Written by Tom Roberts

With the passing of Al Williamson there will be many outpourings of sympathy, and tributary notices more grandiose than mine. I will leave the long eulogies to others. But as one who knew Al intimately, and had the good fortune to work with and assist him, I will simply share with all heartfelt honestly that he was a talent among talent, a man among men, generous and helpful.

Al took immense pleasure in introducing you to the work of artists of the past he deemed notable, (Daniel Vierge, Fortunio Matania, Dan Smith quickly come to mind). In giving back and sharing this knowledge, Al passed the torch the way it had been done for him by Roy Krenkel and others.

This same introductory philosophy Al applied to old movies and old actors too. If you were not familiar with Charles Starrett, Al would fervently share the merits of Charles Starrett starring as The Durango Kid. When he was finished, you too were excited and wanted to seek out these films for yourself.

He was never heavy handed when giving artistic guidance, simply saying, "I think I would do it this way," but there was never any question his solution was superior. Al never made you feel inferior by your inexperience, but was supportive and encouraging both on the drawing board, and in getting in touch with editorial contacts.

I will miss his laugh, his wit with the turn of a phrase, his movie references and love of Buster Crabbe, the way he would cock an eye at you and shake his head over your youthful stupidity, and his fun-loving way to castigate you over your artistic faux paux so that you learned from your mistake when drawing.

It is a great pity there are not more like Al.