Sadly a name many will know, Andy Yanchus, died yesterday (ironically 9/11). Andy was Product Manager at Aurora for many years, then went as a colorized for Marvel Comics. He was an expect at many aspects of the hobby and, with Dennis Price, wrote the definitive book on Aurora Monster Scenes.
Unfortunately he had been ill for some time, and had moved from his long-time New York home to stay with his sister Pat in Florida.RIP Andy, you will be missed by many.~Matt Irvine
I found these obituaries, each celebrates a field that Andy was a legend in.
Andy was 77 when he passed away.
I
got the distinct pleasure of meeting Andy, and becoming friends with
him through the BPMS. Of course, that was back in the Marcy Studios
days. When I joined the club I wasn't even 18 yet, and was building
mostly sci-fi which was right up Andy's alley. He was very encouraging
and offered lots of suggestions and advice. At the time, I had no idea
what Andy's accomplishments were, I knew him as the jovial guy with
amazing skills and wasn't afraid to share his methods. He was HAPPY to
inform anyone who wanted to know how he did things.
As
BPMS members, we should always keep in mind that we are very lucky
because we are such an inclusive group. Thanks to early members like Joe
Turner, who invented the "miscellaneous category" and Andy Yanchus who
redefined Science Fiction in the IPMS. Before Andy science fiction was
considered Star Trek and Star Wars, and similar. Since Andy enjoyed the
entire realm of modeling, he knew full well that building "fringe"
items, like Asian mecha kits or even conversions of toys was a skill-set
of its own, and not to be belittled. I maintain that when you see model
shows TODAY with categories for Gundam / Mecha, that's one of Andy's
greatest contributions to the hobby: ACCEPTANCE. We ARE all modelers
here, afterall.
I can go on for pages and
pages about his accomplishments, but I will leave this here. Andy was an
amazing guy, and I bid him a fond farewell. He may be gone, but will
NEVER be forgotten. Rest in Peace, Andy.
~Bobby
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