This page is for site visitors to post remembrances and thoughts at the time of Dr. Pournelle’s passing (8 Sep 2017). Your thoughts can be added using the form at the bottom of this page. Comments that are not related to words of encouragement or condolences will be removed.
Dr. Pournelle’s family appreciates those that have taken the time to send condolences and well wishes.
For those that are interested in Dr. Pournelle’s books, please see the e-books page or the Amazon page . Here’s a list of all of Jerry’s books: All The Books.
Jerry’s last post is here. The text of the eulogy given at the memorial is here. Site news is here. – Editor
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Dr. Pournelle’s passing. I never had the honor of meeting the man, but I have voraciously read his work for many decades. He, along with the other greats of his generation, are the giants upon whose shoulders we stand. In his fiction and non-fiction, he tutored us in ways the public schools system never could. Computers and technology, yes, but the honest bravery of men and women, and what was right and true and bright. That was what the good doctor taught, up to the day of his passing. My deepest condolences to his wife and family, and all of his friends and fans.
I met Jerry once in 91 after reading him in Byte for a long time. Very smart guy. Strangely enough, a few days ago, I came across an old issue, wondered ‘what ever happened to Jerry Pournelle’ and visited the website. I was happy to see he was still around and writing.
Sincere condolences to the family.
My sincerest condolences – one of the great ones has left us…
Condolences on Jerry’s passing. He wrote some great stuff.
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I read that notification with sadness. Dr. Pournelle had a huge impact on my life, he shall be sorely missed, in many fields. Rest easy, Dr. Pournelle, you’ve certainly earned it, and thank you for trying to sustain intelligent conversation on this medium. Many thanks also for your books, and your endeavors in science education. You rank up there with RAH, sir. Godspeed to you.
I emailed Dr. Pournelle once and he gave me a kind answer. I remember the pleasant surprise to see his response. Rest in peace Dr. Pournelle. Your columns from Chaos Manor will be sorely missed.
I can’t count the number of hours I’ve spent reading and re-reading Jerry’s works. One of the few reasons I used to pick up Byte magazine back in the day was Jerry’s column. He will be sorely missed.
So sorry to hear this.
I had hopes that Dr. P and I would make it to the singularity and the would be able to appeciate his genius for another century.
My deepest sympathies go out to all the family and friends who have lost such a noble human.
So sorry to hear this. His words impacted my life so much.
I remember Jerry chiefly from his 80s BYTE Magazine column, which I read as an adolescent computer enthusiast. My dad and I shared each month’s issue, and Jerry’s column was always a high point. I am now fondly remembering talk of WORM drives, the CP/M machine, and Rebecca’s reading program.
My sincerest condolences to Jerry’s family, and may the Lord Jesus receive Jerry into His perfect rest.
Jerry was most of the reason I read Byte. When everything that you ever wanted most in life and computers would cost you $5000 – Jerry had it / tested it / wrote about it let us share in the pleasure of knowing – and Chaos Manor always sounded like a cool place to live.
May he rest in peace, live long in memories and writing and influence and may you, his family, know just how much he was cared about from all round the world from people he never knew.
Dr Pournelle had a large impact on my life and career. I’ll miss him.
Lightspeed and God Bless
His work has brought me much joy and excitement over the years, and more importantly, it always made me think. Prayers of grace and comfort for the family, and prayers of thanks for the man and his art.
The scifi community, America, and the world lost a great light today. Very sorry to hear of his passing. He was an inspiration to me in my own writing. He was the best!
RIP Jerry.
While I have been blessed by Jerry Pournelle’s fiction and non-fiction (not the least the years of Chaos Manor thoughts on wide ranging subject matters), I will miss his gracious and generous spirit most.
God bless the Pournelle family. I know Jerry is already being blessed by Him.
Jerry Pournelle is one of the greatest intellectual influences in my life. I had the honor of meeting him at a book signing once when I was a young man and was very excited about it. He was very pleasant in person. I think he combined extremely high intelligence with common sense better than anyone else I know of.
A life well lived and a legacy a light year long…God bless your soul Jerry
A life we’ll lived and a legacy a light year long…God bless your soul Jerry
Jerry Pournelle’s writing (both in Byte and his science fiction work) had a big influence on my life, both professionally and politically. I never had the pleasure of meeting him, I wish I had the opportunity to thank him. My sincere sympathy to his family.
A very influential guy, not afraid to make his case and defend it in the court of public opinion. A lesson to the rest of us who need to avoid easy argument. He will be missed.