Sympathy and deepest condolences to the family of cartoonist-theorist Scott McCloud, one of my favorite people in and around comic books. Another was his life-partner Ivy Ratafia who — here's the part I hate to type and you'll hate to read — died yesterday in a car crash in Michigan. According to Facebook posts, she was on her way to see the younger of her two daughters graduate with a master's degree. Ivy was one of those people who was just filled with joy and friendliness and complete support for anyone — and not just her husband — who made the comic art community a better, happier place.
I believe the photo above was taken at a bookstore where Scott was signing and/or speaking…and there she was in the audience, cheering him on, brightening up the room, being her usual effervescent, supportive self. I loved to talk with her and loved to be around the McLeods (or the McClouds — I was never clear on which spelling was used in which context). She had a great laugh, gave award-winning hugs and was just a beautiful human being.