Rory Root 1957 - 2008

Today would have been Rory’s 51st Birthday.
I’m going to leave this post open to comments,
if you would like to share something please feel free.

Happy Birthday Rory,
we miss you!

-JL

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I would like to formally announce the pre-production of a documentary about the life of Rory Root. This comes about mostly because having only worked for Rory for under a year I didn’t really get the time to know him as well as I would have liked. I also believe that his is a story that should be shared, and I hope to be able to share it with as many people as I can.

I am posting this now, while the project is still in its infancy stage because I know I’ll need all the help I can get! Here is a short (and probably not complete) list of things I’ll need help obtaining.

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Photos & video of Rory and/or Comic Relief

Interviews & news articles that included Rory and/or Comic Relief

Contact information for yourself or anyone who would like to be interviewed for the documentary (Please do not send any information unless you are sending your own or have prior approval of the person you are sending info for).

I especially need someone who would be able to record some of the SDCC events this year, due to a prior commitment I am unable to attend and need footage from the Eisner Award ceremony as well as the ‘Rory Root panel’ – if you will be attending and will be taping the events please contact me!!

Rory Stories – If you have them I want to hear them! I don’t know how many will make the final film, but I know there are some great ones out there, and if you don’t want to be on camera to tell them that’s fine too, you can email them to me!

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Please email me (Jonathan La Mantia) at rdrdoc@gmail.com if you would like shipping info for any material you would like to share. I will return any material that is sent to me and you will get full credit in the film (I will need everyone who submits material or gets interviewed to sign a release form before I can include the content in the doc.). I’ll be setting up a production blog as soon as things start to pick up to let everyone know how things are going.

Again, my contact for the documentary will be rdrdoc@gmail.com feel free to email me with any questions you might have.

Thank you all in advance!

-Jonathan La Mantia

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To those who attended the memorial celebration last night.

To those who donated funds, food, and other items, everything was greatly appreciated!

To those who sent their condolences but where not able to attend- we know you would have been there if you could have.

To the patrons who keep Comic Relief going, now, and long into the future.

Thank you Rory.

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I am asking those who would like to speak about Rory at his memorial
on the 21st to email me so I can get names for the service pamphlet.
If you would like to be included, please email rrmemorial@gmail.com
and let me know so I can get you on the list.

This portion of the evening will begin at 6pm; we will try to ensure
that everyone who wishes to speak gets a chance.

Thank you!

-Jonathan La Mantia

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Comic Relief will now be hosting the Rory Root memorial
celebration, combining the previously separate events. All
who where planning on attending the picnic should update
their schedules accordingly.

The official information is as follows:

Rory Root memorial celebration

June 21st 5pm-12:30am

Comic Relief
2026 Shattuck Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94704

MAP

(510) 843-5002
rrmemorial@gmail.com (memorial info email)
info@comicrelief.net (general store email)
www.comicrelief.net

The CBLDF is still accepting donations for the memorial fund
For more information about donations see previous post HERE.

There is no longer a need for food donations, however if you
wish to bring something to share feel free. Thank you to those
who offered to bring dishes.

-Jonathan La Mantia

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Due to the unavailability of certain facilities at Joaquin Miller Park the Root family is currently looking for another location to hold the day-time memorial picnic. Information regarding the new location will be forthcoming as soon as possible.

-JL

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The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF) has graciously extended an offer to handle the donations processes for the memorial celebrations that will take place on June 21st. This generous act will allow the staff at Comic Relief and the Root family to focus on planning the events. All donations made will not only be greatly appreciate, but will now also be tax deductible.

Donations that have not yet already been mailed to the store can now be mailed to:

Comic Book Legal Defense Fund
271 Madison AV STE 1400
New York, NY 10016

The CBLDF is also accepting on-line donations at:
http://www.cbldf.org/

Be sure that you make note that you wish to donate to:
The Rory Root Memorial Fund

All donations received at the store will also be re-directed into the CBLDF account.

The Comic Relief staff would like to thank the CBLDF as well as the numerous websites, groups, and individuals who immediately offered support with donations.

-Todd C. Martinez
Comic Relief Store Manager

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The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund was founded in 1986 as a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of First Amendment rights for members of the comics community.

For additional information, donations, and other inquiries call 800-99-CBLDFor e-mail the CBLDF staff.

271 Madison Avenue, Suite 1400
New York, NY 10016
212.679.7151
212-679-0631 fax
e-mail (info at cbldf dot org)

The CBLDF complies with all federal, state and local laws regarding discrimination and/or harassment and any concerns should be directed to Chris Staros, President.

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I will be managing a list of food items people are going to be brining to the Root family picnic pot-luck taking place on June 21st 11am-4pm at Joaquin Miller Park in the Oakland Hills. The list will be compiled below this post . We would like to have various items brought by individuals/groups attending (so we don’t end up with 30 people bringing chicken plates and the like). Keep an eye on this post for updates as the dishes are posted.

Non-food-items (Plates, napkins, utensils, etc…) are also welcome, and I will be posting a list in this space as well.

Also, there is a special request to anyone works at a bakery (or knows someone who does) and would be able to bring a large amount of kitten (cat) shaped cookies- nothing fancy, just basic cookies would be great.

Email rrmemorial@gmail.com with food & non-food items, and if you are not able to attend the picnic but would still like to donate an item email me to arrange drop off at the store.

Thank you!

-Jonathan La Mantia

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Please come join Rory’s family and friends on a wonderful day of shared stories and great memories. If each person or family would please bring a food dish to feed 4 to 8 people, that should work. There will be grills available to barbecue. Please bring your own drinks. Seating is limited-so bring your own blankets and chairs. Dress casual, perhaps in a favorite graphic t-shirt; wear a hat in Rory’s honor; remember to bring the sunscreen; and lets all have a wonderful afternoon.

Thank you,
-Karen Root

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Due to legal concerns regarding Rory Root’s estate
Comic Relief cannot fund the memorial celebrations
that are scheduled on June 21st.

The two events include a Root family-planned picnic
to be held Joaquin Miller Park in the Oakland Hills
from 11am-4pm and a Comic Relief staff-planned
celebration at Comic Relief 2026 Shattuck Ave,
Berkeley, CA 94530 from 7pm-12:30am

Check or money order will be accepted and can be
mailed to:

Comic Relief
ATTN: RDR Memorial
2026 Shattuck Ave
Berkeley, CA 94704

Make checks out to:
Todd Martinez

All donations will fund both the day-time & evening
gatherings, however, if you wish to specifically donate
to one or the other please attach a note as to what
event you would like the funds to be used for.

While no donation is necessary to attend either
event any support would be greatly appreciated!
If you have any questions about donating email
rrmemorial@gmail.com.

Complete information and a complete schedule
of the planned events will be posted soon.

Thank you,

Todd C. Martinez
Comic Relief store manager

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