thatcrazycajun | Jul. 13th, 2009

Fannishly filched from several on my f-list: Charles N. "Chuck" Brown, founder, publisher and until now sole editor of Locus, the magazine that had its very own Hugo Awards category ("semiprozine") for many years of reporting on the world of literary science fiction and fan activities, has passed away at 72. His magazine's website carries his obituary here; apparently he died on the way home from last weekend's Readercon, peacefully in his sleep.

I never knew the man personally, but I have many times perused the reportage in his publication, and found myself entertained and enlightened. Locus has become an institution in fandom, and for its founding and nurturing through the decades, Mr. Brown richly deserves to be remembered. Some of my friends have had more direct dealings with him, both positive and less so, and I refer you to them for further background.

Chuck was among the fannish celebrities immortalized via pseudonym in Larry Niven et al.'s right-wing-dystopia novel Fallen Angels a few years back. Somehow, though, I think he'd consider the magazine he worked so hard to build his most appropriate memorial...and it's hard to argue. Requiescat in pace, sir, and thank you.