Naughtily natty to the end: David Hartwell (1941-2016)

[randy_byers]

Comments

[gerisullivan]

So well said, every word. Thank you.

[randy_byers]

Thanks, Geri. I still feel I didn't get to all the good stuff, too.

[don_fitch]

There have been many fine memorial comments about David, but I (who knew him less well than you did) think this may have been the best. Thanks.

[randy_byers]

Thank you, Don. This means a lot to me.

Hit it out of the park.

[tand_mark]

Perhaps the ideal fannish tribute to David. You should *seriously, I mean* send this to Locus. And if they print it, I want you to autograph my copy.

Re: Hit it out of the park.

[randy_byers]

Thanks, Mark, but I'm sure they'll be getting tributes from some heavy hitters. It's just nice that my friends can enjoy what I've written.

Re: Hit it out of the park.

[randy_byers]

I see that NYRSF is soliciting contributions for a memorial issue, so I'll probably submit this there. If anyone else want to contribute, you can contact Kevin Maroney at kjm@panix.com. Deadline is February 14.

Thanks

[ext_772334]

Thanks for this, Randy.

To be (almost) completely candid, David and I were always an item. Ours was a 31-year relationship. (Or am I counting wrong? 32, maybe?)

Re: Thanks

[randy_byers]

Well, my superhero name is Captain Oblivious, so I never noticed until you guys outed yourselves.

Thank you for sharing your memories and pictures.

[ksavagexxx]

My last meal with David was during Sasquan with David Marusek at the Historic Davenport Hotel. I grabbed the bill and would not let him pay (he grinned mightily at that). We talked about cameras, Alaska and what books he edited that he was excited about. He was particularly proud of getting Cecelia Holland to write Dragon Heart. He was a fan and years before I bought a copy of one of Holland's books from his table at ReaderCon in part because of his enthusiasm. He was also happy to see Gene Wolfe 's A Borrowed Man about to hit the stores.

One matter that cuts me to the bone about his death is that he was vibrating with excitement over an alternative history book coming out in the spring. In it the Israel state is founded in Poland instead of the Middle East. I wish he would have had the chance to see it published and win the accolades I am sure it will deserve.

Re: Thank you for sharing your memories and pictures.

[randy_byers]

Thank you, Kate, those are great anecdotes, and congrats on managing to treat David to a meal, which is something I don't think I ever did.