Robby London
DIC Entertainment

When it comes to the kind of tragic and wholly unexpected loss with which we in the animation community have suffered owing to the sudden death of Wendy Jackson Hall, I find myself at a loss for words. There was simply no time to prepare for something like this.

I will remember Wendy as a friend to animation, a friend to artists, a friend to students, a friend to the community. But to me, simply a friend. I associate her with warmth and kindness and humor and a genuine joie de vivre. Her dedication to the craft and the community of animation was profound - her affection for the medium was evident in her work. It was always an unexpected treat to run into Wendy around town — which I seemed uncannily to do on several occasions here in Seattle. And it was even more fun to hang out with her on the few occasions for which we actually made plans.

While I'm saddened and angry that she has been taken from us in her prime… by the same token, I'm grateful that she didn't have to suffer over a protracted period. Perhaps that is scant solace, but I'll take what I can.

I subscribe to the belief that one continues to live for as long they inspire meaningful thoughts, memories and actions in others — and by that definition, Wendy will be with us for a long, long time indeed.

Kellie-Bea Cooper
Director, The Better Mouse Trap Prod. Co.

Many of you who know me find me to be an infectious upbeat and cheerful person. The truth is when I first heard about Wendy's passing, I was dumbfounded, like most of you were I'm sure. It was impossible to comprehend, I just talked to her on the phone a few weeks ago and, like always, she was full of life and energy. When it finally sunk in that she was indeed gone my attitude turned to anger. I was so angry that I wanted to tear the stars from the sky and live in darkness to accompany and commiserate my sorrow. Though I would still like to linger in this dark place I know Wendy would never wish it. In knowing this, I dug into my heart, bypassing my gut reactions, and found some very beautiful sentiments to share with you all.

As you all may well know the most sincere and genuine gifts you can share with a friend are unspoken and unseen. These are the gifts for internal growth; the things you carry with you each and everyday. These gifts are often taken for granted until a solemn or quiet time allows for reflection. It's my time to reflect on the gifts I carry from Wendy Jackson Hall.

Wendy, a contemporary mover and shaker of my time, was one of the few people whom I shared many similar goals and interests: Animation History, Current Industry News, Writing, Teaching, and the Animation Community as a whole (the studios, the independent, the special interest groups, and most of all the people).

The gifts I shared with Wendy:

• Determination and Self-Motivation.
  Wendy was a self-made investigator on life. When she wanted to know something or get something done she always got it done. I said she was a mover and shaker and I meant that literally. She moved herself and built her own niche within the industry; creating jobs and adventures even if they didn't exists. I carry with me her, "Wear there's a will there's a way" attitude.

• Thirst for Knowledge
  Wendy walked into the industry with a thirst to know more. Being that it's not that easy to find answers in a small, tight knit, craft community, Wendy found avenues to quench her thirst by asking questions of people. She was an exceptional people person in this regard. I carry with me her, "No question is a stupid question" and her, "Treat people in a genuine way and you will find respect" approach to people.

• A Passion for Sharing
  Wendy was the consummate student — it was in her soul. No wonder she enjoyed sharing knowledge with others, especially inquisitive students. This recipe for learning and teaching was the nourishment that kept her strong and happy. Heck, it's what kept everyone around her strong and healthy too (her husband, her co-workers, her family, her friends, and her students). I carry with me her passion to learn and share with others. In my experience I have found this to be the most enjoyable career and leisure choice.

I will always feel that Wendy's passing happened too young and unfair and I will mourn for her forever, but I will also stay strong and happy within the gifts we share. I suspect those whom I touch will carry these gifts within themselves; silently fostering Wendy's spirit all throughout the industry forever more. Now that's a much more positive and wonderfully way to remember a gift from a friend.