I was astonished and saddened to read SF Site’s announcement that Bill Trojan died Monday, August 21 in his hotel room at Renovation.
Just a couple of days earlier Bill had been at the Worldcon business meeting supporting Rich Lynch’s zine Hugo amendments — after he first told us his own strong personal preference was to trim the Hugos and leave only the traditional fanzine category, with none for semiprozines or fancasts. I’d admired his undaunted frankness, for he knew most present felt differently.
Update 08/23/2011: Removed references to Adventure House in response to corrections provided in comments.
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I’m speechless. Had some pleasant conversations with him at the con.
This is very sad news indeed. I’m sorry for his passing, but I’m glad for him that he was having a good time when he went – and that he passed so gently.
I learned from Warren Buff at the Old Pharts’ Party.
I was sorry to hear of his passing. He was a good friend.
Bill was a friend, and a customer, but was not the publisher, nor the owner of Adventure House. I’m the owner and am still working on publishing pulp reprints as well as preparing the Frank M. Robinson Collection for auction.
John Gunnison
Adventure House
Very sad news. I knew Bill from several conventions, including our own in Chicago. However, he was not involved in Adventure House or the upcoming Frank Robinson auction, both of which are run by John Gunnison.
I was very sad to hear about Bill. I knew him from NW cons. He could be a bit of a pain, but we are all like that. It was always fun to chat with him. I will miss him.
Didn’t know this until I read it here, just now. I am utterly shocked.
I had a long talk with Bill about his weight, at the con. Bill said he was proud to weigh 333 pounds, one sixth of a ton. I, having lost so much eight 11 years ago (and more to the point having kept it off) I have to admit I’ve become an unofficial member of the Intolerant of the Weight of Others Police. Mostly I keep my mouth shut, but in Bill’s case…
I first met him likely at the 1980 Norwescon, possibly earlier. He was the silent partner in Pulphouse Publishing, to which he loaned thousands, and was slowly—too slowly in my opinion—being paid back by the owners. I hope he left a will, and that these monies will be repaid. He was an excellent bookseller, and a really nice guy.
Andrew: Yes, Bill had a will. Details here: http://www.sfsignal.com/archives/2011/08/bill-trojan—a-remembrance-by-dean-wesley-smith/
The link has a an amusing photo of Bill.