The passing of 11th Hour...

POSTED BY: HerFriend
UPDATED: Monday, April 29, 2013 15:28
VIEWED: 87865
PAGE 1 of 1

HERFRIEND

Saturday, July 30, 2011 3:36 AM

Susan Renee Tomb, aka 11th Hour, succumbed to cancer on July 20, 2011. Susan, born August 31, 1959 in North Hollywood, CA, was a fiercely loyal Browncoat who expressed her love, passion, and commitment through her art, photography, paintings and writings. She is survived by her few close friends, many fans, and beloved cat, Rocko. Memorial services are being arranged and will be posted when finalized.

WISHIMAY

Saturday, July 30, 2011 3:58 AM

Damn shame, so much cancer, soo much loss and pain...

I remember her from when I first started coming here, but I'm sure others remember her better than I...

I'm soooo sorry she's gone, and we're grateful you've told us....

Rest in peace, Susan.......................

PENNAUSAMIKE

Saturday, July 30, 2011 3:58 AM

Condolences to all those who immediately knew her,
and the whole Browncoat community
that will be just a little less shiny without her.

I have so much of her art in my folders.....
....I don't much know what more to say.....

Mike

KAREL

Saturday, July 30, 2011 4:23 AM

I am at a loss. She was one of those that made this place extra special, and for me was part of the Firefly phenomenon. I can't believe she's gone.

"Whatever is wrong with you is so right for me." -- Marillion.

KWICKO

Saturday, July 30, 2011 4:52 AM

So sorry for your loss, and the loss of Browncoats everywhere. Our thoughts are with y'all. The world is less shiny without her in it.

LOMARA

Saturday, July 30, 2011 5:12 AM

I am so sorry to hear this. I mentioned her to friends while at SDCC, and nobody knew what she was up to. I think I last saw her in 2006 or 2007 at SDCC, but not since.

Gutted :(

PEULSAR5

Saturday, July 30, 2011 5:25 AM

Horrible news. Such a wonderfully talented artist. My thoughts go out to her family.

SAXON

Saturday, July 30, 2011 6:01 AM

I hadn't seen her in a few years. I know she finally got 'official' with her awesome artwork, and she shared some amazing photos of dolls she'd worked on. I remember making up her flyers and laying them out on the 'freebie' table at SDCC...then finding someone selling one on ebay! I contacted the buyer, a Browncoat in Alaska! She was so happy I gave her the link that Susan had set up to let everyone use to make up as many flyers as they wanted...to spread the word to them as needed told. Wow, so much time has gone by. :(

FUTUREMRSFILLION

Saturday, July 30, 2011 6:41 AM

Such sad news. My deepest condolences to her friends and family and the Browncoat community. Her loss will be greatly felt.

I am on The List. We are The Forsaken and we aim to burn!
"We don't fear the reaper"

FORSAKEN original

Yes We Did!

“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” Mahatma Gandhi

VERASAMUELS

Saturday, July 30, 2011 7:04 AM

My sympathies to her family and friends.

Can you imagine the conversation she's having with Lux and a few others about now?

Devout Keeper of Jayne's Lunchbox

MELGO

Saturday, July 30, 2011 7:07 AM

My deepest sympathies to all that her life touched. 11th Hour's art was what drew me to want to be more than just a fan. I became a Browncoat and posted her guerilla marketing flyers around my community. Find peace, Browncoat.

SAMATWITCH

Saturday, July 30, 2011 7:41 AM

I love her art and her involvement in the Browncoat community. She will be missed on many levels. My condolences to those who knew and loved her.

DIZ

Saturday, July 30, 2011 7:57 AM

I am so very sorry to hear about this. She will be missed. Somewhere I still have the DVD cover she designed for Serenity, and it was VASTLY superior to the official cover. And even now when I think of the promotion of Serenity, I think of her brilliant guerrilla marketing posters.

RIP 11th.

MOOSE

Saturday, July 30, 2011 8:55 AM

Rest in peace, 11th...

Thank you for all you did for us...

PIZMOBEACH

Saturday, July 30, 2011 11:18 AM

That is such sad news - when I saw the thread title I was hoping it wouldn't be this. She made a huge impression on me when I first started visiting this forum many years ago, and not just because of her brilliant art, but because of her crystal clear voice - very kind and generous, she stood out to me as simply an amazing person. Very sorry for your loss.

some of 11th's amazing guerilla marketing posters for Firefly

Scifi movie music + Firefly dialogue clips, 24 hours a day - http://www.scifiradio.com

LIONESS

Saturday, July 30, 2011 11:32 AM

When we ran a fan table at a con before Serenity came out, her art was everywhere,It was on the flyers, the calenders someone had made, the Tshirts I wore. Her llama DVD cover is still the one covering one of my copies of Serenity.
11th Hour's art was the face for Firefly for me and, I'm sure, for many others.
She will be sorely missed.

HAKEN

Saturday, July 30, 2011 11:41 AM

I had the pleasure of corresponding with Susan a few times over the years. Great artist and person. My sincerest sympathies to her friends and family.

For anyone interested, you can view some of 11th Hour's artwork here:

http://beta.fireflyfans.net/bluesunlist.aspx?c=graphics&u=11thhour

KACIDILLA

Saturday, July 30, 2011 1:16 PM

my condolences to her friends & family; she will be missed. prayers going out for all who need them.

EMBERS

Saturday, July 30, 2011 1:53 PM

I am broken hearted to hear this... I had no idea (I suppose many people online didn't know) that she was struggling with cancer...
I wish I had known.

I never met 11th hour but her artwork has been part of my love of Firefly from the very beginning, and always will be. I will treasure the beauty she created all the more.

New Firefly fans should check this out: http://www.fireflyfans.net/mthread.asp?b=2&t=15816

SHINYHAPPYKLIN

Saturday, July 30, 2011 2:29 PM

Wow, I can't believe I'm reading this. Does anyone know how long she had been ill? She always seemed so frail, but yet so beautiful. Susan and I had a few wonderful in-person conversations over the years, and I always felt honored to spend time with her.

I had not spoken with her in some time, and when I asked around at SDCC 2009 about her (that was the year QMx released a t-shirt she designed), no one had any current contact info for her, it seemed, and I lost touch with her. I really wish I had taken the time to reconnect, but you all know how it goes..."I'll do it later"...guess what, later doesn't always come.

I so remember her wonderful art work (and have several pieces here at home), and smile when I remember the whole C&D fiasco of 2006 that she was at the center of (wasn't funny then, but it's amusing now!), followed almost immediately by the infamous B3 convention! Wow, those were the days...

I haven't been a regular here on FFF for some time; life gets in the way, all those things we always say. It's a shame, I do miss the old gang here, and 11th Hour was certainly one of the ones who I loved reading - she always wrote in the style of the 'verse, and I have some of her original posts still that I used in some of my fandom research. It was Susan and other creative fans like her who motivated me to do the research I do, and now that research is finally coming to an end, as I am writing my dissertation. I had hoped to get some final input from Susan, but I guess I was too late.

Rest well, sweetie, make some beautiful things we can look forward to seeing in the afterlife!

Sue (shinyhappyklin / klinqueen / SGT Deadeye Buchanan of the 76th Battalion)

"We gotta go to that crappy town where I'M a hero..."

CYBERSNARK

Saturday, July 30, 2011 2:37 PM

My condolences to her family, friends, and the whole Browncoat community.

-----
We applied the cortical electrodes but were unable to get a neural reaction from either patient.

PENGUIN

Saturday, July 30, 2011 3:12 PM

OMG!

I am so shocked right now. She was a bright light in the Browncoat world.

This is something I made for her years ago.

Rest in Peace, dear lady...

King of the Mythical Land that is Iowa

WEREDOOMED

Saturday, July 30, 2011 3:42 PM

SHINY

Saturday, July 30, 2011 3:47 PM

I'm devastated. 11th Hour stands beside Lux as a devoted browncoat who passed way too soon:

http://www.ncc-1776.org/tle2004/tle254-20040111.html

I remember printing out hundreds of Susan's guerilla marketing posters and flyers and sticking them in bookstores, libraries, cafes, and waiting rooms all over the city. I was even fortunate enough to meet her in person at the premiere in LA, not long after she had finished the artwork for the RPG book -- I'll never forget her joyful stroll down the red carpet, complete with a graceful curtsy as she passed the assembled browncoats.

...I think it's time to dust off the old DVDs and rewatch The Message...

---

I don't need a gorram back-spaceship driver!!!

MAVOURNEEN

Saturday, July 30, 2011 4:04 PM

Oh, my God. This just brought tears to my eyes.

Yahoo has an annoying feature where it randomly picks people from your address book and asks if you want to sign up for updates. Last week, I got a blast from the past as it wanted to know if I wanted updates from 11th Hour.

I have not been here at fff.net for a long, long time - but Penguin posted this at sm.org and I knew I needed to come over and post.

I spoke with Susan several times over the years - always gracious, kind, and encouraging of Browncoats both new and old.

As Shiny said - She stands with Lux as a Browncoat without equal who passed too soon.

Susan, your light will be missed.

------------------------------------------------

ECGORDON

Saturday, July 30, 2011 4:12 PM

This is devastating news. Never met her except on the forums here and on the OB, but her voice and her art was always a welcoming thing to experience. I still have some of the promotional flyers I printed and handed out in front of the theater in Austin when I went to the advance screening on May 5, 2005. I also visited her sites frequently to see what else she was up to, although sadly I had not for several months and did not know of her condition.

As far as fandoms and what individuals have meant to others in the group, I would classify her as No. 1 Browncoat, with Lux Lucre right there by her side.

I need to rewatch Done the Impossible today in her memory.

JAYSEDAI

Saturday, July 30, 2011 4:32 PM

What devastating news... Susan was one of the most amazing people I've ever met. The definition of losing yourself in your passions. We could all take a lesson from her life.

We'll go through the source material for Done The Impossible and see if we can find some unpublished footage of her. If so I'll put it online for all to enjoy her amazing personality. She will be sorely missed.

Jeremy
Done The Impossible

FLORALBUNNY

Saturday, July 30, 2011 5:12 PM

So sorry to hear of the passing of 11th Hour, one of the most passionate of Browncoats, one of the most creative and productive. One hears "too soon" when someone leaves us or is taken, but this was so much too soon it's hard to comprehend.
We'll miss you.
A lot.

bun

WERZBOWSKI

Saturday, July 30, 2011 6:07 PM

A fantastic artist, and dedicated Browncoat... one of our best.

DREAMTROVE

Saturday, July 30, 2011 6:32 PM

This is so sad

http://www.11thhourart.com/
http://www.cafepress.com/11thhourart
http://www.fireflyfans.net/sunroomitem.asp?i=4778

That's what a ship is, you know - it's not just a keel and a hull and a deck and sails, that's what a ship needs.

BLUEEYEDBRIGADIER

Saturday, July 30, 2011 6:56 PM

As the son of someone who was a survivor of cancer, I want to give my heartfelt condolences to 11th Hour's family and friends over the their loss. The knowledge that the special someone in your life is fighting such an insidious affliction...it weighs on you and the idea that the end result of the fight could be a technical defeat? It preys on your mind.

Still, we should remember all the good that 11th Hour (feel kinda odd if I were to call her by her real name since we never really communicated directly with one another) did for the 'Verse. Her light and talent will be sorely missed :(

FIREFLYPASSENGER

Saturday, July 30, 2011 8:02 PM

I have missed 11th Hour. I used to be lucky enough to see her at various conventions and shindigs. She was a sweet, talented and devoted browncoat.

I keep trying to remember the last time I saw her and I think it was December 2006 at B3. The Browncoat Back-up Bash for the cancelled Flanvention.

I remember she was there. It was a crazy weekend. Someone took a picture. I wish I had that picture now.

11th Hour is was an honor to know you. Thank you for all of your wonderful art and your contribution to spreading the word about Firefly/Serenity.

WHIMSICALNBRAINPAN

Saturday, July 30, 2011 8:27 PM

The 'verse has lost another Big Damn Hero.

I hope you had a peaceful passing 11th. Thank you for all you did.

Well, my days of not taking you seriously are certainly coming to a middle.

QUOTERGAL

Saturday, July 30, 2011 9:46 PM

FireflyPassenger, I don't know if this photo of 11th Hour by Firefly Gail is the one you mean, but I found it last night after I heard, and I think it's a good 'un - she looks so happy:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/65954316@N00/321789474/

I knew 11th Hour primarily through WHEDONesque, though I met & spoke w/ her a few times at SoCal events, so I didn't know her as intimately as many of you, but she was always kind and responsive to this (relatively) newbie fan, and her thoughtfulness was much appreciated.

She was a dear and a mensch, and her beautiful art was how most of the fandom knew her, which I imagine made her very happy - it was clearly such an important part of her life.

It was when I saw FireflyPassenger's regret for a lost photo that I decided to post. I am most sorry for those that were closer to her - she will be missed, and often. (And as a Cat Person, I'm assuming that Rocko will be cared for, but folks should feel free to mention it if not, and I'll help get the word out amongst other SoCal Browncoat CatFolk.)

(There is a thread at WHEDONesque - as I'm sure there are in many other fandom locations - where folks are posting remembrances and condolences: http://whedonesque.com/comments/26987)

FIREFLYPASSENGER

Saturday, July 30, 2011 10:17 PM

There is a picture of the 2 of us. But that was definitely the last day of B3.

Thank you for posting.

FFYING2

Saturday, July 30, 2011 10:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by jaysedai:
We'll go through the source material for Done The Impossible and see if we can find some unpublished footage of her. If so I'll put it online for all to enjoy her amazing personality.

That's very kind of you, Jeremy. 11th will be missed.

You're gone too soon, Susan, but thank you for the good times back in the day.

Ying

P.S. Sad circumstances, but nice to see you here, Saxon and Rosie.

Firefly-Serenity Funsite http://fireflyfunsite.kevinsullivansite.net
Firefly-Serenity Chinese Pinyinary http://fireflychinese.kevinsullivansite.net
Browncoats.com http://www.browncoats.com

Language and Humor http://languageandhumor.com

BUFO

Saturday, July 30, 2011 11:07 PM

I didn't know 11th Hour but for all who did, please accept my condolences. I've lost loved ones to cancer and understand the grief and the loss. I'm looking forward to seeing some of her art and writings.

JENSKIJEN

Saturday, July 30, 2011 11:22 PM

When I saw this thread title, I was desperately hoping it wasn't this. That she is now gone makes this world that much less shiny. Only last week, I was rifling through a box of Firefly mementos, and I came across her Inara art card. Such a loss to the world.

Susan has been an inspiration since I was fortunate to be befriended by her on the OB. She not only welcomed a newbie, but she also went out of her way to include me into the family. I have very fond memories of text-based antics - from shinanigans in the Loon and the Bordello, to her kindness and generosity to other newcomers. 11th was always the first to kindly and expansively welcome enthusiastic new fans with fresh enthusiasm for someimes not-so-well-thought-out "bring back Firefly" plans into the fold, gently outlining the history of the fandom and encouraging them to direct their energy to current places of focus.

Her Firefly/Serenity artwork has inspired countless fans (I remember making up stickers and bookmarks in 2005 and plastering them around Melbourne) and her designs never fail to bring looks of wonder and appreciation on the faces of those who come across them.

I consider myself extremely fortunate to have met Susan on a number of occasions. After sharing so much on the OB, I was over the moon to finally meet her at Dragon*Con in 2005 and spend some time in the Bordello. I have very fond memories of meeting again at the Serenity Premiere, and laughing together at the after-party. Her well earned fame was recognised at Universal Studios' Serenity Fan Day, and I remember her blushing with delight and pride each time a fan lined up to ask her to sign the Serenity RPG at the celebrity meet & greet. We met all-to-briefly again at Comic-Con in 2006, and at Mutant Enemy Day in 2007. Each of those meetings was a treat - Susan could light up a room with just her smile.

Some of my fondest memories of 11th Hour (photos) - http://www.flickr.com/photos/13136395@N02/sets/72157627318083290/

It saddens me that we didn't meet IRL more, but I treasure her emails and forum postings.

I didn't know about her battle with cancer, and I wish that... well, if wishes were horses we'd all be eating steak.

Susan, you are truly missed. You will always be a part of all of us, and our world is poorer without you. Rest in peace, 11th.

FIREFLYPASSENGER

Sunday, July 31, 2011 1:42 AM

I don't know how to post a picture! I found it and tweeted it. My twitter handle is @rosalita9899 .

LOMARA

Sunday, July 31, 2011 1:43 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by FireflyPassenger:
There is a picture of the 2 of us. But that was definitely the last day of B3.

Thank you for posting.

I don't think the forum allows embedding of images, so I'll just post the link to the image Rosie tweeted just now.

http://yfrog.com/h2t9ztwj

----------------------------
Boredom is for the Uninventive.

PENGUIN

Sunday, July 31, 2011 1:57 AM

King of the Mythical Land that is Iowa

QUOTERGAL

Sunday, July 31, 2011 2:12 AM

Aww, I'm glad you found it - it's very sweet.

FOLLOWMAL

Sunday, July 31, 2011 2:41 AM

Such sad news. :( 11th Hour was the best friend new folks to the 'Verse ever had. She was always sweet, always kind and so good to invite everyone in and gently help people find their way around the fandom.

Her art was gorgeous and her passion for this 'Verse was unparalleled, IMHO.
She was truly in all things...a Browncoat.

Bless her and may she rest in peace.

http://www.kidsneedtoread.org

ARTCAT81

Sunday, July 31, 2011 2:57 AM

‎11th Hour, your incredible presence & talent will be sorely missed in the browncoat community & beyond. I hope you and Lux are having a mighty fine shindig beyond the black.

I remember as a kind and passionate voice of reason back in the eary days of the OB, back when all of this began. Never got to meet her in person, always hoped I would get a chance to.

To her close friends and family, my sincere condolences. Please know how many lives she touched and that her contributions to this fandom will live on.

Browncoats are the shiniest folks in the 'verse
www.texasartcat.com/bluesun.html <--my bluesunshop

DREAMTROVE

Sunday, July 31, 2011 3:10 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by lomara:
Quote:
Originally posted by FireflyPassenger:
There is a picture of the 2 of us. But that was definitely the last day of B3.

Thank you for posting.

I don't think the forum allows embedding of images, so I'll just post the link to the image Rosie tweeted just now.

http://yfrog.com/h2t9ztwj

----------------------------
Boredom is for the Uninventive.

Lomara,

They are embedded automatically, just don't use any tags. The URL has to end in .jpg .gif or .png in lower case, upper case such as .JPG doesn't get interpreted correctly.

That's what a ship is, you know - it's not just a keel and a hull and a deck and sails, that's what a ship needs.

FIREFLYPASSENGER

Sunday, July 31, 2011 3:41 AM

Nice to see you too Ying dear. I remember meeting you like it was yesterday. My how time flies. *hugs* Miss you too.

FIREFLYPASSENGER

Sunday, July 31, 2011 3:49 AM

JenskiJen-Thank you for sharing those pics.
*hugs* I miss you and I'm glad I met you. You are a mighty fine Browncoat.

KIRABOO

Sunday, July 31, 2011 7:11 AM

I was just blown away by this news! She was the epitome of a true Browncoat though and through! Years ago she was kind enough to give me permission to screen print her designs on shirts in my own Browncoat gorilla advertising campaign.

I also put her posters about town back in the day.

"HERFRIEND" I don't want to be a bother to you at this time but will you please contact me directly? I would very much like to put together a screen printing fund raiser in her name.

e-mail: misschiefm (at) gmail.com

All my best to her friends, fans and her feline friend Rocko who must be missing her so terribly.

--=Kira=--

DANCINGNEKO

Sunday, July 31, 2011 8:35 AM

My deepest condolences for 11th's family and friends.
I've only known of 11th through her art here, her webpage, cafepress, and the Serenity roleplaying game...
Knowing that's she's gone....words fail to express how I feel about that.

Thank you for your good works and ..
RIP 11thHour.

JANE0904

Sunday, July 31, 2011 8:44 AM

My sincere condolences go to her family and friends - the Browncoat light just got a little dimmer.

-----
"Is it bad that what she said made perfect sense to me?"

SPACEGIRL32

Sunday, July 31, 2011 3:29 PM

11th was a real class act & a joy to know. We shared a few good laughs at the OB & the official Drive forum. My husband and I still wear her T-Shirts & show off her coffee mugs. :-)

I will miss her. She was one of the first Browncoats who welcomed me to the family.

HERFRIEND

Sunday, July 31, 2011 4:31 PM

More details: Thank you all for your posts. Susan was a very private person but we felt it was fitting to share a few details of her last few days with her 'verse of friends. Susan was first treated for cancer (Hodgkins) in her late teens. She was in and out of remission a few time since but always kept herself focused on life and her art, not the cancer. About three weeks ago she asked her close friend Bret to take her in for some tests as she was not feeling well and having trouble swallowing. At the hospital the doctors ordered more tests which resulted in her being admitted that same day. After a few days and several more tests the doctors informed Bret that the cancer had spread through her body. Bret called me and another friend SLWade to the hospital for support, and informed Susan's beloved uncle in Virginia. Susan died that day with the three of us by her bedside.

Since then, we, her uncle and mother converged in LA to support each other and help settle her affairs. Susan ran several websites including her Cafe Press site. Definitive plans for the sites have not been made yet as certain legal steps must be taken, but the hope is to keep her sites and her art alive. Please bear with us as we put her affairs in order and sort out the legal issues concerning her websites.

Last, a few have asked about her cat, Rocko, now retired. I will be inviting Rocko to live with me and my two cats. I hope to provide him a comfortable pod befitting a very sweet, bona fide companion.

Thanks again for your posts, it has comforted us to realize how many lives were touched by 11th Hour as well as humbling to realize the extent of her legacy in the Browncoat community

Memorial: Susan's ashes were picked up today by friends and family. Her ashes were scattered at the 11th Hour in the hollywood hills high above any sign of life. There between the city lights and the stars, one may look down upon the city of angels (mudders though we be, beach wood right the left) and reflect on her life and art, guerilla posters and all the rest.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/srtrip/

Her Friend, Valerie

SPACEGIRL32

Sunday, July 31, 2011 5:08 PM

Valerie,

Thank You for coming back & sharing more about your wonderful friend.
I was just reading the emails I exchanged with 11th a few years ago. She was one of the best Browncoasts.

Because of her we will keep flying......

PLATONIST

Sunday, July 31, 2011 5:59 PM

Sorry to hear of her passing and thank you for the information.

I have her Inara trading card in print form and use it as an example of Nouveau Art for my Art History class, my students love it, comment on it all the time, try to duplicate it, she’ll be remembered.

OY

Sunday, July 31, 2011 6:37 PM

When I think of Susan, I remember a woman who was always smiling, always friendly, always full of grace. She had an ethereal quality about her that showed up beautifully in her artwork.

Thank you so very much, Valerie, for sharing what happened the last few days. More than anything, I am reminded that 11th Hour Never Gave Up.

~ Kim

SAMATWITCH

Sunday, July 31, 2011 6:54 PM

Thank you for sharing that with us, Valerie. It is good to know that she didn't suffer for long and that she had such good friends surrounding her right to the end. For those of us who are cat lovers, it's also good to know that Rocko will have a good home.

My condolences to you and her friends and family. I hope you are able to keep some form of her store open as her art deserves to be shared with newcomers to the 'verse.

CSTS Vancouver 2011 is Saturday, June 25th from 11am to 6 pm at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre. Tickets are $15 ($16 via PayPal on our blog: http://serenityscreeningvan.blogspot.com ) Check out our shiny silent auction items and our online quote quiz!

EMBERS

Sunday, July 31, 2011 7:18 PM

thank you so much for the information, my heart goes out to all of 11th Hour's friends and family.

If there is anything we can do (speaking for myself but believing a lot of Browncoats feel as I do) to help please please let us know!

I would happily donate to keeping her online sites open
or donate to a charity in her name
or whatever would ease the pain of loss to all those who knew her and loved her best.

GOLDENFOOL

Sunday, July 31, 2011 7:22 PM

Thank you for letting us know, Valerie. I'm so very sad to hear about the passing of 11thHour. She touched so many people's lives with her art and her presence - both online and in person. I never got to meet her in person but we were friends back on the OB all those years ago, and she's one of those people who's gorgeousness just radiated from every post she wrote.

Jenski, d'you still remember sticking the stickers of her artwork up on the insides of toilet doors back in Sydney when we were there for the marketing screening? Happy days. She brought joy to us with her talent and her loveliness, and we'll never forget her.

Love you, 11th.

Goldenfool

FIREFLYPASSENGER

Sunday, July 31, 2011 7:44 PM

Thank you so much Valerie for notifying us and providing additional information.

Susan was much loved and we have suffered a great loss. My condolences to you and those who knew her best.

I was fortunate to have met her several times and she was dear to me. I am sorry I lost touch. She always seemed to pop up at the 11th Hour at many conventions and shindigs. She was generous to all and gave so much to our Browncoat Community. Browcoats are good at having your back. We are ready willing and able to help you in any way we can. Please let us know if you need anything at all.

Best wishes in sorting everything out.

Rosie

THATWEIRDGIRL

Sunday, July 31, 2011 10:57 PM

She was an amazing person. Not just a gifted artist, but a thoughtful and intelligent human.

She will be missed.

---
Sometimes I lie awake at night, and I ask, "Where have I gone wrong?" Then a voice says to me, "This is going to take more than one night."
-- Charlie Brown
www.thatweirdgirl.com

RIONAEIRE

Monday, August 1, 2011 12:00 AM

She sounds like a talented, kind and wonderful person, I wish I could have known her, wishing all the best to her loved ones who are now left to go on without her in a world that seems a bit dimmer.

"A completely coherant River means writers don't deliver" KatTaya

SAXON

Monday, August 1, 2011 1:49 AM

Jeremy, that would be an awesome tribute. She was so quiet, so humble, yet a giant talent. I ordered one of her small buttons (Jessi puts 'flare' on the ceiling of her truck), then today, after watching Jessi and her friends perform the finale day of RENT, I saw that I had one of her larger buttons sitting next to other keepsakes on my shelf. Maybe I'm just old and sentimental and overly emotional, but knowing now that she'd been diagnosed years ago, so that when we met her she was 'unwell', yet putting out the most amazing work...just gets to me.

First Lux, then Odile, now 11th. Wow.

My prayers and good wishes go out to everyone hurting and mourning the loss. I think I will have Jessi introduce her friends to Done the Impossible. Good life lesson.

Suzi aka Saxon

(for those who may not do the 'twitter' thing, Chris B & AB have heard the news and expressed their sadness).

RIVERTAM1

Monday, August 1, 2011 1:53 AM

Even if we're not all related, we're still all the Browncoat family, and losing one of our own is never fun. RIP 11th Hour

At the end of the day, it's love keeps you in the air.

BROWNCOAT1

Monday, August 1, 2011 2:05 AM

Words can't express the loss the Browncoat community has suffered with 11th Hour's passing. She was a stalwart Browncoat who gave so much to try to keep our show in the air. She was always a welcoming soul here on the board to new people and an inspiration for all those that knew her.

She's out in the black now, flyin' free of all the woes of the mortal shell. Keep flyin' 11th Hour.

__________________________________________
Holding the line since December '02!

X.O. / Battalion O.I.C.

http://76thbattalion.homestead.com/index.html

http://76thbattalion.proboards.com

ANONYMOUS1

Monday, August 1, 2011 2:54 AM

I will miss you 11th Hour. Rest in peace. Thank you for all your good works.

TENTHCREWMEMBER

Monday, August 1, 2011 3:59 AM

I don't really know where to start.

11th was the first Browncoat I ever "met" here on FFF.net. She was welcoming and supported (my comparatively weak) efforts in the graphic works I did here. She was the inspiration for my first effort. Arguably, she's the reason I am where I am now...in school for Graphic Design and doing freelance graphic design works. Seems strange that I won't ever "see" her here again, only the footprints she's left us to follow in. She showed me what it meant to be a Browncoat before I even knew what one was. Simply put, she was an amazing woman, and she will be missed, though never forgotten.

From 10th to 11th, Stay shiny and Keep Flyin'.

You made the 'verse a better place, Susan...

John (TenthCrewMember)

SIMONWHO

Monday, August 1, 2011 1:27 PM

This is so sad - cancer takes too many, too soon. Her posts here always stood out with her Catwoman avatar, a reminder of how long she had been a Browncoat, and her artwork was so distinctive. I'm just going through some of her old posts now, including the one where Universal threatened her with legal action:

http://www.fireflyfans.net/mthread.asp?b=2&t=24829

A cool alt DVD cover:

http://www.fireflyfans.net/sunroomitem.asp?i=6613

And who could forget the Llamas?

http://www.fireflyfans.net/sunroomitem.asp?i=7160

I didn't have any personal connection with her but I'm sorry for her loss and my thoughts go out to those who knew her.

ROXYFREEFALL

Monday, August 1, 2011 3:19 PM

This absolutely breaks my heart. She has been a part of this community as long as I can remember. Her art was so incredible. This world is less shiny with her absent from it. My condolences to her family and those very close to her. I wish I had the chance to interact with her more.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DFTBA!

KIMONOKO

Monday, August 1, 2011 3:26 PM

My sincerest condolences to everyone at FFF.net, Browncoats as a whole, and most especially to the Tomb family. She was an asset to our community and she will be sorely missed. Rest in peace.

Søren Hough, AKA kimonoko
Administrator of the Cortex
http://facebook.com/thecortex

KIMONOKO

Monday, August 1, 2011 3:26 PM

TENTHCREWMEMBER

Monday, August 1, 2011 3:48 PM

Can't help but reminisce...

Susan was my introduction to the Browncoat society. When I first came to FFF.net I was excited to see there was a community, and I spent an entire day just lurking to see what was going on, which is how I found her posters. I was immediately inspired to do a wallpaper for my computer and I contacted her to ask her permission to use her images in a design of my own. After explaining the idea, she was all for it, and well, here it is:

http://beta.fireflyfans.net/bluesun.aspx?bid=1563

Thanks again, Susan, for selflessly supporting my efforts here, for welcoming me into a family I will always have, and for unknowingly changing my life forever :)

My utmost respect and condolences to the Tomb family, she was a light in our 'verse, and will always be. Thank you.

John (TenthCrewMember)

PIZMOBEACH

Monday, August 1, 2011 5:41 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by HerFriend:
More details: Thank you all for your posts. Susan was a very private person but we felt it was fitting to share a few details of her last few days with her 'verse of friends. Susan was first treated for cancer (Hodgkins) in her late teens. She was in and out of remission a few time since but always kept herself focused on life and her art, not the cancer. About three weeks ago she asked her close friend Bret to take her in for some tests as she was not feeling well and having trouble swallowing. At the hospital the doctors ordered more tests which resulted in her being admitted that same day. After a few days and several more tests the doctors informed Bret that the cancer had spread through her body. Bret called me and another friend SLWade to the hospital for support, and informed Susan's beloved uncle in Virginia. Susan died that day with the three of us by her bedside.

Since then, we, her uncle and mother converged in LA to support each other and help settle her affairs. Susan ran several websites including her Cafe Press site. Definitive plans for the sites have not been made yet as certain legal steps must be taken, but the hope is to keep her sites and her art alive. Please bear with us as we put her affairs in order and sort out the legal issues concerning her websites.

Last, a few have asked about her cat, Rocko, now retired. I will be inviting Rocko to live with me and my two cats. I hope to provide him a comfortable pod befitting a very sweet, bona fide companion.

Thanks again for your posts, it has comforted us to realize how many lives were touched by 11th Hour as well as humbling to realize the extent of her legacy in the Browncoat community

Memorial: Susan's ashes were picked up today by friends and family. Her ashes were scattered at the 11th Hour in the hollywood hills high above any sign of life. There between the city lights and the stars, one may look down upon the city of angels (mudders though we be, beach wood right the left) and reflect on her life and art, guerilla posters and all the rest.

Her Friend, Valerie

A very touching and beautiful memorial - thank you for sharing.
It's hard for me to think of Firefly without her art - hopefully, once you have some time, you'll be able to post how we can contribute (paypal, etc) to keeping her sites running for all Browncoats and for all the new fans.

Scifi movie music + Firefly dialogue clips, 24 hours a day - http://www.scifiradio.com

SAVEWASH

Monday, August 1, 2011 5:49 PM

I am so sorry to hear this news.

My deepest condolences to all of her family and friends.

VERSEEXPLORER

Monday, August 1, 2011 7:23 PM

So sorry to here about 11th Hour. As others have mentioned, she was one of the first to greet me to the site. She will be greatly missed, but she has left us her wonderful artwork.

ARTCAT81

Monday, August 1, 2011 10:11 PM

Valerie,

Thank you for sharing those details with us. I know this must be completely overwhelming right now.

I am seconding what someone else has already said, if a tribute or a favorite charity is mentioned, I know the community would love to honor her by contributing to it.

She touched many of our lives, and it would be an honor to do so in her memory for others.

Browncoats are the shiniest folks in the 'verse

RIMCAT

Tuesday, August 2, 2011 10:29 PM

May the Black hold her soul.

Rimcat

KIRABOO

Wednesday, August 3, 2011 12:58 AM

Hello all~

I am currently working with Valerie to setup a large fund raiser to honor the memory of 11th Hour.

Susan was kind enough to allow me to use some of her artwork for my own gorilla marketing campaign. Those that sent me shirts got them printed (Browncoat-ified as I like to say) free of charge. Them that wore the shirts were always stopped for inquiries. Those people have introduced so many more to the world of Firefly. I have printed hundreds and hundreds of shirts for people all over the world using some of her designs as well as my own.

We haven't gotten our TV show back or another movie but what we did find were amazing people like Susan.

Now, I would like to go back to the roots and do another even larger print run in Susan's honor.

More information will be to follow, in fact you all will probably be tired of hearing about it because I plan to spread the word far and wide. Right now November seems to be the month and Eugene Oregon the place.

We are the mighty ones,
--=Kiraboo=--

WYOBAR

Wednesday, August 3, 2011 3:05 AM

Susan will always be the heart of the Browncoats to me. She welcomed me to the verse and we had many late night chats on the OB. Her art was alive and spoke to my husband and myself. 9tiercel wears one of her shirts every single week, without fail. The world seems just so empty without her.

"dong ma"

WYOBAR

Wednesday, August 3, 2011 3:06 AM

Please keep me in the loop with this..a fitting memorial for our friend.

"dong ma"

SERGEANTX

Wednesday, August 3, 2011 3:49 AM

This truly a loss. I had the honor of meeting Susan, who had shared her talents on the making of the Serenity Roleplaying game. She will be sorely missed.

SergeantX

"It's a cold and it's a broken hallelujah"

QUOTERGAL

Wednesday, August 3, 2011 4:46 PM

Would this fundraiser in November maybe be on 11/11/11? (As WHEDONesquer NYPinTA pointed out to me, that date seems fitting for something in honor/memory of 11th Hour.)

Just a thought in passing, not, of course crucial. The important thing is the fundraiser in 11th's name, and it's a great idea. I do look forward to hearing more about it in the weeks to come - thanks for letting us know.

(This date thing may seem duh obvious to everyone else, but when it was first pointed out to me, I couldn't believe I hadn't thought of it myself.)

LIONESS

Wednesday, August 3, 2011 5:52 PM

I still wear the shirts that the Eugene Oregon Browncoats made and still get comments. The ones that 11th Hour designed are especially nice. I look forward to hearing what is planned.

DAWNSISTER

Wednesday, August 3, 2011 6:43 PM

Could you please contact me, over on the Browncoat Ball webpage? Www.browncoatball.com or better, thru the fb page.

We would like to do something to honor 11th Hour, at this Ur's Ball. I need some contact information, and we could also
And maybe we can help w/the ffundraiser in some way.
Thank you.
Shelley
'Dawnsister'

KIRABOO

Thursday, August 4, 2011 5:50 AM

I sent Shelley or 'Dawnsister' a message through this site but I thought I would make it known that I will be doing the initial organization with those of the yahoo group EugeneBrowncoats(my Browncoat home). If you would like to add your two cents please feel free to join the group. I will also have a fund raiser site up ASAP. You can also contact me directly via e-mail misschiefm(at)gmail.com.

Keep Flyin'
--=Kiraboo=--

RIONAEIRE

Thursday, August 4, 2011 6:13 AM

I think that we at PDX Browncoats north of you guys would want to help and be involved if possible, are you who I think you are? Anyways let us know, I haven't seen anything announced on our site yet (pdxbrowncoats.com), I think we would like to help.

"A completely coherant River means writers don't deliver" KatTaya

AMDOBELL

Friday, August 5, 2011 10:20 PM

Such sad news. I loved her artwork though never had the pleasure of meeting her. Having lost my dear mum to bone cancer my heart goes out to Susan's family, friends and fellow Browncoats.

Ali D :~)
You can't take the sky from me...

YELLOWJACKET

Friday, August 5, 2011 11:34 PM

She will be missed, as will her unstoppable spirit and artistic talents. Goodnight, Susan.

ZZETTA13

Sunday, August 7, 2011 12:24 AM

Very sad news. Although we never met or really knew one another I still feel that I’ve lost a friend.

Z

POWERPOPSTER

Monday, August 8, 2011 2:57 AM

Damn. Just heard the sad news on Sending a Wave. 11th was such a treasure...I never met her and I never really posted on-line much anywhere, but I corresponded with her a bit, bought her stuff and used her guerrilla artwork everywhere. We made a lot of new browncoats.

Here's her last e-mail from '09. The joy in that woman always came shining through in her words. But that last line of hers has me crying now as i write this... :(

Sail on silver girl.

"Susan (11th Hour) Tombs 8/02/09

Howdy Roland,
I am honored that you recognized my design even without a hint... or a vowel... or a hint of a vowel. Very cool! It is exciting to have a t-shirt design out there that's all official and stuff, and a bit ironical considering the tussle that Universal's lawyers had with my Cafe Press shop a while back. Funny how situations can take a surprising turn after time has passed.

I appreciate that you check into my website to see any changes or updates, very nice to be remembered. Things have actually been rather quiet on my guerilla marketing and FF/S art websites. I've been very busy working on other projects, so the Firefly/Serenity sites have been quietly traveling in their orbits, but nothing much in the way of updates has happened in a while. The latest new FF/S fan art I added was a color depiction of River holding her axe and sword and standing in her Reaver slaying pose. But that's the last update of new art and it was earlier this year, I think. Even though my FF/S sites are quiet, I still keep them going. So many really great FF/S fansites of the past are gone, I have a whole bunch of bookmarks that go to "page not found" messages now... so sad! Keeping the websites going is part of keeping the 'Verse going, so I wish those sites were still there... refusing to give up!

Now that I'm working with QMx it's quite possible that we'll do more projects together, so that will help in getting some new art on the websites. I still have so many FF/S project ideas that I'd love to do, and having a way to do them officially makes it possible for the projects to be realized.

I'm so glad you are still enjoying the posters and cards, knowing that means a lot to me. All the Firefly/Serenity art I've created has been made with love for the 'Verse, and it's so cool to know the art connects with others who also love the 'Verse... and if the art is also drawing new folk to FF/S, then I'm a doubly happy Art Companion. ;-)

Thank you so much for your delightful message and words of congratulations... and for ordering one of my shirts, yay! I hope to be offering more official goodies in the near future!

Shiny days,

Susan/11th

P.S.
I scrolled down to read the previous emails... wow, it's like taking a time machine! The earliest one is almost 3 years old now, kind of surreal to go back and read about what was going on back then. So much was happening, and is happening, and is yet to happen. The story continues..."

--Roland
(powerpopster here, there and everywhere...)

CORTEXOVERRIDE

Sunday, August 14, 2011 4:26 AM

My thoughts and prayers go out to her friends and family.

(((tO sPARK tHE mOVEMENT)))

ASARIAN

Sunday, August 14, 2011 7:39 AM

I am hard-pressed to think of any Browncoat who made the words "Done The Impossible" more real and personal than 11th Hour; for I daresay she has done more for the 'Verse, with her pinky alone, than most Browncoats could accomplish in their lifetime using a full set of hands. And yet, day like this, first words that leapt to mind were that of Kaylee: "Sometimes a thing gets broke can't be fixed." :(

The 'Verse will continue to exist without her; 'Verses do that: moons and planets never halt their orbital spin, and stars never dim their light -- not even for a second. I often wish they would. We can, of course, stand still ourselves for a moment. And it does me good to see many folks do. It's moments like these that I'm proud to be a member of this Browncoat community.

From here on in we can sadly only reminisce about the many times she touched the 'Verse, in her equally many artful ways. Nevertheless, I'm glad I was here, to commemorate our finest Hour.

N.B. And a special thanks to my old friend FollowMal, who was kind and decent enough to inform me of this tragedy.

--
"Mei-mei, everything I have is right here." -- Simon Tam

SEBA

Wednesday, August 31, 2011 11:59 AM

I just found out about this. I haven't been to this site in years, but like most of you, have always been aware of her presence and most certainly her art. I never communicated with her directly, but she was such a prominent figure it was impossible not to know of her and her work. A great talent that will be missed.

ARTCAT81

Wednesday, November 9, 2011 10:30 PM

Really surprised this hasn't been posted here yet... details of her Tribute (I'm just spreading the signal check the site for details):

http://adamwhiting.com/Firefly/other/EugeneTshirts.html

[quote}Not only was 11th Hour (aka Susan Renee Tomb) a kind and giving person who made innumerable friends and acquaintances throughout the Firefly 'verse, she was also able to span the gap of Firefly fandom and transition into a licensed artist with Universal Studios. 11th Hour was an amazing artist and is an icon for Firefly guerrilla marketing. She gave us all outstanding posters to revel in our fandom and a means to seek a little bit more Serenity. She was kind enough to allow the EugeneBrowncoats to print those posters on shirts in 2005. People from all over the world sent us shirts to Browncoat-ify with her guerrilla marketing posters.

Now that 11th Hour has passed, we would like to honor her by returning to the printing presses and printing more shirts from those original images. We are going to have an amazing shindig in her honor and raise funds to dedicate in her memory!

Browncoats are the shiniest folks in the 'verse
www.texasartcat.com/bluesun.html <--my bluesunshop