd hang out behind the masquerade registration table and chat. Lately he had been among the convention early risers so I've seen him mornings over a cup of something warm. Marty had been around fandom so long he knew everyone - or at least everyone knew him. Getting time to sit and talk with him at a con was a rarity, but always a pleasure. I remember our last serious conversation at this past Arisia, about the need to get new young fans involved and working on the con in order to keep it healthy and growing. He was always an enthusiastic supporter of kids' events, kids' costuming, and reaching out to new fans.

Marty will probably be remembered most for his work with convention costuming; he spent countless hours judging masquerades, working with hall costumers, and of course MCing events - usually in his best vampire get-up with his worst vampire jokes. But I remember Marty best for a time when he decided he was tired of being sick and tired and was (dammit) going to do something new. He showed up with the tech crew, threw down with us, climbed and slung and did the tech jobs with kids half his age. I think he nearly gave his wife a heart attack when she saw him clambering around, but we all loved it.

And we loved him, and we are going to miss him.