1/6/2011 – To all of Frank’s good friends at IAAA. Frank passed away this morning in his sleep. I know he was looking forward to seeing some of you at the upcoming Space fest in Tucson. He also loved the organization, and all his friends he has made.
– Shirley Hettick – Redmond, Oregon
I just wanted to let everyone know that we will be sending a flower arrangement on behalf of all IAAA members to Frank’s service on Saturday. The card reads: Godspeed Frank – the Stars await….
– Your Friends in the IAAA – Dirk Terrell FIAAA – IAAA President – Boulder, Colorado
I’m so sorry to hear this painful news. What a shock; and, such a tremendous loss of a good man and marvelous space artist. All the best to you in your hours of grief, sorrow and tribulations. My deepest condolences to you and family. It was such a pleasure to have worked with Frank in the few workshops we shared. He will be terribly missed.
– Kara Szathmáry FIAAA – Panama City, Florida
Let me echo what Kara has said. I’m very sorry to hear of Frank’s passing; it was a pleasure seeing you both at the Death Valley workshop, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to publish some of Frank’s artwork in PULSAR. The whimsy of his winged 1950s rocketships certainly remind us of our origins.
– Rick Sternbach FIAAA – Valley Village, California
I sent a private email to Shirley, but I want to echo here in public how sad a loss this is. Frank was always such a fun addition to Spacefests and IAAA workshops. I fondly remember his proud presentation of Little Frankie Hettick’s original acrylics paint set from when he was a young lad, a set he still had and painted from when were all together. We’ll miss you, Frank…
– Dan Durda FIAAA – Boulder, Colorado
What terrible news! I’m very sorry to hear this! Frank was one of the few people I could look up to as a mentor, and a friend. May he rest in peace, and memories of him be cherished!
– Fahad Sulehria – Angelholm, Skane, Sweden
This is Ross Jones responding for Julie, who sends her deepest regrets and sympathy from Mexico. Frank was a great artist and good friend. He will be deeply missed.
– Julie Jones – Sparks, Nevada
Frank was always generous to me with his time and unwavering support for my artwork. He encouraged me and was always available to give me input about my work and just a great friend to talk with. Frank and I would talk about anything from space art to politics and he never wanted anything more than to be recognized by his peers. I feel Frank’s work will continue to inspire new generations to come as he inspired me to become a better artist. Frank will dearly be missed by me and by anyone that had the pleasure of meeting him. He was a true gentleman, a wonderful artist and a true friend. It is said that you can count your true friends on less then two hands and I know that Frank was one of those persons for me. Rest in piece, and God bless you Frank.
– David Robinson – Suffolk, Virginia
This is sad and sobering news indeed. Shirley I am so sorry. I’m glad that I had a chance to meet you guys and spend some time with you at the Death Valley workshop and other space related events. I always enjoyed talking to Frank. When he had stuff on display, it was fun to watch him fuss over his cool prints, adding little hand painted details to each one. You will be missed, my friend.
– Aldo Spadoni FIAAA – Los Angeles, California
That’s terrible news, and a shock. Frank was, of course, just around my age; it was a great pleasure to meet him and Shirley at the Death Valley Workshop a few years ago, and I need hardly say that he was a very fine artist. I’m so sorry to learn of this. The only good thing is that ‘in your sleep’ is a good way to go. . . My sincere condolences to Shirley and his family.
– David A. Hardy FIAAA – Birmingham, England
I am so sorry to hear this very sad news. Although I had not met Frank in person, I felt I knew him through his wonderful art and from corresponding within the IAAA.
– Richard Bizley FIAAA – Lyme Regis, England
This is terrible news and I’m very shocked. I met Frank, and his wife Shirley, at the Death Valley Workshop – two of the loveliest and warmest people that I had ever met. A wonderful couple. I had hoped to meet Frank again sometime. I will miss him.
– Jackie Burns FIAAA – Stanford-le-Hope, England
I’m very sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. You have all of my condolences and sympathy.
– Ron Miller FIAAA – South Boston, Virginia
I’m so very sorry. I didn’t have the privilege of knowing Frank as well as I would have liked, however I just traded e-mails with him a few days ago where he graciously and jovially helped me with a question I had. What a terrible loss.
– Walter B. Myers – Skokie, Illinois
That’s very sad news. Poor Shirley. I never had the pleasure of meeting Frank, but I felt I knew something of him via his communications both on and off list. A good, gentle, person and a fine artist. He will be missed.
– Garry L. Harwood FIAAA – Cornwall, England
Like many others, I only knew Frank through his communications on the list, but his humor and kindness, as well as his talent, came through just fine. He will indeed be missed! – Lynn Perkins – Downers Grove, Illinois
My condolences as well. Frank and his work have been an inspiration to me. I’m sure all of us and I will continue to enjoy it at Sky High Gallery
– Lonny Buinis – Parsippany, New Jersey
I sent Shirley a personal note as well. Frank’s enthusiasm for astronomy and space art especially struck me as being special. He will be missed.
– Lynette R. Cook FIAAA – Daly City, California
I’m so sorry to hear this news. It was a pleasure to know him through the list, and I was really looking forward to meeting Frank at Spacefest this year.
– John Kaufmann FIAAA – St. Charles, Missouri
I am very shocked and sorry to hear about the Loss of Frank – he has done some very unique, visionary artwork.
– Steven Hobbs – Queanbeyan, Australia
