Archived News and Announcements
October 7th, 2007
A Word from the Chair.
It's my deepest regret to let everyone know that Betty Claar passed away this Wednesday, October 3rd ,after a valiant battle with inflammatory breast cancer.
Her first Norwescon was Norwescon 9; she attended all subsequent Norwescons. She was busily getting reading for Norwescon 31 by editing the Members' Guide and other projects for our Publications team this year. It is hard for me to imagine a Norwescon without Betty – as hard as it will be for many of you. She has been a volunteer and con com member in so many capacities that it is hard to remember them all.
- She was Vice Chair for Norwescon 23 and 24.
- She headed up Norwescon's Personnel department for several years prior to that.
- She has been Norwescon's Office Queen.
- She worked in the Publications department for the past four years as Editor-in-Chief.
- She created, updated and maintained Norwescon's Timeline - the master to-do list.
- She helped run Norwescon's Art Show for several years.
- She was my assistant last year.
- She was awarded the Lifetime Membership Award in 2005 by Shawn Marier, Chair of Norwescon 27, 28, and 29.
Most importantly, she was always there. Always helping others in some way -trouble-shooting, errand running, problem solving, interacting with everyone from GoH's to Security to Masquerade go-fers to party-goers to attendees waiting in line to make certain everyone had a good time and stayed sane. In my brain right now I can hear her say, "it's not a podium it's a lectern."
Betty loved being on radio. She loved being in the know about what was going on. The tee shirt saying "You're just jealous because the voices only talk to me," has a ring of truth to it. Her sense of humor was earthy and infectious. She loved every aspect of Norwescon from the PK Dick Awards to the dances to panels and parties. And she cared so deeply that she came back, year after year, to give Norwescon her very, very best.
I know I will be looking for her at con com meetings and at the convention too; and if we keep her in our hearts and thoughts, she will be at Norwescon 31. I miss her so much. We all do.
Betty's family has requested that we not send flowers. A memorial fund is being set up in her name with all donations going to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center for inflammatory breast cancer research. Visit the following website to donate funds in her name. There is also a Web Tribute section where family, friends, and fandom may upload pictures and share memories of Betty.
Thanks
Tracy Knoedler
Norwescon Chair