Two Horror Film Legends Leave Us As 2009 Begins

BOB WILKINS, beloved host of San Francisco's "Creature Features" from 1971 to 1982, passed away on January 7th. This will undoubtedly come as a shock to all the Bay Area Monster Kids who grew up watching him on Saturday nights as he brought them such cinematic gems as THE CREEPING TERROR, NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, and ATTACK OF THE MUSHROOM PEOPLE. Scott Moon of Bobwilkins.net offers this tribute:

Dear Friends,
On January 7, 2009, Bob Wilkins passed away peacefully. As many of you know, Bob had been suffering from Alzheimer's disease for the past several years and his family appreciates the concern, thoughts and prayers from his friends and fans.
When I first met Bob in 1995, he was still at the top of his game. Since then, I've been designing and maintaining his official website, and even produced (along with Mr. Lobo) two live Creature Features events in Sacramento. Its been an honor and a privilege to not only work with Bob, but to become friends with him and his family.
You can email your condolences to scottmoon@scottmoon.net and I will pass them along to the Wilkins family.
Scott Moon


Maverick independent filmmaker RAY DENNIS STECKLER, a legend in horror film fandom, also left us on January 7th. Working with budgets that wouldn't cover the catering bill on most productions, Ray's love of filmmaking drove him to produce a string of mind-boggling and fondly-remembered flicks such as THE INCREDIBLY STRANGE CREATURES WHO STOPPED LIVING AND BECAME MIXED-UP ZOMBIES, THE LEMON GROVE KIDS MEET THE MONSTERS, and RAT PFINK A BOO BOO, often appearing in them himself under the name "Cash Flagg." Film historian Tom Weaver conveys this message from Arch Hall, Jr., who starred in Ray's rock 'n' roll classic WILD GUITAR:

"Ray Dennis Steckler passed away last night. Ray had spent three or four days in the hospital in Los Angeles following the screening at the LACMA then was hospitalized again upon returning to Las Vegas until recently. Ray Dennis Steckler touched many in his life and it goes without saying that his talent and wit shall be greatly missed. I understand plans are underway for a funeral on Sunday January 11th? Specific details confirming time and location of service to follow. God bless him."