Comic-Con International does not happen all by itself. It's there every year in San Diego thanks to hard-working people, many of whom contribute without recognition or applause…and some of them have been doing it since the convention started back in 1970 under another name.
Two folks who've been involved in every one of those cons, often donating hundreds of hours in a given year, are seen in the photo above. That's Gene and Mary Henderson and since that first con, I've seen them every year, scurrying around, doing this and that just because they loved the whole idea of the con and wanted to help make it happen. Gene has been mostly involved with archiving the convention's history, making sure the Art Show was run properly, and with coordinating the annual Russ Manning Award to recognize new talent. Mary aided him with all that, plus for many years she was the con's Guest Coordinator, arranging for guests to get there, welcoming them, helping them while they were there. Both were occasional trouble shooters when they were needed…and they were often needed.
Our sympathies go out to Gene today upon hearing of Mary's passing yesterday afternoon. I don't know how long he and Mary were married but it was a long time, probably well over a half century. They were a lovely couple, always generous with their time and energy, truly devoted to each other. Very sad news.