Everyone at Farpoint Foundation / Farpoint Convention joins the fandom community in sadness over the sudden loss of Shore Leave Convention’s co-chair and our friend Dr. Inge Heyer.
Inge was a generous soul who personified science fiction fandom through her intelligence, kindness and compassion for all. She was willing to pitch in and help wherever and whenever needed. Inge was committed to the ideals shown in the Star Trek universe: fairness, equality, and respect to all beings regardless of their ethnicity, religious affiliation or gender identity.
Inge became part of the extended Farpoint Convention family from its beginning. She was always ready to participate and was a popular speaker in our science program track. Inge taught physics and astronomy at Loyola University and also taught all of us at conventions about the achievements and knowledge gained through space exploration. Her support and encouragement of fandom and what it represents led to Inge receiving the 2019 Volker/McChesney Award (now Contact Award) for Service to Fandom.
Inge Heyer was one of a kind. She will be missed and remembered for years to come. There will be a memorial event for Inge at Shore Leave on Sunday 7/12/2026 to honor her memory. We send our condolences and affection to her family, her many friends, the members of STAT Club and the committee and staff at Shore Leave Convention.
~~~~ Sharon VanBlarcom, Farpoint Convention Chair