I knew it was coming (see my FJA birthday post) and had been coming for some time, but I just got word yesterday (via Boing Boing, io9, and MetaFilter, wherein lie comments and links galore) that Forrest J Ackerman, "pioneering science fiction fan, editor and writer who coined the term 'sci-fi,' " Prime Mover behind Famous Monsters of Filmland, and a seminal part of my childhood, died on December 4th at age 92.
I told my one Forry story here; I'm afraid I don't have any others.
He had a good run and is fondly remembered by many, many people as being a kind and generous man, quick to share his passions (or obsessions, your choice) with others and always, always willing to take the time to talk with a fan.
As someone said recently, "Klaatu barada nice dude."
3 comments:
Yes, even though so imminent recently, it's a very sad loss.
I did not know till last week that Uncle Forry coined the word that Harlan Ellison so vehemently hated. Oh well, Ellison vehemently hates a lot of things.
Even knowing in advance didn't mitigate the sadness I felt once I saw the headlines, but still...92... an excellent run.
I can't completely disagree with Harlan on the use of "sci-fi," or "skiffy," as he liked to pronounce it, at least as far as Ellison's own works are concerned, but sometimes Harlan seems so...touchy. He needs to take a Valium and go lie down.
So sad. He was one in many, many millions.
By the way, see my comment back a few posts--I didn't see your reply to me until I returned from VA (since I was completely without connection! Yikes!), so drat... missed that opportunity.
I'm sure I'll be back sometime in the spring, once the insane project on which I'm working is either complete or going up in failure flames!
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