Hamilton Rousseau III, R.I.P.
Dallas has lost one its unique foodie characters–Hamilton Rousseau III, former owner of Ifs Ands & Butts, the eclectic soda and tobacco shop in the Bishop Arts District, passed away on Wednesday, August 13th. He died after a long struggle with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), a rare bleeding disorder. More on Rousseau from one of his dear friends:
William Hamilton Rousseau III, 1945 - 2008, Eclectic, Enigmatic, Cosmopolitan Charlestonian, noted communicator, strategist, researcher, philosopher, and anthropologic theorist, departed this world at 3:13pm, Wednesday, 13 August 2008. Rousseau died after a long struggle with life-long nemesis SLE [Systemic]. Throughout the previous fortnight Rousseau had been following a radical state-of-the-craft treatment regime delivered by UT Southwestern Medical Center’s team of physicians under the auspices of the Dallas Veterans Administration Hospital, Dallas TX. His departure leaves his earthly remains in the hands of UT Southwestern’s research program for further study of the puzzling presentations of Lupus.
Known here in the South West territories of America as simply Hamilton Rousseau, he will be primarily remembered by the citizenry as the original founder, owner, and resident scholar storyteller of the nationally and internationally recognized “World’s Most Famous Soda Pop and Tobacco Shop” IFS ANDS & BUTTS formerly located at 408 Bishop Avenue, Bishop Arts District, Olde Oak Cliff in Dallas,Texas US, 1996 - 2005.
In retirement, Rousseau had been working on the ultimate compilation of his visionary theoretics entitled “I-ZATION,” publishing much of his written material on his WebSite. His beloved Aaron Kitchens, GIGABYTE GROUP, the wizard behind the curtain of hamiltonrousseau.com and core collaborator in Rousseau’s intricate internet work-in-progress COR3, will be continuing the website for access and future access to some of Rousseau’s work.
The Life-Long collection of tapes & manuscripts comprising Rousseau’s Magnum Opus will be curated by Diane Pilot, EDAT’ART, his devoted friend, collaborator, and champion.
5 Comments to “Hamilton Rousseau III, R.I.P.”
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He was an absolute delight. Hanging out with him in his store was one of the most original experiences in Dallas. He will be missed.
Jennifer, I agree. I have fond memories of him and his store. I also liked his South Carolina (I think) drawl.
I was lucky enough to be an irregular patron of his unique establishment. And he was truly one of a kind. From historical yarns to the mystical allure of Orangina and vodka, thanks Hamilton.
I worked with him for two summers and a school year.
He was a character, and i wish I got to speak/see him before this travesty.
I hope he’s not only remembered for his southern accent, but what he had to offer to oak cliff.
It was always a trip to wander into his shop and add a little spice to the day by getting him started on some esoteric thread - every statement tinged with subtle Southern humor of the velvet hammer variety. Irreplaceable; a truly unique character - those who were blessed to have known him have lost the filé to their gumbo.