[updated x2]
While I gave up reading his books a while ago, still, it's sad to hear that Robert Jordan, creator of the Wheel of Time series, died yesterday. Oddly enough, I learned of this from George R. R. Martin's blog, who I consider the inheritor of the genre who took RJ's place in my affections years ago for really well-done fantasy. Jordan's work had lost focus and had grown far too unwieldy after a while, not to mention that it stretched my credulity too often. But enough about that. I'm sorry he's gone: he was sick for some time, and from the little I've been able to tell, there is some mechanism in place to at least tell fans what should have happened had he been able to finish his series.
I couldn't get through to the announcement at Dragonmount (probably server overload), but I found the notice elsewhere:
The following is reposted from:
From http://www.dragonmount.com/RobertJordan/
Posted by Wilson on September 16th, 2007 in the Robert Jordan's Blog
category
It is with great sadness that I tell you that the Dragon is gone. RJ
left us today at 2:45 PM. He fought a valiant fight against this most
horrid disease. In the end, he left peacefully and in no pain. In the
years he had fought this, he taught me much about living and about
facing death. He never waivered in his faith, nor questioned our God's
timing. I could not possibly be more proud of anyone. I am eternally
grateful for the time that I had with him on this earth and look
forward to our reunion, though as I told him this afternoon, not yet.
I love you bubba.
Our beloved Harriet was at his side through the entire fight and to
the end. The last words from his mouth were to tell her that he loved her.
Thank each and everyone of you for your prayers and support through
this ordeal. He knew you were there. Harriet reminded him today that
she was very proud of the many lives he had touched through his work.
We've all felt the love that you've been sending my brother/cousin.
Please keep it coming as our Harriet could use the support.
Jason will be posting funeral arrangements.
My sincerest thanks.
Peace and Light be with each of you,
Wilson
Brother/Cousin
4th of 3
I was introduced to WoT as a teenager by a friend, and I still remember that old copy of Eye of the World with the cover torn off. In turn, I shared the series with my brother, a fellow fantasy enthusiast. We read the books together and speculated endlessly for years, and I met others (especially kitsah) with whom I also discussed the books until our patience for the never-ending tale died and we gave up. Ah, well. R.I.P. James Rigney aka Robert Jordan.
ETA: GRRM's post | Neil Gaiman's post
Jordan's letter to Locus about his condition, 23 March 2006