Saying Goodbye to Forrest J Ackerman
Steve Barton
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It’s never easy to say goodbye to a legend. A man who gave his entire life to the genre that we love. That man is Forrest J Ackerman, and sadly he’s slipping away as you read this.
Word of this sad news first broke this morning, and while I was getting set to write a story, I discovered that Harry at Ain’t It Cool News had done it best and even provided us with a way to say goodbye.
From his article in its entirety:
Hey folks, Harry here … I spoke briefly with Forrest J Ackerman earlier today, he wasn’t sounding very strong, it hurt to hear his voice knowing that it wouldn’t be here with us much longer. But at the same time, it was nice to say goodbye to one another.
Ackerman is one of the founders of my love of cinema. My father is the geek he is because of his magazine – and I’m the geek I am because of his magazine as well as the influence it had on my father. That magazine was, of course, FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND. In speaking with Uncle Forry’s caretaker, an amazing gentleman named Joe Moe, I was told that Forry was lucid, peaceful and not even on pain medication, but that he was progressively getting worse – and was ready to move on. However, he was wanting to say his goodbyes to as many of his neice and nephews that he has created in his almost 92 years on this Earth. His 92nd Birthday is this November 22nd.
I’m sure many of us can relate to Harry’s words. God, I know I can. So tearfully and with a heavy heart … say goodbye we must. From the same article:
Many friends of Forry have visited his bedside, hearing one last story, one last pun and to say one last goodbye. Ray Bradbury even flew to his bedside. We here at AICN are preparing a fitting memorial – and something, most likely, permanent to AICN. In the meanwhile – there is a chance for you to say your final goodbye, here’s how…
I talked to Joe Moe, Forry’s caregiver and best friend. He told me to spread the word about Forry. Forry is leaving us quickly. If youre going to write or call, do it now before it’s too late. He’s in good spirits and not in any pain or taking any meds. He did not have any heart attack or stroke. He is home resting comfortably, but his body is starting to shut down and he’s sleeping alot now, hes very weak.
Even if you do what I did, just write “I love you” on a piece of paper and mail it, please do something if he touched your life in some way…………….joey OBrien
FORREST J ACKERMAN
4511 Russell Avenue
Los Angeles, CA
90027
We’re gonna miss you, brother. God speed!
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