As Sartre said, death is absurd. Both because all that accumulated experience and knowledge is lost with the final closing of an eye, and because it’s so incomprehensible. There are people I lost years ago whom I itch to call and talk to, then remember they’re Not Here Anymore, and…but I still remember their phone number.
One of my colleagues, fellow cartoonist Rex Babin, died Friday after a two-year battle with stomach cancer I assumed he’d somehow be able to beat because he was so strong and vital. I knew Rex for years. We worked together on the board of the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists, and he beat me out for the job opening at the Sacramento Bee. I’m sure I’ll expect to see him at the AAEC convention in Washington…and yet…
Rex leaves behind a lovely wife and young son. Which is why I’m posting this. The Bee is putting together a trust fund for his son. I want to donate, but I’m broke due to the complete collapse of income-earning opportunities in print journalism. So I’m going to place some original cartoon artwork up for auction next week. All the proceeds of that auction will go to the Rex Babin Trust Fund, so if you’re interested in picking up some artwork and donating to a good cause, please bid high and often.
Watch this space next week.
