RIP, Ross Hugo-Vidal

Jeff Cohen

Ross Hugo-Vidal died of metastatic melanoma on September 12. He was 59 years old, almost exactly three weeks younger than I am, and that was not nearly long enough. Not by decades.

Some of those interested in crime fiction might have known Ross as the husband of the brilliant and wonderful Julia Spencer-Fleming, and surely he thought of himself first as Julia's husband and father to their three children. He was right to think so, but he was also much more than that.

Ross was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He was a trial attorney with a degree from Georgetown University and a law degree from George Washington University. He eventually became litigation manager at People's Heritage Bank, which eventually merged with Banknorth Group Inc. (It is possible I'm cribbing some of this information from other sources like this one.)

When that job was eliminated after the merger, Ross became himself. 

He became the George Carlin of Maine education, leaving behind his AM side for his FM side (comedy nerds will know what I mean). Eventually, after letting his hair grow and beginning what would be a prodigious red beard, Ross began working for the Gorham (Maine) School District as an education technician, working often with students who had special needs. He also immersed himself in his wife's writing career, not just encouraging her but taking on the task of promoting her work vigorously, enthusiastically, joyously. Ross knew more about how to promote a book than almost anyone I've ever met. (No offense, Erin--I said "almost"!)

He was also, despite living hundreds of miles away, a dear friend.

I can probably count on my fingers the number of times Ross and I were in the same room at the same time. But almost as soon as we met he was a friend, and not just the type of friend one sees at book conventions and then has to refer to a "Hello My Name Is" tag to recall a year later. He was interested in people and perhaps didn't understand just how fascinating he was himself.

We kept in touch after meeting at a Bouchercon perhaps 13 years ago (I think it was one of the Toronto years). Ross took it upon himself to help me with promotional advice and he was always right. But I liked him a great deal anyway.

Mostly we talked about having amazing wives and astonishing children, an area on which we could easily find common ground. Ross was not the least bit modest about Julia and their three kids, all of whom are now wonderful, interesting young adults. We talked about his students who might have had autism spectrum disorders because he knew I had some background in the area. And we discussed our blood feud over baseball teams, as I am a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees and he was from New England, so do the math. But we never talked trash and we never got angry. It was just too hard to be angry at Ross.

He had one of the best laughs I've heard in my time on this planet and he employed it often. He could be funny himself but he wasn't intimidated, as many funny people are, by others who could make him and others laugh. He took delight where he could find it, and he could find it better than most. He was as genuine a person as I've ever known.

Ross Hugo-Vidal died last Tuesday and I hope my cozy friends will forgive me, but that is as fucking unfair a sentence as I've ever been obligated to write. My heart goes out to Julia and his family, and it aches personally for my lost friend. I am infinitely glad I got to know him and terribly heartbroken he's gone. Perhaps that is the best tribute a person can hope to get.

For those so inclined, his family has suggested donations to:

Narragansett Elementary School
c/o Gorham School Department
75 South Street
Gorham, ME 04038

Comments

[Robin Agnew]

Lovely obit, Jeff.

[Jeff Cohen]

Thanks, Robin.

[Hank Phillippi Ryan]

Oh so perfect-- thank you for this, dear Jeff.

[Yvette]

So touching, Jeff. Such a wonderful send-off.I'm so damn sorry for Julia and her family.

[Betty]

I forgive you for words but, sometimes it makes us all feel better and more understood when we express our feelings with a curse word. My condolences to you on the loss of your friend. Although I have not read Julie's work, I will need to check it out. My heart aches for her as a parent.

[carl brookins]

Great post, Jeff, too bad, though it had to happen.

[LynDee Walker]

Yes. To all of the above—the world is not quite as bright without Ross. Thanks for sharing this lovely tribute, Jeff.

[Patty]

What a wonderful tribute. Anyone would be honored to receive such heartfelt emotions. My thoughts are for Julia and her children as they struggle through this tough time.

[Brenda Buchanan]

Thank you, Jeff. This is a beautiful tribute. I was also fortunate enough to know Ross personally, and consider myself blessed to have experienced his exuberant world view. He will be missed by so many.

[Hallie Ephron]

Just seeing this now, Jeff - nicely said.

[Jeff Cohen]

Thanks, Hallie.