Willy Wilson, a great friend and supporter of True/False and Ragtag Cinema, passed away on Saturday night. Not only was Willy the voice of the Ragtag showtimes line from 2000–2008 and the narrator of our 2012 digital-conversion video (see Willy at the end), he was the designer and co-creator of the copper Tatlin sculpture above the Ragtag box office, and co-creator of David Wilson, Ragtag’s co-founder. Willy was also a prime mover in buying and investing in the Hittsville building that houses the cinema today.

Yet these projects were only a small part of Willy’s lifelong commitment to skeptical inquiry and the flourishing of the arts. A true polymath, Willy’s passions included adventurous travel, computer programming, teaching mathematics, coaching soccer and playing music. He was also involved with Columbia’s Maplewood Barn Community Theater for over thirty years, serving as an actor, director, set designer and board member.

From all your friends at Ragtag Cinema, True/False, Uprise Bakery, 9th Street Video and Hitt Records, thank you, Willy Wilson. You’re already missed.

In Willy’s memory, a scholarship fund has been created to support students interested in the arts. Donations can be made online or sent c/o Maplewood Barn Theatre, P.O. Box 1704, Columbia, MO, 65205.