You're the second person to tell me that. When you're involved in organized SF events for four decades, you meet people and accumulate stories. I wouldn't know where to begin.
SF fandom is a cross between a small town and a sprawling dysfunctional family, complete with the relatives you don't talk about. (Precisely which those are will depend on who you are...) Many of the stories are "You had to be there..." told to people who are also part of the family, because "mundanes" (the SF fan descriptor for folks who
aren't fans) will lack the context to get the story.
With only one or two exceptions, the pros I've met have been splendid people as well as good at what they did, and some have become friends.
I met Leo, Diane, and their son Lee decades back. The Brooklyn Museum had an exhibit of Brooklyn Artists of Science Fiction and Fantasy for which I did promotional graphics, and I was present at the opening. As I recall, Lee had just dropped out of school with his parent's support to pursue a career in art. He had jewellery on exhibit that I gawked at, and said "I can't
wait to see what you're going to be doing down the road!" Leo and Diane turned in unison and said "
We can!"
Sometimes I can make magic happen. The last con I was at was in April, and David Weber was Guest of Honor. I made up a set of custom bookplates for the Safehold series, because I didn't feel like logging the hardcovers to the con. David quite understood. While he was signing, I asked "What's your tipple when you drink?" His favorite was something I don't properly recall that he gets in Poland, but he said "I like single malt scotch..."
One of the things I do at SF conventions is run invitational gatherings devoted to single malt and other fine spirits, and there was an instance at that con. I just grinned and said "Have we got something for
you!", and gave him an invite. When he came to the party, he was looking at the spread that would put the average bar to shame, trying to decide what to sample. Another old friend who was present said "Don't bother. I have something better." and reached into his bag, pulled out a small bottle containing Bowmore Black, and poured a dram for David.
Bowmore Black was bottled in 1969, and is generally considered the finest single malt ever produced. If you can
find it these days, it will cost $7K or more for a bottle. (
If you can find it. Good luck.) When I got to sample it a few years previously, I held up a hand and said "Don't bother me. I'm having a religious experience!" David was properly appreciative. I just smiled and said "My work here is done."
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Dennis