In Memory of Malcolm Margolin, Beloved Friend and Storyteller

Malcom and the RRI Team.

We at RRI are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend Malcolm Margolin. A brilliant publisher, master storyteller, and longtime ally, Malcolm’s connection to our founder, Huey Johnson, runs deep. Their friendship stretches back to when Huey awarded Malcolm a grant to write his very first book, sparking the extraordinary journey that became Heyday Books.

Malcolm’s impact on California’s cultural and natural history is profound. Through his writing and publishing, he illuminated Native voices, celebrated our landscapes, and reminded us that storytelling is an act of connection. He often spoke of “folk-love”—a sensibility first nurtured in his Boston childhood, where his mother taught him to love the natural world. That folk-love became the thread that ran through all his work, uniting people, place, and story.

Malcolm described his spiritual practice as “deep hanging out”—being fully present with people and place, listening deeply, and honoring what unfolds. Fittingly, "Deep Hanging Out" was also the title of his final book, a summation of his life’s devotion to community, culture, and story.

We were honored to host Malcolm at RRI for his Forces of Nature interview. That day was standing-room only, with every person captivated by his wit, generosity, and grace. The recording remains one of the treasures of the series, a lasting reminder of his gift for revealing the deeper currents of California’s culture and character.

Malcolm leaves behind not only a remarkable publishing legacy, but also a way of being in the world that will continue to inspire us. We remember Malcolm Margolin as a national treasure, a beloved friend of Huey’s and of RRI, and one of California’s great storytellers.

Malcolm Margolin: Learning From Native Ways

Malcolm speaking with Huey Johnson, RRI Founder. Jul 5, 2013