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thatcrazycajunThere's no easy, gentle way to break this sad news: we are about to lose Forrest J Ackerman. The founder/editor of the seminal genre magazine Famous Monsters of Filmland, longtime convention fixture, and owner/curator of the world's largest privately-held collection of science fiction/fantasy/horror media memorabilia, displayed in his home, the Ackermansion, is terminally ill and not expected to survive the end of the year.
I received the following message on the subject from the Atlanta Science Fiction Society (ASFS) e-mail list, which is administered through Yahoo! Groups. As a public service to my fellow SF/fantasy/horror fans—and because of the personal meaning it holds for me, because Forry had an incalculable influence on my life and fannish development—I am reposting it here. It originates from the proprietor of the website Ain't It Cool News.
Hey folks, Harry here... I spoke briefly with [Forry] earlier today, he wasn't sounding very strong, it hurt to hear his voice knowing that it wouldn't be here with us much longer. But at the same time, it was nice to say goodbye to one another.
Ackerman is one of the founders of my love of cinema. My father is the geek he is, because of his magazine—and I'm the geek I am because of his magazine as well as the influence it had on my father. ... In speaking with Uncle Forry's caretaker, an amazing gentleman named Joe Moe, I was told that Forry was lucid, peaceful and not even on pain medication, but that he was progressively getting worse—and was ready to move on. However, he was wanting to say his goodbyes to as many of his nieces and nephews that he has created in his almost 92 years on this Earth. His 92nd birthday is this November 22nd.
Many friends of Forry have visited his bedside, hearing one last story, one last pun and to say one last goodbye. Ray Bradbury even flew to his bedside. We here at AICN are preparing a fitting memorial - and something, most likely, permanent to AICN. In the meanwhile - there is a chance for you to say your final goodbye, here's how...
[Joe] told me to spread the word about Forry. Forry is leaving us quickly. If you're going to write or call, do it now before it's too late. He's in good spirits and not in any pain or taking any meds. He did not have any heart attack or stroke. He is home resting comfortably, but his body is starting to shut down and he's sleeping alot now, hes very weak.Even if you do what I did, just write "I love you" on a piece of paper and mail it, please do something if he touched your life in some way.
Joey O'Brien
Here is the address to send any get-well wishes, farewells or other messages of goodwill and gratitude:
I received the following message on the subject from the Atlanta Science Fiction Society (ASFS) e-mail list, which is administered through Yahoo! Groups. As a public service to my fellow SF/fantasy/horror fans—and because of the personal meaning it holds for me, because Forry had an incalculable influence on my life and fannish development—I am reposting it here. It originates from the proprietor of the website Ain't It Cool News.
Hey folks, Harry here... I spoke briefly with [Forry] earlier today, he wasn't sounding very strong, it hurt to hear his voice knowing that it wouldn't be here with us much longer. But at the same time, it was nice to say goodbye to one another.
Ackerman is one of the founders of my love of cinema. My father is the geek he is, because of his magazine—and I'm the geek I am because of his magazine as well as the influence it had on my father. ... In speaking with Uncle Forry's caretaker, an amazing gentleman named Joe Moe, I was told that Forry was lucid, peaceful and not even on pain medication, but that he was progressively getting worse—and was ready to move on. However, he was wanting to say his goodbyes to as many of his nieces and nephews that he has created in his almost 92 years on this Earth. His 92nd birthday is this November 22nd.
Many friends of Forry have visited his bedside, hearing one last story, one last pun and to say one last goodbye. Ray Bradbury even flew to his bedside. We here at AICN are preparing a fitting memorial - and something, most likely, permanent to AICN. In the meanwhile - there is a chance for you to say your final goodbye, here's how...
[Joe] told me to spread the word about Forry. Forry is leaving us quickly. If you're going to write or call, do it now before it's too late. He's in good spirits and not in any pain or taking any meds. He did not have any heart attack or stroke. He is home resting comfortably, but his body is starting to shut down and he's sleeping alot now, hes very weak.Even if you do what I did, just write "I love you" on a piece of paper and mail it, please do something if he touched your life in some way.
Joey O'Brien
Here is the address to send any get-well wishes, farewells or other messages of goodwill and gratitude:
Forrest J Ackerman, 4511 Russell Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Since finances prevent me from any traveling just now, I'm sending him a postcard to thank him for all his efforts on behalf of the genre and its fans. Won't you...while you still can?
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Date: 2008-11-08 10:54 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-11-09 01:38 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-11-09 08:48 am (UTC)If I can find a contact address I might see if I can send a "goodbye and good luck" note. That might be all he's up for, but it might be sufficient.