The Event ~ Sad News in the Vent Community

I was struck with heavy sorrow  on January 23, when I read the entry "A Sad, Sad Day" in one of the blogs I follow.

"It is with heavy hearts we inform you that Clinton Detweiler passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on January 22, 2013. His love for ventriloquism and the many ways it allowed him to not just create objects but to connect with people was evident in all that he did. Thank-you for being a part of his life...he enjoyed posting on the blog and trying to help those that had questions.  We are so sad that this blog will no longer continue."

Mr. Detweiler is the person who reimagined and recreated my Woody from a 1950's retro Jerry Mahoney figure.  He's the one whose Maher Course of Ventriloquism I studied in 2007.  He's the one who signed my "Certificate of Completion" after sending in my final test.  He has done the same for many, many ventriloquists through the last 40-50 years. 

Woody, before and after

His daily blog was read everyday by vents from all over the world.  Famous vents like Terry Fator and Jeff Dunham were mentored by him. 

His Christianity and love for God shined through the lines of his writings in his blog as he shared God's grace and love through his journal entries.   He was a healthy man who enjoyed supporting and keeping the vent community growing and strong.  He had a massive heart attack while at his computer and was found slumped over the keyboard by his wife. 

This year's vent convention in Cinncinati, Ohio ~ the one I attended in 2008 and 2009 ~ was to be a celebration and tribute to and in honor of Clinton and Adelia Detweiler for carrying the banner of ventriloquism to many through the decades.  It still will be, but he will be greatly missed by all those in the vent world whose lives he touched. 

I'm sure it was an eventful day in heaven when Clinton Detweiler arrived!