I would remiss in not using this space to commemorate Algis Budrys, who passesd away Monday. All recollections I've read about the man say he was smart, courteous and a real pro. Here is the information culled from the SFWA web site:
"Algirdas Jonas Budrys, who wrote, reviewed and edited science fiction as Algis Budrys, passed away on Monday, June 9, 2008 following an extended illness. He was 77.
"He came to the United States from Lithuania at the age of 5 with his father, who was consul-general of the Lithuanian government.
"Known to countless fans and friends as AJ, his writing career began in 1952 with the sale of "The High Purpose" to Astounding Science Fiction. He went on to publish over 200 short stories and novels, including Who?, Rogue Moon, and Michaelmas. He used many pseudonyms, among them were David S. Hodgkins, Ivan Janvier, Paul Janvier, Albert Stroud, ans William Scarff.
"AJ's editorial career included stints at Gnome Press, Galaxy Science Fiction, Regency Books, and Playboy Press, as well as creating the magazine Tomorrow Speculative Fiction, which had 24 print editions prior to going online. For many years, he was Co-ordinating Judge of the L. Ron Hubbard's Writers of The Future and an advisor to the Illustrators of The Future Contest.
"He was a member of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.
"Visitation will be Friday 2 - 9PM at at Donnellan Family Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie. Illinois with the funeral Saturday at 10AM. Interment will be at Maryhill Cemetery in Niles, Illinois.
"Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 30 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 2015, Chicago, IL 60602 or the American Cancer Society, 820 Davis Street, Suite 400, Evanston, IL 60201."
I never met the man, but as I said, everyone says he was a gentleman in every sense of the word, and will be missed.
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