(Image and text by Dawn Davies)
Amateur astronomers are some of the most unique people when it comes to the passion they have for their hobby but also in the diversity of their other interests. They are so rarely just astronomers and this is no different for our dear friend Darron Spohn.
Most of us know him for his involvement in AAS over the years. He was a keen and knowledgeable observer, active outreach volunteer and dedicated member of the executive committee. Over the course of his time in the society he held numerous roles, as so many do. Darron was an intrepid editor of the Sidereal Times, steadfast Equipment Chair, and he held the important position of PR Committee Chair; a role that would later become Communications. He spoke from a place of great experience, commanding an audience with a calm voice and demeanor that was wise beyond his years.
Stemming from his interest in astronomy were other curiosities and aptitudes. He was a renowned photographer known for his gripping action shots at motorcycle races around the country. He also managed to capture the spirit of an entire community as the photographer at the Kerrville Folk Festival starting as far back as the late eighties. Born in Houston and most recently a resident of Colorado; Darron would always call Kerrville his hometown. He spent time there working as a journalist and photographer at the Kerrville Daily Times before heading to the Silicon Valley in California to work for such greats as Apple. Amidst all of this he would find time to make regular pilgrimages to Denmark with close friends and his brother Edward.
Eventually he made his way back to Austin and Central Texas where he took up with the likes of likeminded individuals and avid stargazers. He and his wife Susan made a home here and Darron focused his attention on academics, finishing his schooling at St. Edwards University graduating with a degree in Environmental Policy.
He was a lover of a great many things, most of which usually involved looking through some form of lens, though he was never one to turn down a nice glass of scotch or a good cigar. He was a renaissance man and a raconteur of great acclaim. No subject was beyond his grasp and such narration was made only more entertaining by his unassailable wit and welcoming smile. For those of us that called Darron friend we first lost him in 2014 when a new job for Sue meant a relocation of the Spohns to Castle Rock. Making the occasional visit back, most communication was relegated to social media where he posted regularly about his travels and activities and how much cooler it was in Colorado versus the inferno of Texas. He created Light Craftsman, his website showcasing his photographic endeavors but would later hang up his cameras to pursue an interest in woodworking.
Earlier this year tragedy struck when Darron’s brother Ed lost his long battle to cancer. It was a jarring experience for the Spohn family and especially for Darron due to his extremely close relationship with his sibling. Even more unexpected was that two months later our friend would get a similar diagnosis.
After just two weeks following the news of his own cancer, on June 27 we lost Darron Spohn. He is survived by his dear wife Sue, son Alan and his father Alan and stepmother Signa. We say goodbye to an amazing individual, remarkable astronomer, man of many talents, but most of all… friend.
(Should you wish to make a donation in his honor AAS will be collecting contributions to be given to the American Humane Society per the family’s request.)
