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Mike Resnick, genius science fiction author, passes away (news).

Back in December 2019, SF author Mike Resnick sent this out to his friends:

“Turns out the jaw surgery of a couple of weeks back showed up a small cancer. I’m taking radiation and chemo, and the doctors seem convinced that this is a winnable case. Still writing away, still putting out every issue of Galaxy’s Edge, and still preparing an announcement of a major breakthrough. Thanks to all my fans and friends for all your ongoing support.”

Sadly, Mike’s now lost that battle – his daughter just updated us with this:

“Laura Resnick here, Mike’s daughter. I’m very sad to have to tell you that my dad died very early today, January 10, 2020, a little after midnight.

He was diagnosed in November with a very aggressive form of lymphoma. Treatment initially went well, and we were very hopeful. But his health and strength began to decline sharply in mid-December, and a few days ago, the doctors told us they had made a decision to discontinue treatment, there was no hope, and they recommended hospice care.

Pop chose not to tell anyone how ill he was, because he was so convinced he’d get better and soon be his old self again. He mostly slept during his final days, but when awake he was in good spirits. He passed away quietly in his sleep, without pain or further suffering.

His connection to his friends, his readers, and his colleagues enriched his life, and he never stopped being delighted to meet people who read his work, who were interested in writing, who loved books and stories, and who shared his sense of wonder. He remained enthusiastic about his craft and devoted to his writing to the end of his life, and was always thrilled to be part of the science fiction community, as both a fan and a pro. He taught me a lot about being a writer and a professional.

My dad met my mom nearly 60 years ago and has been devoted to her ever since. She said to me this morning that no one could have had a better husband. My mom will miss him more than anyone, but we know he will be missed by many people.

He will be cremated, as per his wishes, in a private family service. We will plan a memorial/remembrance gathering for him later this year, at a location where we hope many of his friends can be present–maybe a convention.

Meanwhile, his long illness leaves his widow, my mom, with many large medical bills, while grieving his loss, and without him being here to generate any more income. In his memory, if you would like to help her, his medical GoFundMe is still running.

On my dad’s behalf, thank you for all the good times, good laughs, and good memories he enjoyed in what was a happy and fulfilling life.”

Mike’s GoFundMe is over at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-mike-resnick-pay-off-a-neardeath-experience

Born in 1942, Mike won five Hugo awards and was executive editor of Jim Baen’s Universe. If you want to catch up with his work, Santiago: a Myth of the Far Future, is one of his best books – it seems to be serving as a blueprint for The Mandalorian on TV, at any rate.

Santiago was published in 1986 and is a Wild West-style tall tale with lonely heroes, shoot-outs and faithless companions. Mike wrote hundreds of novels and short stories during his time with us. They all live on.

Mike Resnick, genius science fiction author, passes away
Mike Resnick, genius science fiction author, passes away

ColonelFrog

Colonel Frog is a long time science fiction and fantasy fan. He loves reading novels in the field, and he also enjoys watching movies (as well as reading lots of other genre books).

One thought on “Mike Resnick, genius science fiction author, passes away (news).

  • He’ll be missed. I’ve enjoyed many of his stories, most recently ‘A Typical Tale of Bloodlust and Conquest’ in Future Science Fiction Digest 4. He had a great career.

    Reply

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