I am very sorry for all of you. I'm afraid I only knew him through Neil Gaiman's blog (and here, of course) where Neil once posted a lovely version of the muppet song about rainbows Mr Ford did: The Final Connection.

Posted September 25, 2006 7:20 AM by marrije

I feel awkward posting this, because I'm sure this board includes many of his friends and comrades, and I never really knew him, except through Making Light. But he was a good guy - and bright with it, and funny - and it's a damn shame.

But, my pupil, as my pupil you have learned the worth of scorn,
You have laughed with me at pity, we have joyed to be forlorn,
What for us are all distractions of men's fellowship and smiles;
What for us the Goddess Pleasure with her meretricious smiles!

You may tell that German College that their honor comes too late,
But they must not waste repentance on the grizzly savant's fate.
Though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light;
I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.

Posted September 25, 2006 7:23 AM by ajay

Oh... oh... censored.

I'll never get to meet him. (more censored)

Crazy(I'll try to balance the self-centeredness by thinking kind thoughts for Elise the rest of the week, and longer...)Soph

Posted September 25, 2006 7:23 AM by crazysoph

Well, that's a rotten way to start a Monday morning...

Condolences to everyone. This really sucks.

Posted September 25, 2006 7:34 AM by Chad Orzel

Oh, no. I'm terribly sorry to hear it. My deepest condolences to his loved ones and friends.

Posted September 25, 2006 7:41 AM by Bruce Baugh

I just finished reading The Final Reflection on Saturday morning. I'm pretty sure it was the last of his published novels I hadn't read before.

Oh, no no no.

Posted September 25, 2006 7:46 AM by Mris

Oh, crap.

As you say, it's an awful shock, even though....

*sigh*

Yit-ga-dal ve'yit-ka-dash sh'mei ra-ba...

Posted September 25, 2006 7:46 AM by Fred A Levy Haskell

Damn. I'm sorry.

Posted September 25, 2006 7:53 AM by julia

I'm so terribly sorry. I feel the loss deeply enough, and I was only mildly acquainted with him online and had never really had the chance to more than chat casually at an SF con -- a brilliant author, commentator, wit and so obviously a great human being who had done so much and certainly would go on to do much more of the same. To those who knew him better, what a blow this must be.

Posted September 25, 2006 7:58 AM by Connie H

I'm very, very sorry. I had only recently realized that the guy I've seen posting here was also the author of some of my favorite Trek books, and...damn. That really, really sucks.

Posted September 25, 2006 8:00 AM by UrsulaV

He was the world's ornament.

Posted September 25, 2006 8:00 AM by Teresa Nielsen Hayden

*mourns*

Posted September 25, 2006 8:01 AM by Beth

Oh,

I'm so sorry.
His last post.

Posted September 25, 2006 8:02 AM by rhandir

No more funny, wise Mike Ford posts to read. The world darkens, not a little, but a lot. I shall go and read him once again.

Posted September 25, 2006 8:04 AM by Dave Luckett

Damn it. I'm so sorry to hear this. I never met him, and only corresponded with him for a couple of rounds a while back, but his writing has pleased and comforted me for many years. Condolences to his friends and loved ones.

Posted September 25, 2006 8:04 AM by Vanessa

Horrible news. I never saw Mike often enough, but each time I did it was an enormous pleasure. Kept track of him through our mutual friends, and of course through his comments here. One of the nicest and smartest people I've ever met.

Godspeed, Mike, and if it is possible, I hope to see you again someday.

Posted September 25, 2006 8:11 AM by Jack Womack

He brought so much delight to these conversations. We will all miss him.

May he rest in peace.

Posted September 25, 2006 8:12 AM by Harry Connolly

I met him but twice, but I'll miss him.

May he rest in peace.

Posted September 25, 2006 8:17 AM by Tom Womack

Baruch dayan emet.

Posted September 25, 2006 8:21 AM by Dave Weingart

Damn. That just isn't right.

Condolencences to his family and friends.

Posted September 25, 2006 8:21 AM by Myles Corcoran

I only got to meet him once, and it was wonderful. I love his work and I loved reading his posts here. This is a huge loss.

Posted September 25, 2006 8:22 AM by Dan Guy

Robert Jordan had a blurb on Ford's covers that said "John M. Ford is the best writer in America, bar none."

It wasn't hyperbole.

He was one of my absolute favorites and I will miss his wonderful stories. I will always cherish having been able to meet him and hear him give a reading of his work.

Posted September 25, 2006 8:24 AM by William Lexner

Oh shit!

I'm sorry to hear this. I didn't know Mikey all that well, but we'd been on each other's peripheries for about 20 years. I always found him endlessly entertaining, and I was always sorry that he wasn't able to travel more.

What's Else's address?

Posted September 25, 2006 8:25 AM by Laurie Mann

Aw, crap. I only met him once, and always expected in the fullness of time that I would meet him more times under better circumstances. I always enjoyed his writing -- it was an honor to accompany in the Grimm Cabaret.

May he rest in peace.

Posted September 25, 2006 8:38 AM by Kip W

May he rest in peace.

Posted September 25, 2006 8:39 AM by John Farrell

Dammit. My sympathies to everyone. I only knew him from here and his writing, but he was a bright spot in my day anyway and I always looked forward to reading his posts and comments.

Warm, comforting thoughts to all of you who are grieving.

Posted September 25, 2006 8:39 AM by punkrockhockeymom

I knew him only through his posts here, but I'll miss him even so. My sincere condolences to his friends and family.

Posted September 25, 2006 8:41 AM by Zeke

oh, no.

Posted September 25, 2006 8:41 AM by betsy

The sky should turn black, the mountains should tremble, it doesn't seem right that the world should go on as usual and Mike Ford not be in it.

I was holding it together really well until I read the poem.

Posted September 25, 2006 8:42 AM by Jo Walton

My heart is breaking with this news. A bright star has gone out.

He will be sorely missed.

Posted September 25, 2006 8:43 AM by Dan Layman-Kennedy

Oh no.

No.

There are no words.

Just...

Posted September 25, 2006 8:43 AM by Elizabeth McCoy

Ohhh...crap.

Posted September 25, 2006 8:44 AM by Diane Duane

"This is magic, this is what magic is:
Grief too terrible to be borne."
— "A Holiday in the Park"

"The knowledge that the train may stop but the line goes on.
The train may stop
But the line
Goes on."
— "Winter Solstice, Camelot Station"

Posted September 25, 2006 8:47 AM by Captain Slack

There is a hole in the Universe.

Posted September 25, 2006 8:50 AM by Bill Higgins-- Beam Jockey

Oh no! )-:

I've been making my way through _Heat of Fusion_, and thinking what a brilliant, talented man he truly was. A terrible loss.

My deepest sympathies.

Posted September 25, 2006 8:50 AM by Suzanne

Oh god. I knew him only from reading what he contributed here, and some of the links above, but... god. This is a tragedy. I'm so sorry.

Posted September 25, 2006 8:52 AM by Suzanne M

That's a stinking god damned shame.

Posted September 25, 2006 8:54 AM by Michael Weholt

He'll be missed, his memory cherished, and his loved ones cared for in thier grief.

Posted September 25, 2006 8:59 AM by Josh Jasper

Shit.

...

My sympathy to his friends and loved ones.

(I never met him in person, and now I'm feeling depressed because I never will, and from the sparkle in his written voice -- here and elsewhere -- he was someone I really wanted to meet.)

Posted September 25, 2006 9:00 AM by Charlie Stross

That is indeed terrible news. I only knew him through his writing, but *man* what a writer. I'm a long time fan, and one of the best things about this board for me was his presence.

Please pass along condolences to his family. Is anyone taking up a collection to send flowers or some such?

Posted September 25, 2006 9:01 AM by Scott H

...

Posted September 25, 2006 9:02 AM by sdn

I was holding it together until I read this:

I keep thinking that Mike would know the right thing to say about all this.

Just so.

Posted September 25, 2006 9:05 AM by elizabeth bear

Regarding Mike's longtime companion Elise Matthesen: her LiveJournal is here. She will probably be ground zero for memorials, arrangements, and so forth.

Posted September 25, 2006 9:05 AM by Patrick Nielsen Hayden

Words fail me, though they never did him.
Is it terrible to mourn, at this moment, that we'll never see another Ford book? That that long, terrible wait is now extended forever?
I never met him in person -- exchanged emails once or twice -- but felt, as I suppose we all do with writers whose work we love, that I knew him from his books.

Posted September 25, 2006 9:06 AM by Matthew Johnson

I am so sorry to hear this.

Posted September 25, 2006 9:08 AM by fidelio

Oh, damn.

Posted September 25, 2006 9:12 AM by Avram

Good lord, what a loss. I knew him only through his books and his posts here, which were more than enough to reveal his astonishing wit and deep humanity. I'd had been looking forward to meeting him in person.

Posted September 25, 2006 9:19 AM by Alex Cohen

oh bloody hell :(

Posted September 25, 2006 9:19 AM by xeger

I only knew him through his writing-- his books and his posts here-- but he was right at the top of the list of fabulous writers I wanted to meet face-to-face someday.

Condolences to those who knew him well, and sympathy to everyone else who'll never have the chance to.

Posted September 25, 2006 9:20 AM by Ellen

Mike did more to help me get over my fear of talking to people I admire than anyone else, and I never got the chance to say thank you. I just always assumed I'd trip across him, again, and be able to say...

He was an amazing man, and I'm so grateful he graced the constellations of my sky, if ever so briefly years ago.

To say he will be mourned is the worst sort of understatement, where you wish there were better words to convey what you feel, but there simply aren't.

Posted September 25, 2006 9:20 AM by Kelly

We grieve.

Posted September 25, 2006 9:27 AM by beth meacham

Damn.

Just damn.

Posted September 25, 2006 9:31 AM by JBWoodford

Like others here... "Oh, no. Oh, crap."

And like others here, I never met him in person, but hoped I would have the chance someday.

Posted September 25, 2006 9:32 AM by Bruce Arthurs

No.

Mike is irreplaceable.

I always assumed -- hoped -- there would be more warning than this.

Why did a brilliant, endlessly creative mind have to be attached to a fragile body?

I always found Mike intimidatingly erudite, yet he always put me at ease conversationally. He was the kind of guy who would drop strings of joking references from everywhere into his conversation, but if you said you didn't know what he was talking about, he would cheerfully explain. His knowledge spanned, so far as I could tell, all areas, from popular culture to high culture, history to science; I always wondered how he'd found the time to know so much. It was as though he crammed multiple lives into one. It all came out in his writing, too. He was multiple writers in one. We've been reading him again over the last several days. There's a passage in The Scholars of Night about the grief of a young girl whose special uncle has committed suicide after being forbidden to see her anymore; it always makes me cry, and it will be worse now.

I don't know where to stop. This is terrible for so many people. And it's terrible for Making Light, terrible for the science fiction community.

There was nobody like him. It's not an exaggeration. We've lost one of our most fundamental people. I didn't know him as well as dozens of other people did, but he was a friend, too.

Goodbye, Mike.

Posted September 25, 2006 9:33 AM by Scraps

There is something much amiss in a world that can so readily hold itself too full of poets.

Praise ale when it is drunk, ice when it is crossed, a friend on the pyre...

Posted September 25, 2006 9:35 AM by Graydon

I've never commented before, but have read for a couple of years now. My condolences to you all.

Posted September 25, 2006 9:39 AM by CJM

He was a gentleman and a true artist. Grief has no words and can only stutter.

Posted September 25, 2006 9:39 AM by Roz Kaveney

I will miss his comments here. The song in your first link is utterly amazing. Time to go read some of the others.

Posted September 25, 2006 9:41 AM by The Modesto Kid

Oh,... he was a thoughtful and witty writer and will be sorely missed. The Dragon Waiting is my favorite.

Posted September 25, 2006 9:43 AM by Sherman Dorn

I only ever knew him through this community; as such, I echo: "damn; damn." Condolences to his families, of all sorts, and his friends.

Posted September 25, 2006 9:43 AM by Bruce Adelsohn

Oh no, this is terrible. I only met him in person briefly and enjoyed reading him here. My thoughts go out to everyone he touched and most especially Elise. May his memory live forever unwithered.

Posted September 25, 2006 9:44 AM by Cynthia Gonsalves

My condolences to his family and friends.

We've been on a Ford rereading binge here lately -- Heat of Fusion is open behind me, I just finished rereading Fugue State and The Scholars of Night -- and yesterday, in my book of blessings, I'd written his name.

What a blessing he was, to the community, to the world.

Posted September 25, 2006 9:45 AM by Velma

God, this sucks. How can there not be a Mike Ford any more? As you said, yes, we knew he was poor health, and we should have expected it, and maybe we did, but we didn't and it's wrong and it's horrid.

I don't remember which book it was, but in the acknowledgments to one he thanked his doctor for "keeping the lights on." That phrase was so very him. A few words perfectly chosen that conveyed a whole range of emotions, a whole range of truths.

His books? His stories? His posts? Yes, yes, and yes. I'm also going to miss his chatter about 50's TV shows I never wanted to see. And wondering if we'll show up in Las Vegas and I'll get to talk to him for a couple of hours.

A couple of hours...

Does anyone else remember Pele, the Brazilian soccer player? Someone once analyzed how much time in a game he actually had the ball, and it was a few seconds. He could change the whole complexion of a game, just touching the ball for those few seconds.

I think about how long I spent, total, in Mike's company, and it only adds up to a few score of hours. Those few hours are filled with chewing matter for the brain, and laughter, and occasonally the awe that comes from being in the presence of genius--a word a don't use lightly.

Maybe a year from now I will start to accept how much richer my life is for there having been a Mike Ford in it, but now I can only hurt.

Posted September 25, 2006 9:46 AM by Steven Brust

My father died last night. I was OK with it. He was ready to die and so I came to work. I was OK. Then I checked my e-mail and got the message from Elise. I'm glad it was from her and that I didn’t see it somewhere else first. But now I'm stuck at work and feeling very upset. I was going to go to see Mike this summer but one of my other friends convinced me to go and see her instead. I thought about calling him last night but then I got the call to go to my father's deathbed. I have an appointment to see my UU minister this afternoon about church business, but I'm afraid she's going to be counseling me instead.

I know he was loved my many people. He will be sorely missed. I wonder what will happen with the book he was working on. He let me read part of it, and he was going to send me an update. I think about all the things we all leave undone. There just is never enough time.

Posted September 25, 2006 9:46 AM by Gigi Rose

Condolences to everyone and especially Elise.

Posted September 25, 2006 9:47 AM by Lila

I have no words. Damn, I'm going to miss you, Mike.

Posted September 25, 2006 9:52 AM by Victor Raymond

I never really knew him, but the universe shouldn't be allowed do this to people I care for - take their friends away so suddenly and cruelly. What can I say? His was a life worth living, the best kind, where people love you and miss you. But this won't help those who are grieving now.

Great giants hugs to everybody who feels the world emptier and duller and more hurtful. I wish had had better words for you, my friends.

Posted September 25, 2006 9:53 AM by Anna Feruglio Dal Dan

How awful.

My thoughts are with you.

Posted September 25, 2006 9:56 AM by Chris Quinones

Echoing everyone else, damn.

I knew Mike Ford before I knew who he was, as a student working in the library at Indiana University. I processed his overdue fines, which is kind of a black humor, wake-ish thing to remember. But I wondered what on earth he was doing with such a vast number of unrelated books on so many different topics. When I met him again here and realized he was both that Mike Ford and the author of several very enjoyable Star Trek books, well -- it all came together and I started looking for his other books too.

It will make it that much more poignant to read his books now and know I can't ask him about anything in them.

Posted September 25, 2006 9:59 AM by Janet Brennan Croft

Baruch Dayan HaEmet (Blessed be the true judge). I only talked with him once, at a readercon, but I've been a fan of both his writing and his doings at cons for a long time. He will be badly missed.

Posted September 25, 2006 9:59 AM by Larry Lennhoff

Oh, God.

Posted September 25, 2006 9:59 AM by Will "scifantasy" Frank

In paradisum deducant te Angeli; in tuo adventu suscipiant te martyres, et perducant te in civitatem sanctam Jerusalem. Chorus angelorum te suscipiat, et cum Lazaro quondam paupere æternam habeas requiem.

Posted September 25, 2006 10:09 AM by James D. Macdonald

Now Aspects will never be finished. I've been reading it in segments over the years as it's been written. It's a dense, inventive fantasy novel set in a highly original universe, and has (was going to have) (damn it) a fiendishly complicated plot.

Posted September 25, 2006 10:09 AM by Teresa Nielsen Hayden

Mike's witty signature lines at Pyramid always had me chuckling, at the very least. I'm grateful that, for a time, I had a job that gave me an excuse to swap mail with Mike. I didn't know him nearly as well as some of y'all, to my regret. I wish I'd gotten to meet him in person.

Posted September 25, 2006 10:10 AM by Andrew Hackard

I only knew him a bit, through his writing, and that was wonderful. The world is a bit darker for this loss. My sympathies to all who knew him better.

Posted September 25, 2006 10:10 AM by Randolph Fritz

Words fail, all I can do is cry.

I'm really going to miss him.

Posted September 25, 2006 10:11 AM by Laurel

I'm just stunned. Like so many others, I only knew him from his books and from here, but you could always count on Mike for insight and that touch of genius that reminded us of what draws us to this community we share. It somehow seemed a bygone conclusion in my mind that someday I would meet him face-to-face and be all the better for it.

He will be sorely missed.

Posted September 25, 2006 10:12 AM by Skwid

To: Janet Brennan Croft

It might not have done you any good to ask him anyway. I did and the answers were sometimes so enigmatic that I still didn’t know what he meant.

But to his credit he was always ready to explain and always ready to help. The best thing about Mike is that he was always ready to lend a hand, always ready to come to someone's aid in any way he could.

Posted September 25, 2006 10:13 AM by Gigi Rose

I'm terribly shocked and sorry. Who's going to turn the perfect epigrams now?

Posted September 25, 2006 10:16 AM by Christina Schulman

Gigi, Janet: editing Mike was a long, humbling process of saying, over and over, "Okay, Mike, you lost me on that one ..."

Posted September 25, 2006 10:20 AM by Teresa Nielsen Hayden

I understood that he hadn't expected to make it even this long. I can see the expression on his face, somewhat toward a giggle, as he describes the situation.

But I can't hear the words . . .

May His great Name grow exalted and sanctified (Cong. Amen.)
in the world that He created as He willed.
May He give reign to His kingship in your lifetimes and in your days,
and in the lifetimes of the entire Family of Israel,
swiftly and soon. Now respond: Amen.
(Cong Amen. May His great Name be blessed forever and ever.)
May His great Name be blessed forever and ever.
Blessed, praised, glorified, exalted, extolled,
mighty, upraised, and lauded be the Name of the Holy One, Blessed is He
(Cong. Blessed is He)
beyond any blessing and song,
praise and consolation that are uttered in the world. Now respond: Amen.
(Cong. Amen)
May there be abundant peace from Heaven, and life
upon us and upon all Israel. Now respond: Amen.
(Cong. Amen)

He Who makes peace in His heights, may He make peace,
upon us and upon all Israel. Now respond: Amen.
(Cong. Amen)

His memory for a blessing.
Just his three men in a bar joke still makes my head hurt.

Posted September 25, 2006 10:20 AM by Neil in Chicago

Boruch dayan emes.

Posted September 25, 2006 10:22 AM by Ailsa Ek

I'll miss him. I didn't know him well, but we've been exchanging hellos and chatting back and forth for years at WisCon and other places.

"of comfort no man speak: let's talk of graves, of worms, and epitaphs; make dust our paper and with rainy eyes write sorrow on the bosom of the earth..."

Richard II

Posted September 25, 2006 10:24 AM by Kelly McCullough

Sherwood sums it up.

Posted September 25, 2006 10:25 AM by elizabeth bear

I put up an inarticulate post with a couple of pix.

Posted September 25, 2006 10:28 AM by Kathryn Cramer

The NY Times recently ran a piece on what Mozart might have done if he'd lived to a ripe old age. I'm feeling that way about Mike, now. This is the first time a post on "Making Light" has brought me to tears. Ave atque vale!

Posted September 25, 2006 10:29 AM by Faren Miller

My condolences to his family and friends.

I always looked forward to his posts here, and sought out his books on that basis. Sometimes, I’d see a long patch of verse and know that I’d have no time to read it and appreciate it so I’d save it for later. I suppose that later is now.

Thanks Mike, and even though I never met you, I’ll miss you.

Posted September 25, 2006 10:30 AM by Larry Brennan

The world feels a little smaller all of a sudden, on another fine blue autumn morning.

And I will go back to work in a little while, work that may in some very small way help make things better.

My sympathies to those of you who knew him well, his loved ones.

Posted September 25, 2006 10:34 AM by Vicki

I've had a few hours to get used to this now, and I still can't. My first reaction stands: "No."

I have long been grateful to know him. We were lucky to have such a friend, if for too short a time.

But now the road seems harder. I don't know what to do.

Posted September 25, 2006 10:37 AM by Avedon

A terrible thing to read first thing in the morning. Peace, and a wish that we'll see him again in the Web of Angels (whatever we may be at that time).

Posted September 25, 2006 10:40 AM by Lenny Bailes

Oh, sh*t!

But maybe the Muses need a tenth for something.

Posted September 25, 2006 10:40 AM by P J Evans

Words utterly fail me.

Posted September 25, 2006 10:40 AM by Lisa Hirsch

Oh shit. This is so unfair.

We shared a birthday (date, not year) and had exchanged silly greetings ever since discovering this coincidence at Minicon in 1998. From his last email to me, a few weeks ago:

Curious Facts Dept.: circumstances not interesting enough to recount caused me to look up some data on Evelyn Waugh the other day. Were you aware that he died on our birthday, back in '66? At least that means I can't have been him in a past life, which is strangely reassuring.

Goodbye, Mike.

Posted September 25, 2006 10:46 AM by Dave Langford

Dammit, I want the rest of Aspects. And more time with Mike. The universe is not arranged to my benefit, and I understand that. It certainly was not arranged to Mike's.

I will miss him.

Posted September 25, 2006 10:48 AM by Debbie Notkin

So very sorry to hear such sad news.

Here's wishing you all a little ease in the days ahead.

Posted September 25, 2006 10:51 AM by Chris S.

I knew Mike back from our 1970s college days at Indiana University when he and I and my ex wife were all in the Science Fiction Club, SCA, and played D&D (back when it was a Chainmail errata sheet) and steam tunnel LARPS (with frisbies and water guns). We drifted apart and although there were some close calls, had never managed to reconnect. Now we never will. Mike loved the whole idea of parallel universes and just maybe there is someplace where we are still meeting every weekend to playtest the newest game or hike to the midnight showing of the newest live action hero debut.

Posted September 25, 2006 10:51 AM by Donald Saxman

I'm..."bereft" seems like both too much, when compared to what those who were closer to him have lost, and too little, when compared to what we all have lost.

I count myself very fortunate to have had the chance to meet him, and to spend what little time I did in conversation with him.

Posted September 25, 2006 10:52 AM by Christopher Davis

I wasn't crying. Not yet. Because last week, we lost Charlie Grant, and I was still getting used to that.

So this was bad news, but I was still in the shock/processing stage.

But now I'm crying.

I can barely imagine a world without Mike in it, and now I have to live in one.

It doesn't seem right.

Posted September 25, 2006 10:53 AM by Melissa Singer

.

Posted September 25, 2006 10:54 AM by Erik V. Olson

I never knew the man.

I only read a couple of his books.

I love that poem.

Posted September 25, 2006 10:54 AM by Tom Scudder

I hear that he's gone, but I see him smiling, about to say something especially clever that will make us all laugh.

Posted September 25, 2006 10:56 AM by Laramie

I hate this.

My wife, smartly, got me the Infernokrusher sonnet mug for my birthday this summer, and I have it here with me at work. A small, good thing during a grey day.

What a talented writer, so quick with epigram or parody! I'll miss his voice terribly.

Posted September 25, 2006 10:56 AM by adamsj

This was not my first choice for how to wake up this morning. Or any morning, really. Crap.

Posted September 25, 2006 10:56 AM by David Dyer-Bennet

Damn. Damn and blast.

It's been several years since I talked with Mike (and mostly listened) and the topics of those talks have faded from memory. The feeling of enjoying the conversation, though, lingers on.

Blast.

Posted September 25, 2006 10:57 AM by Gabe Helou

Not fair. Not fair!
*************************

Lord, who enters your dwelling, an honored guest?
Who wins your hand clasp, sister and brother?

The just one, who walks steadfast in truth
whose tongue is a wildfire contained

who sows no dissension abroad
who honors the upright, despises the double deal

who turns the blood of the poor to no base deed
whose word is bond, whose oath is adamant...

Psalm 15
Daniel Berrigan, Uncommon Prayer
*********************************

Go in joy, Mike.

Posted September 25, 2006 11:00 AM by Lizzy L

I met him through his work and finally in person in 2004. He was a wonderful person and one I feel I can call friend because of who he was, a warm, friendly humorous intelligent person that touched more lives than he could imagine. He he had a great imagination.

Posted September 25, 2006 11:00 AM by billhedrick

condolences

Posted September 25, 2006 11:01 AM by Greg London

Flickr photofeed: tag JohnMFord. Right now it's our pix from Boskone plus a few more by other people. If you tag your photos JohnMFord on Flickr, they will show up here.

Posted September 25, 2006 11:02 AM by Kathryn Cramer

Oh hell and damn. He was just posting the other day! Dammit, dammit, dammit.

I only met him once, but his online whimsey has brightened many a day of mine. And for "110 Stories" alone, he'll be remembered. He definitely "got it" in a way few others have.

Sorely, sorely missed. Damn.

Posted September 25, 2006 11:02 AM by Xopher

This isn't going to hit me until the next time there's a thread where I think, "Hmmm, about time for a poem to show up"...and it doesn't.

Then again, maybe this has already happened.

"The air, the water, the background radiation, your guess is as good as mine."

Posted September 25, 2006 11:03 AM by Carrie S.

Oh dear. And eep. And sorrows.

---L.

Posted September 25, 2006 11:03 AM by L.N. Hammer

I first remember seeing Mike doing the "Ask Dr. Mike" show at Minicon, and being blown away by it. Leter I discovered that he was a brilliant writer and a gentle & generous human being.

Mike, you will be sorely missed.

Hmm

Posted September 25, 2006 11:04 AM by Hilary Moon Murphy

Dr. Mike, how many angels?

Posted September 25, 2006 11:05 AM by John Houghton

I didn't know about Charlie Grant's death. I don't get Locus, and we had lost touch over the years, but he was one of my first friends in sf. We spent many wonderful hours together in the 70s, when we were young and foolish and carefree.

Now I have two deaths to mourn. Oh, shit.

Posted September 25, 2006 11:05 AM by Lizzy L

I became a fan of his when I read The Final Reflection. I became more of a fan when I read The Yellow Clearance Black Box Blues. After that, I devoured everything of his I could find. I was always delighted to read his posts here. I never really knew him, and he certainly didn't know me, but I find his passing has cut deep.

Posted September 25, 2006 11:09 AM by Stephen G

I've been looking at this thread, refreshing it from time to time, since it had 20-something posts this morning because I have no idea how to say this without sounding really silly next to everyone here who knew Mr Ford personally, or who met him, or who at least had some sort of exchange with him as a regular here at Making Light (myself being somewhat of a lurker), but now I decided I'll just go ahead and sound silly.

When I was about 13, I started reading Trek novels. Some were bad, some were good, but only one left a lasting impression on me. It was the first time that a book made me laugh hysterically, and I'm sure you guessed it already, it was "How much for just the planet".

Fast-forward twelve years. I've just recently started looking for good sci-fi/fantasy novels again--mostly by stumbling over things through this blog. After reading one of those very enlightening/amusing/amazing posts by Mr Ford, I decide to go and see who this guy is.

And suddenly I'm a 13 year old boy again, for a moment, laughing about McCoy seeing a ghost which asked him to boldly go where no man has gone before.

For a moment I considered writing Mr Ford a sort of horribly late fan-email. Silly idea, I decided, it's not like he's suddenly going to go away--and then I went ahead and did it anyway. I am now very happy I did, if only for the small chance that he actually read it.

I told him in that mail that I would buy "The Last Hot Time" and report back to him how I liked that, because 13 years was actually too much time for me to remember exactly what I liked so much about "How much for just the planet?". I did buy it, and I did read it, and I enjoyed it immensely, even though the end came too soon, but I was waiting to read it again so I could form a better opinion of it (and also solve some of the remaining puzzles) before I'd write him a second piece of fan-mail.

And then I come here and see this post and think for a desperate second that they must mean some OTHER John M. Ford. He couldn't have died a few weeks after I discovered him!

I finished "The Last Hot Time" a second time last night. And once again it was good, and once again the end came too soon.

Requiescat in pacem. May he rest in peace.

Posted September 25, 2006 11:11 AM by Daniel

Alas, and alas, and alas.

Posted September 25, 2006 11:12 AM by Chryss

I also only knew him from his poetry and hist posts here. But I can feel how the lights dimmed for many people, sense that they dimmed for me too, and grieve for it. My condolences to those close to him; may he rest in peace.

Posted September 25, 2006 11:13 AM by Zeynep

Damn. Hole in the universe fits. Too well.

Posted September 25, 2006 11:13 AM by MamaDeb

Like some others here, I only knew him through his posts. He made me think about being prepared for ... well, anything. And he made me laugh and cry. Making Light will seem darker for a time.

Posted September 25, 2006 11:14 AM by Susan D.

Carrie S. at 110: I've been reading the comments on "The End of Author Productivity" daily, waiting and hoping for something there to strike his fancy. Dammit.

Sometime last week I'd stumbled across a post in Elise's Livejournal (containing the word "mammalversary") that made me smile, at a time when that was what I needed. Dammit.

I know there's nothing I can do, but my sympathies go out to those affected.

"Word fail me (the poor craftsman blames his tools)" --John M. Ford, "Chromatic Aberration"

Posted September 25, 2006 11:15 AM by Tucker

Curse.

Posted September 25, 2006 11:16 AM by Nick Fagerlund

My own valediction:

May you walk in joy in the Isle of Apples.
May you find peace in the Summerland.

Walk in beauty, Mike.

Posted September 25, 2006 11:18 AM by Xopher

I never knew him except through his books and what he posted here. His erudition, wit, and humour were all consistently impressive. I am deeply grateful to the fates that I was able to encounter him here. It may truly be said that the world is today a poorer place.

Posted September 25, 2006 11:19 AM by Fragano Ledgister

Like many, I only knew him from his (brilliant, clever, funny, erudite) posts and poetry here. I was planning on picking up some of his books to read on my upcoming vacation. I am so sorry that he is gone.

Requiem aeternum dona eis, Domine. Et lux perpetua luceat eis.

Posted September 25, 2006 11:19 AM by Annie G.

I'm sorry to hear this. I liked his commentary here at Making Light and will miss it.

(I knew his name from fandom, although I don't believe I ever met him. I stay on the fringes and it's a long time since I went to a con.)

Posted September 25, 2006 11:21 AM by Rosemarie Krist

what can one say at a time like this?

best wishes on the next voyage ....

Posted September 25, 2006 11:27 AM by pedantic peasant

Eek.

Posted September 25, 2006 11:28 AM by JC

Oh, no.

I knew him only through his writing and his posts here, but those things added so much that there seems to be a hole where he should be, even just on the internet. It seems impossible that he'll never write another wonderful post or hilarious comment. How can it be?

It seems so wrong that the people who bring so much good into the world have to leave it too soon.

My sympathy to all who knew and loved him.

Posted September 25, 2006 11:30 AM by Caroline

He wrote one of my favorite novels of all time, The Dragon Waiting. Now he won't write us any more fine works. Sigh. Goodbye, dear man!

Posted September 25, 2006 11:31 AM by Kiwi

Gigi, condolences on losing your dad.

Posted September 25, 2006 11:35 AM by Kip W

How Much for Just the Planet has been a favorite book of mine for nearly 20 years. My heart goes out to Elise and everyone here.

Posted September 25, 2006 11:36 AM by Bill Humphries

I may be the 50 gazillionth to say this but ...

damn.

I *loved* his work, and always looked forward to whatever would come next.

He is sadly missed :-(

Posted September 25, 2006 11:37 AM by Chris The Magician

I knew him only through his poetry, and that's loss enough. Many sympathies to those who've lost a friend as well.

Posted September 25, 2006 11:37 AM by Janni

My sympathies and thoughts are with all of his friends and loved ones.

Posted September 25, 2006 11:41 AM by Heatherly

With some trepidation I submit the following which I wrote just now. It isn't as good as I'd like it to be.

today with sorrow our good friend mike ford
has gone untimely to his final rest
the waiting dragon fallen on a sword

we feel the need for a final falling chord
to honour both the humour and the zest
today with sorrow our good friend mike ford

of swift verse master and of prose a lord
has sailed in quiet unto the utter west
the waiting dragon fallen on a sword

the movement's done the final page is scored
the sentiments appropriately expressed
today with sorrow our good friend mike ford

is gone and we can now but ill afford
the anger and the forlorn soul's unrest
the waiting dragon fallen on a sword

and now the closing, now the final word
with sadness spoken and with grief oppressed
today with sorrow our good friend mike ford
the waiting dragon fallen on a sword

Posted September 25, 2006 11:42 AM by Fragano Ledgister

Irreplaceable (adj) impossible to replace. ex: John M. Ford.

Posted September 25, 2006 11:43 AM by TomB

Blast.

Posted September 25, 2006 11:44 AM by Steven desJardins

No more Ask Dr. Mike.

For those of you who never got to see it: "Ask Dr. Mike" was Mike Ford in a white lab coat, standing in front of a chalkboard, taking questions from the audience. It was hysterically funny. I think the moment I remember best was the time an explanation of his about elections veered, as seamlessly as an Escher illusion, from politics to theology. I glanced around the audience and realized you could play "Spot the Presbyterian", because all of them were laughing so hard they were falling out of their chairs.

When I did programming for Minicon, the rule I worked out was that there was no use scheduling anything against Ask Dr. Mike.

Other things about Mike:

He had naturally weird eyebrows. They had vertical tufts in the middle that got longer as he aged. Looked like something out of anime.

He was was passionately into model building and theatre. He loved trains.

If you were sitting near Mike during a panel or conversation, and someone asserted that thus-and-such maneuver was impossible in fiction, you could practically hear the gears start going going 'round in his head.

More anon. Have to add some stuff to the main post.

Posted September 25, 2006 11:49 AM by Teresa Nielsen Hayden

Damn. I never got to meet him...

"Good night, sweet prince--

May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest..."

Posted September 25, 2006 11:52 AM by Lori Coulson

If you had asked me if I would cry when I heard the news, I probably would've said, "Probably." The correct answer would've been, "Definitely."

Posted September 25, 2006 11:55 AM by will shetterly

I saw him just one or two times, at conventions. I never spoke with him. I admired him desperately and furiously.

I started with reading _Just the Planet_ in a Crown Books, because I couldn't justify spending my allowance on it. After a while, I started to worry they'd throw me out -- not for finishing a book in the store; for laughing too loudly.

I finish, as a lot of us have, by waiting for _Aspects_.

Posted September 25, 2006 12:00 PM by Andrew Plotkin

"I do not approve. And I am not resigned."

Posted September 25, 2006 12:00 PM by Sarah S

Sarah S.: Exactly. The same thought hit my mind, too.

Here's the whole thing for anyone who might find comfort in it.

Posted September 25, 2006 12:04 PM by adamsj

One thing that's impressed me, in my year or so of reading Making Light, was the agility, speed and breadth of Mike's mind. These are the people you always want to meet, just to enjoy the sparks.

Now this one I can't. And there won't be any more moments here where I either yell "yes!" or want to leap through the screen and throttle the guy for being so brilliant.

But I've still got *lots* to read, and _The Dragon Waiting_ and _The Scholars of Night_ to reread. (And even a bunch of back Making Light stuff, I do believe.)

So ... thanks for the ride.

Posted September 25, 2006 12:05 PM by joann

Ow, ow, ow.
Don't want to hear of a universe without Mr. Mike.
Will always think of his wit, his pleasure at having a new quip to spring, his face betraying the mischief to come.

Posted September 25, 2006 12:07 PM by Gordon Garb

I met Mike Ford years (too many years) ago. I don't remember which science-fiction convention it was, I just remember the way the room quieted a little when Mike said something, so nobody would miss a word. I remember telling the friend who'd introduced us, "He gives me a deeper understanding of the phrase 'mordant wit'."

He was a good guy and a great talent, and it just ain't fair.

Posted September 25, 2006 12:08 PM by Maia Cowan

Damn.
A poet, a scholar, a great writer and a nice person.

This hits hard.
He will be much missed.

Posted September 25, 2006 12:12 PM by Yehuda Porath

I was walking with my daughter and a friend when my daughter-in-law Betsy (a Minneapolitan) called to say Mike had died. And all the way back to the house I couldn't comprehend it. Seven months ago he and Elise had been visiting to say their goodbyes to David. And now Mike gone, too?

I know he never expected to live as long as he did. The transplant added to his life. But not enough. Not enough.

Now, Dr. Mike--you can have a single malt or three with David, the two of you the smartest men I ever knew.

Jane

Posted September 25, 2006 12:13 PM by jane

damn.

Years ago, when I was feeling shy at a Wiscon, Elise M pushed me to go up to him and say "hi". Thank you, Elise. I'm thinking good thoughts for you and for all of John's friends and loved ones.

Posted September 25, 2006 12:14 PM by Rick Keir

monochrome.

today the world lost a little of its color.

Posted September 25, 2006 12:14 PM by Jon Baker

I am so sorry. And angry: I wanted to read more of his books. He was a powerful, subtle writer, one of the best we have. Had. Had, dammit.

Posted September 25, 2006 12:21 PM by Lynn Kendall

Damn. I only knew his writing. I'll miss him.

Posted September 25, 2006 12:22 PM by Alan Braggins

Oh no, no, no, no. I can't stop crying, this is terrible news.

Teresa when we met Mike at Fiddlers Green Cullen, who has been very shy most of his life and rarely spoke to people he doesn't know, walked up to Mike and told him he had great eyebrows.

We loved him so much, even though we only met him in person that one time. He brightened everything he touched.

Posted September 25, 2006 12:25 PM by Georgiana

Oh, damn.

I just spent fifteen minutes digging through the bookshelves to find my dog-eared copy of How Much For Just The Planet?

It's been an embarrassing number of years since I last went to a con, but I have several memories of encountering Mike Ford and ending up laughing hysterically at something he said.

Every time I saw his name attached to something online, from GEnie on up to Making Light, I knew I was in for some sort of a ride.

My condolences to Elise, his family and friends, and to all who knew him better than I.

Posted September 25, 2006 12:26 PM by meredith

Damn. That's just not right.

Posted September 25, 2006 12:29 PM by JennR

This is a huge shock, a horrible shock, a heartbreaker.

I lack the eloquence to describe just how highly I value Mike's work, how I'd snap the latest up off the shelves the instant it was put there and start reading while standing in the checkout line; how I push his books contantly, at everyone, regardless of whether they read SF or not; how nothing he's written has ever disappointed me, has ever done less than astound and excite and touch (and often mystify) me; how I like to reread his poetry out loud, and often cry at the end.

I loved and respected him so much, but never had the chance to meet him and even if I had, would have been too shy talk to him in person, so when I saw that he posted here, I was delighted at the chance to see a wee glimpse now and then of the personal.

So I knew he had health problems, but never knew how serious they were.

I still can't get over the fact that there will be no more Fords to read. That.. my god, I can't tell you how much that sucks.

Goodbye, Mike. Be well, and happy, in your new digs.

Dammit.

Posted September 25, 2006 12:43 PM by CaseyL

This is just horrible. I had really hoped to meet him some time. That he wrote the entropy poem off the back of a piece of mine is something I will always be proud of. Miserable condolences to everyone who knew him.

Posted September 25, 2006 12:50 PM by Andrew Brown

Aw, damn. Damn, damn, damn.

Posted September 25, 2006 12:51 PM by Adam

Blast! Just had several good chats with him at WisCon. He was a fine writer, a great mind, and a mordant wit, and there are mever enough of those.

Posted September 25, 2006 12:51 PM by Gregory Rihn