Many long-term friends of ArmadilloCon have fond memories of Howard Waldrop. A long-term Austin area resident, he was Toastmaster at ArmadilloCons 1 (1979) and 29 (2007). He was Guest of Honor at ArmadilloCon 5 (1983). He was featured on the cover of the first issue of the Austin Chronicle (1981) He was celebrated for his short fiction and received a World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement in 2021. Howard Waldrop died on January 14, 2024.
MEMORIAL SERVICE TO BE HELD ON SAT JUNE 29 Fan and friend Robert Taylor is organizing a memorial celebration of Howard’s life, to be held on Saturday, June 29, at 2 PM, at the Austin Southpark Hotel. Dress code as such will be Waldrop casual. Many folks plan to wear something with a fishing theme.
RSVP REQUESTED The memorial will begin at 2pm and probably last an hour or so. Refreshments and beverages will be served afterwards. To aid in planning, please RSVP if you plan to attend.
SPEAKERS WELCOME We welcome everyone to speak at the remembrance. We will have a loose program schedule. Scripted or extemporaneous remarks are fine. If you do plan to speak, let us know so we can put you in the booklet.
PICTURES REQUESTED FOR HISTORY DISPLAY We will have a photo display so please send us your favorite picture of “Mr. National Treasure” and, if you can, include a date and who is who in the photo. You can email the photos to Robert Taylor (see the RSVP form for details). We will also have a display of Howard’s books, his fishing gear, his many awards, and memorabilia along with some of his eclectic shirts and caps.
TRAVEL INFORMATION (if you are considering staying overnight before or after the remembrance)
- The memorial will be held at the Austin Southpark Hotel, which is part of the Marriott Bonvoy chain. The hotel is at 4140 Governors Row, Austin, TX 78744. The hotel is a straight shot from the airport which is about seven miles away. The discount code for the hotel is K6Y.
- There is another hotel across the street from the Southpark. This hotel is the Hampton Inn by Hilton Austin/Airport Area South. The address is 4141 Governors Row, Austin, TX 78744. It is part of the Hilton family.
- About two blocks away is the Ramada by Wyndham Austin South. It is at 4323 South IH-35 Frontage Road, Austin, TX 78744. It is part of the Wyndham hotel group.
- Also, two blocks away is a Quality Suites hotel. It is part of the Choice Hotels chain. The address is 1701 East St. Elmo Road, Austin, TX 78744.
