Root, a big intimidating man with a gentle soul, loved comic books and devoted his life to their promotion and the recognition and respect of the creators who produced them. With his silver coffee cup constantly at his side, he was a staple of the convention circuit. He was also a vocal presence on the Internet, worked with other retailers to get what he considered a fair shake for all of them and not just himself. He was not a complainer, and was active in trying to make the industry better. It is of little surprise that he had respect from the creative community and his fellow retailers alike.

“Years ago, Rory and I were judges together at San Diego’s Eisner Awards,” said Mark Herr, Director of Sales for Hake's Americana, a division of Geppi's Entertainment Auctions. “I really got to know him well through that process. While it is easy to see the impact a big name creator has with his work, someone like Rory had no less of an impact on the industry as some of today’s top talents. He lived and breathed comic books and the art form. He will be missed.”

On behalf of Geppi's Entertainment Publishing & Auctions, Scoop would like to offer condolences to his family and friends. 

Beau Smith dedicated his "Busted Knuckles" column on comicsbulletin.com this week to the memory of Rory Root. To read his article click here.