By Jeannette Roth
Born. Nearly died. Lived. -- Rusty Hevelin's autobiography
Rusty Hevelin -- the fan's fan. He was proving FIAWOL long before many of us were a part of life. But just what do we know about Rusty? Is it fact or fiction that it was he who introduced Marilyn Monroe to the works of John Brunner? Here, then, are the facts, proving once again that truth is stranger than those little inspection slips you find in the pockets of new coats.
Fact or Fiction: Rusty has attended more cons than Imelda Marcos has pairs of shoes.
Answer: Fact. And not only attended, but organized. He has helped to start conventions in Chicago, Daytona Beach, Iowa City, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Wapakoneta. He has also worked on two WorldCon Bids (score: 1 win, 1 loss). Cons from Minnesota to Florida have sought him as Toastmaster or FanGoH, including the Denver WorldCon in '81. And for all this, fandom can't get enough of him; he was awarded a special "Big Heart" award in 1986 at the Atlanta WorldCon Hugo ceremony.
Fact or Fiction: No lover of classic SF is safe when Rusty is around.
Answer: Fact. Oh, he's harmless enough in the ConSuite, or on a panel, where he can simply regale you with his vast knowledge on everything from Asimov to Zelazny. But catch him behind that huxter table where he can wave a 1950's pulp under your nose, and zing! Your wallet soon forgets what the color green ever looked like.
Fact or Fiction: Rusty actually shaved off his beard once to show his support for the "Save the Detachable Aluminum Can Pull Tab" movement.
Answer: Fiction. But he did shave it off voluntarily in order to have a facial hair "grow off" with author Joe Haldeman.
Fact or Fiction: DemiCon is proud to welcome Rusty as Toastmaster of its very first convention.
Answer: Fact. Need we say more?
This page created by: Kevin G. Austin