The life, friendships, and legacy of Howard Waldrop, a legend of sci-fi short stories, a mainstay of the Texas literary scene for more than 50 years, and fly fishing aficionado, will be recounted and celebrated at a memorial service.
The event will be held 2pm, Saturday, June 29 at the Austin Southpark Hotel, 4140 Governors Row. Dress code will be Waldrop casual (which, for many, will include fishing-related attire), and refreshments will be served.
Waldrop, known in literary circles and to his friends as Mr. National Treasure (or just “Howard”), died Jan. 14 at the age of 77 having left an incredible legacy of acerbic and insightful novels and short stories. While he was born in Mississippi, he was raised in Texas and became a pillar of its sci-fi literary scene, mixing genres and blending satire and compassion. That includes “The Ugly Chickens,” which won both the Nebula Award for Best Novelette in 1980 and the World Fantasy Award for Short Fiction in 1981.
In 2021, he won the World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement, but not simply as an author. He was a mainstay of the convention circuit from before there was such a thing, and he became synonymous with Austin’s own ArmadilloCon. He was also famously generous with his time, wisdom, and advice for other writers.
Waldrop will forever be a key part of the story of the Chronicle, having penned the very first cover feature: an interview with filmmaker Richard O’Brien about Shock Treatment, his sequel to The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
The memorial organizers request that all attendees RSVP here in advance of the event. You can also let the organizers know if you would like to speak, or if you have pictures that can be included in a special photo display.
Read more about Waldrop’s life and career in our 2017 profile, “Howard Waldrop, Upright & Writing.”
This article appears in May 31 • 2024.
