[MR] OT... but not completely :-(

[Liz / Cozit]

I know this is off topic, but I just returned from vacation to find that the wonderful man who has played King Henry VIII at the Maryland Renaissance Festival for quite a long time passed away this Monday.  I know that there are a lot of Atlantians who have attended this faire for some time who would appreciate hearing the news before the funeral.  For any who did not have the opportunity to meet Bill Huttel either as King Henry VIII (many have said there has never been another who portrayed Henry so well), he was a very wonderful person,
who from all accounts fulfilled the ideals of the SCA to their highest extent... friendly and welcoming (for all his size, rarely intimidating... unless playing such), never an unkind word, a true gentleman.  I only regret that I knew him very little as I only joined the reinactment guild of the Festival a year and a half ago.

Following my signature is the announcement that Carolyn Spedden made on the alt.fairs.renaissance newsgroup, for those who are interested.

May Bill's memory live long and well!
-Lady Elisabeth Henley of Lochmere
aka. Liz Herman

====================
On Monday, November 12th Bill Huttel, the long-time King Henry VIII at the
Maryland and the Ontario Renaissance Festivals, died of a massive heart
attack.

Everyone who has heard the news is stunned and saddened.

The family is planning the funeral, and I will post details as soon as it
comes available.  At this time I believe the funeral will be on Saturday,
November 17th - but I will post all definitive information the moment I
receive it.

I have had the pleasure of working with Bill for more than a decade.  I have
seen many actors at other festivals play the role of Henry VIII - and Bill
was the definitive Henry VIII.  Sorry guys, no one else has ever come close.

But much more importantly, Bill was a true gentle-man.  It was impossible
not to like Bill.  As Theresa Flynn who played Jane Seymour to Bill said
"Everyone who met Bill was his friend."

Modern monarchs could do well to use Bill as their model of a King.  Bill
was well loved as King because he respected everyone.  I never heard Bill
utter a bad word about anyone.  Ever.  Bill had good friends among the
vendors, actors, food workers - and of course, the pub workers.

Just the day before he died Bill was at a day long rehearsal for his role as
the Ghost of Christmas Present for the upcoming Christmas Carol at Vpstart
Crow.  He was looking forward to the performance, and remarked to fellow
actors that this past season at the Maryland Festival was his best ever.

Paraphrasing from "A Christmas Carol" -  "it is the only time in the long
calendar of the year when men and women seem by consent to open their hearts
freely..."   The character was speaking of Christmas here, but I think that
sentiment could apply to the Renaissance Festival - what the event means to
so many people, how important it is in many lives.  It was important to
Bill, as were the many, many friendships he made with those who work and
play at the Festival.

No one is indispensable, but some are irreplaceable.  Bill is irreplaceable.
The world has lost a truly kind person, in a time when kindness can be in
short supply.
We all miss you, Bill.
Love,
Carolyn