Hail to the Dinosaurs!
I wanted to give you an update on the Harry Paschall Memorial Fund. If you missed the news back in November, here’s the story.
Harry Paschall was one of the best-known figures in the Iron Game in the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. His long-running “Behind the Scenes” series in Strength and Health – accompanied by his inimitable BOSCO cartoons, brought him a worldwide audience.
Harry also wrote for Peary Rader’s Iron Man, for Roger Eells’ VIM, and for various British magazines. And he also wrote a series of books and training courses. He was one of the most prolific Iron Game authors of all time – and one of the bets loved.
Harry was a great friend with the York lifters, and finished his career by working on what must have been his dream job – working as the Managing Editor of Strength and Health.
Harry died of a heart attack on September 24, 1957. He was driving back to York after having visited the printer in Maryland, to go over the upcoming issue of the magazine.
Back in September I was working on one of my Legacy of Iron novels – in which Harry is one of the main characters. I needed to check something, so I ran a quick google search – and up popped some Paschall family genealogy – and that led me to do another search – and up popped some burial records – and that gave me the address of a genealogist and historian – who had the burial records – and the next thing you knew, I had the exact location of Harry’s grave.
It was in an old country cemetery in Ohio – which meant it was not too terribly far from Louisville.
Now, if you’ve been reading the Legacy of Iron series, you know that one of the major themes is paying respects to the great lifters and writers of the past – remembering the men and their accomplishments – keeping their story alive – and honoring them.
There are several scenes where Harry or other characters visit the grave of a famous strongman to pay their respects. One of them (in book two) takes place in an old country cemetery.
So it was obvious what I had to do. I had to go visit Harry’s grave – and pay my respects to one of the truly great men in the history of the Iron Game.
My parents live in Dayton, Ohio. Trudi and I drove up to see them in early November, and the next morning, we got up early, jumped in the car, and headed northwest. Our destination was the old country cemetery where Harry was buried.
I drove. Trudi navigated. It was one of those “turn left at the old oak tree – drive two miles and turn right at the fork in the road – turn left at the third hawk in the tree – and keep going until you see the big rock past the cornfield.”
It was a wonder we made it – but we did.
We got to the old cemetery, jumped out of the car, and headed toward the spot where Harry was buried.
We passed his mother’s grave – and then his father’s – and then his brother’s.
And then we found Harry’s grave – and we stopped dead in our tracks.
Harry Paschall, one of the most beloved of all Iron Game authors, was buried in an unmarked grave.
You could see the place where the grave had been dug – covered over with yellow-brown grass – but that was all.
No marker, and no sign that there had ever been one.
It was really a shock. A very sad sight.
We took photos, and then Trudi filmed a short video to record the moment. It’s on YouTube.
On the way back, our hearts heavy and our hands numb with cold, we talked about what to do. Trudi suggested that we start a Memorial Fund to collect donations to purchase a marker for Harry.
So that’s what we did.
We launched the Harry Paschall Memorial Fund back in November, and kept it open for about a week. During that time, we received donations from lifters and lifting fans around the world – including some famous names (two Mr. America winners and one Olympic and World Weightlifting Champion).
In the first day, we raised enough money for a modest marker.
In the second day, we raised enough to upgrade to a larger marker made with higher quality stone.
Two days later, we were able to upgrade to an even bigger marker – with even better stone – and more words on the marker.
And when we closed, we had enough to cover the cost of the marker and flowers – and to pay the Township that manages the cemetery to place flowers on Harry’s grave every year pretty much forever.
In other words, the Dinos did good. Real good.
The marker should be ready in about 4 months. It will be made of black marble, with Harry’s name and dates, and BOSCO carved into the stone as well.
When it’s ready, Trudi and I will go back to the old cemetery and take a photo. I’ll post if so you can see it. And everyone who made a donation is going to get a color copy of the photo in the mail.
Harry’s been buried without a marker for 53 years. Together, I think we just got him a heck of a Christmas present.
Rest in peace, Harry – we love you!
Yours in strength,
Brooks Kubik
P.S. I want to thank everyone who stepped up and made a donation to help buy a marker for Harry. It was a great thing to do. THANK YOU!
