R.I.P. John M. Ford

[Shweta]

April 10, 1957 – September 25, 2006

I just found out that John M. Ford died.

This is a horrible sadness, and I don't know what to say :(

http://nielsenhayden.com/makinglight/archives/008033.html#008033

Figured, though, that everyone here ought to know.
:curl up in corner whimpering now:

[Evaine]

I'm sorry to hear that. How Much for Just the Planet? was one of the best Star Trek novelisations I ever read. (He was also very good at Klingons). The Dragon Waiting was a very good historical vampire novel, too. I was impressed particularly that he had taken the trouble to get the legend of Llangorse Lake right - which is pretty obscure, outside the area. I live quite close to Llangorse (in Mid Wales).

[Shadow_Ferret]

He was my age. :cry:

[Shweta]

I've only read Dragon Waiting. I'd been meaning to read more any day now...

Shadow Ferret: He was too damn young, yes. But TNH's blog says he was ill for decades, though. Ill health will do it to any of us at any age.

[TheIT]

Sad news, indeed. How Much For Just the Planet? is one of my favorite cheer-up books ever. Time to raise a glass in toast of someone whose work will be missed (or perhaps a cream pie will be more appropriate).

[TheIT]

I just remembered - Shweta, you're not a Star Trek fan. Even so, I'd highly recommend How Much for Just the Planet? as a comic SF novel. I think a non-Trek fan should be able to follow the action. My "cream pie" comment refers to the last act.

[Shweta]

From Jane Yolen's journal:

Mike Ford did not expect to live very long. Those of us who loved him, hoped he would live forever. We were all confounded. Yes, he lived past his body’s sell-by date. Thank God for transplants. But he didn’t live long enough for all the books, poems, Dr. Mike shows, stories, ripostes, encyclopedic answers, charming re-histories, and solid friendships we wanted from him. How much poorer we all are for that.
http://www.janeyolen.com/journal.html

I didn't go to the Ask Doctor Mike panel at Minicon this year. Figured I could go another time. There will never, ever, ever, be another time. And I am an idiot.

[TheIT]

I didn't go to the Ask Doctor Mike panel at Minicon this year. Figured I could go another time. There will never, ever, ever, be another time. And I am an idiot.

No, you're not an idiot. :: holds up Minds, etc. threads as evidence :: We all play "If only" games when something bad happens, but assuming that "there will be another time" is normal. No need to beat yourself up about the missed opportunity.

Hang in there. :Hug2:

[UrsulaV]

I was very bummed about this myself. Ford was a dyed-in-the-wool genius. His comments over at Making Light were priceless.

[Higgins]

He was my age. :cry:

Yikes.

[ChunkyC]

What a shame. Rest easy, JMF.

[dragonjax]

Crap.

Just...ah, crap.