Maston Simmons died of heart failure, late Friday evening, January 13th, at Providence Memorial Hospital. Maston was 39 years old. A popular, indeed infamous, fixture at the Acropolis, Space Room, and Slow Bar, Maston was well-known in the southeast bar community, both as an owner and as a patron. Maston was the proprietor of Vic's Tavern, in Milwaukie, until its demolition in 2005, and more recently, owned and operated Big Bertha's, the gyro shop at Sabala's Mount Tabor. Maston will always be most closely associated with Vic's, his ultimate labor of love. With his partner, Eric, he transformed the former workingman's tap room into a punkedelic parlor of kitschy esoterica, filled to the rafters with Cupie dolls, religious icons, Hamm's bears, and Elvis memorabilia. Together, they produced many memorable shows, and Vic's quickly became a favorite showcase for local bands, such as Floater and The Dry County Crooks. Maston was most often seen accompanied by his aging shepherd, Victor, to whom he remained devoted, despite the dog's failing health. Maston was a true iconoclast, a most unique, charismatic individual. He was always true to his own imperative, and always sought to make his own rules. He relished the fact that his belligerent, howling wit and take-no-prisoners, gonzo lifestyle, made him beloved by most, reviled by some, and remembered by all. And just how would Maston like to be remembered? He told his good friend and employee, Tommy Ilk, "When I die, tell people I was two inches taller than David Lee Roth." So be it. Maston is survived by his mother, sister, and nephew. A memorial of sorts has been spontaneously created in the doorway of the gyro shop at 4801 SE Hawthorne. An informal friends and family gathering will be held Sunday, January 22nd, at Slow Bar (SE Grand @ Washington), from 1-5pm. A short filmstrip of photos is posted here.