In Memorium - Larry Lankford

Convention Awareness Project - Texas was inspired by a great many aspects of my life as a convention attendee, promoter, guest, content provider, and vendor.  From the first convention I ever attended to the most recent, I have had a special place in my heart for these gatherings of fandom.  One of the most prominent figures in the Texas convention scene was lost to us late last year and I only just discovered this fact today.

Larry Lankford, founder of the Dallas Fantasy and FairBulldog Productions, passed away on December 25, 2013 at the age of 53. 

While not the first shows I had ever attended, Larry's were the ones I attended most often in the late 80s and early 90s.  It was at these conventions that I started a project that that I still pursue from time to time to this day, having contributing artists to the original Marvel Universe and Who's Who character guides sign the pages featuring their work.  

The Mini Cons that were produced in conjunction with the Fantasy Fairs offered some of the best opportunities for me and Mrs. JediCole to sell comics and collectibles, a hobby that became a business (A Piece of the Action Collectibles) and then a hobby again over the course of 20 years.  To say that the Dallas Fantasy Fair was a big part of my life as a fan and collector would be an understatement.  I was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to meet Larry as both a vendor at his shows and as an attendee at some of the Harvey Awards ceremonies produced in conjunction with Fantasy Fairs in the late 80s and early 90s.

As I said on a Facebook post today, the very place I learned of his demise, Larry always did right by me.

Larry Lankford 

June 10, 1960 - December 25, 2013

A Trailblazer of Texas Conventions  

If the Dallas Fantasy Fairs were a big part of your convention experience, please visit the memorial page for Larry Lankford and sign the guestbook.