RIP: Forrest J. Ackerman

More sad news today…

Science fiction’s ultimate fan, Forrest J. Ackerman, died yesterday of heart failure, December 4, 2008, at the age of 92. (Forry fell ill last month.) Forry is credited with coining the abbreviation “sci-fi” in the 1950s but is perhaps best known for his never-ending love and enthusiasm for sf and horror, paving the way for fans.

As I wrote previously, my first encounter with Forry was through the pages of Perry Rhodan, which he helped bring over to the U.S. Of the several of those I read, I really enjoyed his introductions and afterwords — his love for all things genre dripped off the pages and helped renew my own interest. And for that, I thank him.

See also:

• Announcements and remembrances from SciFi Wire, Guardian, SFWA, Comic Mix, File 770, Wil Wheaton, Time, Revolution SF, SF Scope, Los Angeles Times (also the article Hero Complex), Scott Edelman, Robert J. Sawyer, Asimov’s forum, Texas Best Grok, Classic Horror Film Board, Slice of SciFi, SF Crowsnest, Texas Pages Blog, New York Times, and the AP.
• Forrest J. Ackerman Videos

[via Locus Online]