kylejack Posted October 29, 2010 Share Posted October 29, 2010 There's a man with some kind of medical condition, maybe scoliosis or something. He walks with a pretty significant hobble, and he's got this big Gandalf-looking staff that he walks with, plus a bunch of stuff he carries on his back. He has a pretty bohemian style of dress, and I think at least one earring. He does a lot of walking in the Montrose area. I've seen him walking all over the place in Montrose for years and years.He has a really positive energy about him and I've wondered what his story is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstonartstudent Posted October 29, 2010 Share Posted October 29, 2010 That's Merlin...I saw him just the other day and he had died his hair blue. I've never spoken to him personally but my friends have told me he's a pretty nice/friendly guy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sidegate Posted October 29, 2010 Share Posted October 29, 2010 Yeah, I've seen him on many occasions and wondered the same thing.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricco67 Posted October 29, 2010 Share Posted October 29, 2010 He works/hangs out at the Magic Cauldron. Talked to him briefly in the past and seems like a pretty cool cat.The character *I* miss is "Island man" I always wonder what happened to him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbigtex56 Posted October 29, 2010 Share Posted October 29, 2010 He works/hangs out at the Magic Cauldron. Talked to him briefly in the past and seems like a pretty cool cat.The character *I* miss is "Island man" I always wonder what happened to him.I've also met up with him at KPFT's "After Hours" program.Haven't seen Island Man in a long time. True story: about 15 years ago, a friend saw him in his usual spot, but huddled under a blanket. Concerned, he went up and tapped him on the shoulder - "Are you OK?" Island man peeked out, and my friend could see that he had a tiny portable TV. "Shh!," he said "I'm watching Oprah!" 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted October 30, 2010 Share Posted October 30, 2010 Merlin! I remember him from my various times living in Montrose over the years. I saw him walking down Westheimer a few weeks ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura1406 Posted October 30, 2010 Share Posted October 30, 2010 I saw him a couple of days ago on Montrose. The blue hair is something else... I thought it might be for Halloween. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted October 30, 2010 Share Posted October 30, 2010 Ah yes... I have purchased this man many 18-packs of cheap Texas beer. One time I actually stuck around with him after a beer run. Turns out he lost his entire family while serving in Vietnam. He came back to an empty home. He was of course devastated. Never recovered. I dont think any sane person would ever recover from something like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted October 30, 2010 Author Share Posted October 30, 2010 My sources tell me his real name is Bob. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dguet Posted November 17, 2010 Share Posted November 17, 2010 He's a very nice guy, but strange. He participates in Wiccan/Pagan religions and is often seen with them at the Gay Pride parade. i believe his lover died of AIDS about 15 years ago because they were in the room next to my partner.He's a small spark of the "old Montrose." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lockmat Posted November 18, 2010 Share Posted November 18, 2010 My sources tell me his real name is Bob.What about Bob?;P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whoopitman Posted October 26, 2013 Share Posted October 26, 2013 (edited) He is a dear friend.I used to work as production manager at Opera in the Heights and I needed a staff for this one opera that I was prop master for.I saw him walking down Waugh with one of his staffs and asked him where he got it.He said he made it and gave me the fee for such a treasure.Well, it wasn't in the budget but we became good friends as a result.This friendship was kindled deeper when I worked at Lobo Bookstore where he was a regular.He likes to go by Merlyn.You can see him as a wizard on commercials advertising The Magic Cauldron.He was born with spinalbifida but it doesn't stop him from anything...have you seen this guy booking down Montrose?...Amazing! His real name is Bobby Paganno so I was told by him.He was at my last Thanksgiving Party much to my joy and honor.He is a sweetheart and a Montrose Legend. I love him dearly! Edited October 26, 2013 by whoopitman 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fortbendtomontrose Posted February 24, 2015 Share Posted February 24, 2015 Here's an interesting, recent YouTube video of Merlyn filmed near the Menil by Free Press Houston: http://youtu.be/ZLpGeHS83xk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobruss Posted March 6, 2015 Share Posted March 6, 2015 (edited) Thanks for posting that video. He walks past our house often and I've admired how he manages to cover so much ground with his disability. When I hear about people complaining about having to walk a block or even across a parking lot to get to their meeting or dinner I think of Merlyn(Bob), and shake my head. He is an amazing person who doesn't let anything slow him down. I liked his christmas lighting on his staff during the holidays. Not only could you hear him humming but you could see him coming in the dark with those blue lights blinking. Edited March 6, 2015 by bobruss Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gene Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 no lie, i have seen this guy walking around for about 20 years and he IS montrose...seems like such a cool guy and loved watching that video..thanks for posting! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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