We received a lot of wonderful, touching feedback in response to Tuesday's tribute to the passing of Walter Norris, projectionist of Austin's historic Paramount Theatre for 30 years. Many of you who couldn't attend Tuesday morning's service at the Paramount wrote to ask about it.
I'm happy to report that it was worthy of Walter, and very well attended. There was a wonderful outpouring of love for this man so many will miss. In particular, Paramount Executive Director Paul Beutel -- a man synonymous with the Paramount, and someone else who has devoted much of his life to it -- rose to the occasion with a particularly moving and eloquent tribute in which he shared some of his personal memories of Walter, who left this world doing what he loved.
One thing he related in particular struck me as especially sweet. He pointed that the Paramount has long been regarded to be home to a somewhat pesky poltergeist who has made a habit of causing trouble -- most habitually at the opening night screenings of film festivals. Paul recalled that Walter spent years valiantly doing battle with the sneaky spook -- who now has company, and had better watch out.
Some other impressions...
The union rep from IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) Local #205 -- whose name I wish I could remember -- movingly recalled how his father, when dying in the hospital over a decade ago, was visited daily by Walter, who made sure there were always fresh flowers.
John Bernadoni -- the man largely responsible for both saving the Paramount from the wrecking ball and restoring it -- recalled how, in the midst of a comic near-catastrophe during the theatre's grand reopening concert, Walter was the one person backstage who kept his cool, and offered him this simple, profound comfort: "It's going to be okay."
Walter's son -- so strong and touching -- recounted the day his dad told him he was proud of him. He also shared with us his pride in his dad, and how he hoped he would set as good an example for his children as Walter had set for him.
Walter's lovely granddaughters read an incredibly poignant tribute they wrote, recalling their memories of him, and how he taught them the meaning of the word "work" -- and how the word "can't" simply didn't exist in his mind.
Indeed, that was something voiced by almost everyone -- how hard-working and dedicated a man Walter was, and how much he loved what he did.
P.S.: To those of you who asked, I'm pleased to report that the Paramount is indeed considering naming the summer classic film series in Walter's honor as they try to determine the most appropriate way to remember him. I couldn't find an e-mail address anywhere on their website, but if you have any thoughts or suggestions in this regard, you can call the Paramount at (512) 472-2901.
