Rory Root, famed legendary proprietor of Berkeley institution Comic Relief, passed away on Monday, following complications from surgery.

Remembrances of Rory are springing up all over the Internet, but http://www.comicsreporter.com and www.comicrelief.net are probably the best single sites for catching up on several at a time.

I was fortunate enough to moderate a discussion between Rory and Scott McCloud at San Francisco’s Commonwealth Club back in August 2007.  How did I get to speak at such a prestigious, world-renowned institution, someplace that wouldn’t let me within ten feet of their front door otherwise?  Rory recommended me.  And how did Rory get on the panel?  He recommended himself.  I’m still impressed with that one…and I’m just glad that he decided to use those great powers of his for good, not evil.  

He was a great friend, and he will be missed.