Ad astra, Uncle Forry

[spatch]

Forrest J. Ackerman, the "First Fan" of science-fiction, is not long for this world. Forry helped start the first-ever "scientifiction" fanzine, he attended the first-ever science-fiction convention, he edited sci-fi magazines, and he's arguably done more than anyone -- honestly -- to help elevate the science-fiction genre and open it up, culturally, to as many people as possible. He's also got the largest collection of sci-fi memorabilia in the world.

He is 91. He is not expected to make it to his 92nd birthday at the end of this month.

I cannot even begin to tell you how sad this news is to me. He is a true legend and we shall never see the likes of him again.

Comments

[thetathx1138.livejournal.com]

I feel bad for Forry, but he had a good life, at least.

[xiphias.livejournal.com]

I don't feel bad for 4E. I feel bad for myself, in that I only ever met him once, and that only in passing. I did get to shake his hand. But I'm unlikely to ever meet him again.

[vanguardcdk.livejournal.com]

That is really sad. From everything I've heard he's one of the nicest guys you'd ever meet.

Aint It Cool has a tribute page with an address for sending final notes and such at: http://www.aintitcool.com/node/38960

[myolite.livejournal.com]

I met him at a con in KC a number of years ago. He is a delightful, charming man.

Several news sources reported he had passed already, without verifying the news.

[spatch]

I feel bad for myself in that I never got to meet him at all.

But he's had an amazing life. He's done so much and he's inspired and helped so many people. Just an incredible legacy.

[tonysalieri.livejournal.com]

It seems like there are all these SciFi greats, him and Clark, who are living into their 90's. I wonder if it's driven from a desire to finally see the world reflect some of the wonder and optimism that the genre could invoke...

SO yeah, very sad :(

[boggle-e-oggle.livejournal.com]

Is this a call for a Dylan-visits-Guthrie-on-deathbed scene? I just need a room number.