R.I.P. John M. Ford

Shweta · Sep 28, 2006

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 · Sep 28, 2006

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 · Sep 28, 2006

He was my age.

Shweta · Sep 28, 2006

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 · Sep 28, 2006

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 · Sep 28, 2006

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 · Sep 28, 2006

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 · Sep 28, 2006

Shweta said:
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:

RedWombat · Sep 28, 2006

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

Higgins · Sep 28, 2006

Younger than me

Shadow_Ferret said:
He was my age.

Yikes.

ChunkyC · Sep 28, 2006

What a shame. Rest easy, JMF.

dragonjax · Sep 28, 2006

Crap.

Just...ah, crap.

R.I.P. John M. Ford

Shweta

Sick and absent

Evaine

Shadow_Ferret

Court Jester

Shweta

Sick and absent

TheIT

Infuriatingly Theoretical

TheIT

Infuriatingly Theoretical

Shweta

Sick and absent

TheIT

Infuriatingly Theoretical

RedWombat

Runs With Scissors

Higgins

ChunkyC

It's hard being green

dragonjax

I write stuff and break boards.