The Veil Thins

As Halloween draws nearer, I am reminded of those I have lost. Of the great people and animals, I have had the good fortune of knowing, and meeting. This is my cat Pluto. His mother came up to me on my back porch, a neighbor's neglected pet. She gave birth to him right there. She was terrified and wouldn't let me take my hand off of her. I found his siblings homes when they were old enough. Pluto was my shadow and I could not part with him. He only lived six years, my mother let him outside and he was hit by a car. It has been a long time, but it still pains me. 

I was fortunate to know the great Bob Burns and his wonderful wife Kathy for many years. When my situation changed, I stopped being able to join them at Wonderfest and while we talked often back then, I lost contact before their passing. If you do not know who he is, I encourage you to change that. His contribution to film history and to monster lovers everywhere cannot be overstated. 

Sir Cecil Creape, Nashville TN horror host. He predated me by a little and I had no idea who I was meeting when this photo was taken, but I am so glad it happened. He was a great host, and an inspiration to the horror host I worked with many years after. 

John Zacherle, (The Cool Ghoul) horror host, singer, and much more. I had the HUGE honor of spending a day with John at Louisville Zoo many years ago. He was a delightful man, and I will never forget him. We talked for hours while I helped him get around. He was surprisingly not interested in seeing the spiders, but we did run into an old military buddy of his and they had a lot of fun talking about the old days. He lit up.

My Father Elmer Paul Allen. Dad belongs on this short list, he indulged my love of Halloween and horror, even if it wasn't his thing. He made coffins for me, headstones for my first yard haunt at age 11, and helped with other props. He was a master of his craft in cabinet making, building houses, and could build or repair almost anything. He was also a deeply compassionate soul. I think of him every day.

This Halloween, and every day, honor the dead. Remember them, and share your memories with others.