We have lost a fine, kind gentleman with Forry's passing. In thinking about him, I recalled a wonderful long weekend in, of all places, Omaha, Nebraska back in 1998. There was a theater there (sadly torn down since that time to build a parking lot!) that had one of the very last Cinerama screens, and local impresario Bruce Crawford arranged a 65th anniversary tribute to, and screening of, the original KING KONG. Guests of honor for the event were Forry, Ray Bradbury, Ray Harryhausen and writer Greg Bear. The sold-out screening of KING KONG was on a Saturday night. The Friday night before, there was a ticketed event to raise funds for a local organization that provided care for children in need, where fans could sit and and chat with the guests of honor for a few hours. I have truly wonderful memories of that weekend. Attached is a link with some photos. The photo at the very bottom is my favorite: three childhood chums Forry, Ray B. and Ray H. all dressed up in their finest, hamming it up for the cameras, and obviously having a great time!

http://www.omahafilmevent.com/past/kong.htm

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Richard,

I thought I'd mentioned that the 'Calendar' section of today's LA Times is entirely about science fiction films. I thought it a wonderful and appropriate coincidence...

--
jJ

I'm very sorry for your loss Doug. He was an amazing, rare and unique individual. We are so lucky and fortunate to have had him in our midst. This world is a little less bright without him except in the dark, warm and safe maw of the movie theatre where its flickering light bring to life his beloved tales of monsters and keep his memory alive forever.

Although no one listens to my suggestions, here http://www.thislife.org/Radio_Episode.aspx?episode=304 is a radio program about one person's beliefs regarding where people aren't going.

Hey Miss Dandelion, I'm sure some readers here listen to your suggestions! Tell you what, I don't have time tonight, but I'll definitely check out the link in your post later.

Thanks, and for those who don't want to listen to the radio program, his website is here:

http://www.newdimensions.us/

(Nard Kordell, don't look at this unless you are feeling strong!)

quote:

Originally posted by jkt:
As Doug will confirm when he wakes up, last night's performance of Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 was dedicated to the memory of his dear friend, Forrest J Ackerman.

I do so confirm (and maybe we'll be back next Saturday night, who knows?)

I'm awake - only just barely. I've been at Slatoff's studio showing Fr Electrico to Kersh and then back to Kersh's house for a delightful lunch, then to Malibu to visit a friend, and now home.

I'm going to bed.

quote:

Originally posted by rocket:
I'm very sorry for your loss Doug.

Thank you. I too am sorry for the world's loss.

quote:

Originally posted by dandelion:
(Nard Kordell, don't look at this unless you are feeling strong!)

LM(something)AO!

quote:

Originally posted by dandelion:
Thanks, and for those who don't want to listen to the radio program, his website is here:

http://www.newdimensions.us/

(Nard Kordell, don't look at this unless you are feeling strong!)

_

Familiar with this guy. He's gone way over the edge and dropped on his head. I've listened to his interviews and his talk about how he came to where he is today. If you ever wanted a case study example of what happens when the delusion hits you between the eyes, here's one. It's a shame, because he was pretty right on before. At least from what I read and heard. It's even beyond being sad.

Today's Los Angeles Times has another tribute for 4E by their Jacket Copy blogger Carolyn Kellogg at:

latimes.com/jacketcopy

To be honest I could not get the page to draw here at work but hopefully that is just because of firewall restrictions on my end.

quote:

Originally posted by jkt:
To be honest I could not get the page to draw here at work but hopefully that is just because of firewall restrictions on my end.

Oh, here it is.

It's great!

Try reading this with a dry eye.


This will be one funeral I never wanted to go to.

I always thought he would outlive me.
I thought he would outlive everyone.
And in a way he will.
They're going to remember his name long after we’re gone.

A lot of people are saying he was a good man.
He was not a good man.
He was a great man.
His friends adored him.
His fans couldn’t get enough of him.
People he never met idolized him.
His enemies hated him because he was a better man than they were.

I was dazzled by his enthusiasm.
Humbled by his abilities.
Captivated by his style.
He was so good at what he did.
He was warm.
He was funny.
He was precious.

That’s why it’s so terribly hard to say goodbye.

In all the years I knew him I never once heard him raise his voice in anger.

He always spoke – and sang – in a quiet voice.
He spoke softly.
He spoke low.
He would always speak low.
So long, Forry.
Have a good trip.
Have a great trip.

I’ll see you later.

- Jim Warren

it is reeally hard for me to look at that bronze plaque, even though I know that it must be.......