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 so sorry to hear that. My deepest sympathy to friends and family.
I certainly did not agree with Jerry politically, but that seemed not to matter. I didn’t read that much of his fiction, and that didn’t seem to matter either. I read Chaos Manor religiously, and I thought The Mote in God’s Eye was the first attempt to imagine a truly alien intelligence.
The thing that amazes me is that I had several nice conversations with him over the years about technology and SF and he didn’t know me from Adam. I sent him an email out of nowhere and he replied.
We never met in person but he seemed like a truly nice guy. The world doesn’t have enough of those that it can afford to be losing them.
I’ve read many of his books and collaborations for decades now, his words and visions have not only shaped the genre and will continue to do so for years to come, but have also given great pleasure to so many readers and inspired other writers as well. He will be greatly missed but always remembered.
Devastated.
I’ve been following Dr. P since I was in high school. First, reading his books. Then, with the advent of the computer age, reading him in Byte, online and here.
I haven’t been constant in my visits to this site, but have always believed that I could come here, read a few months worth of his musings and be reassured that there was a voice of reason and civility that would set my mind back on firm ground.
God speed you to your high place, Dr. Pournelle. Your absence will be felt far and wide.
PL
Sorry to see you go Jerry.
Yes, I read many of your books, but what I really remember was sharing a few arguments with you at a couple of COMDEX’s back in the late 1980s. You enjoyed a good argument.
Farewell.
I’m so sorry to hear this news. Jerry and I always got along well, I always found him charming, and he encouraged my writing and often told me how much he liked it, even my fantasy stories (which surprised me). His word got my husband and me an invitation to the DC-X launch at White Sands a few decades ago, an event that I’ll never forget, and I’ll also never forget the baseball cap he wore there, which he transformed into a foreign-legion-style cap with the addition of an artfully folded and tucked scarf. I always enjoyed chatting with him at conventions, and although it’s been some years since I’ve seen him at one (I don’t travel as much as I once did), it’s hard to believe that I’ll never have that opportunity again. My sincere condolences.
I read his books very young. They made me think and question the things which I was being taught in school and church. That is a great gift to receive so young. I am sure his books helped set me on the adventure filled life I have lived. I will miss seeing him as a guest on TWIT.TV. His guest spots were always so very interesting.
Thank you for many years of honesty and inspiration, RIP
I have to also say – disagreed with politics, but no doubt his books (and his collaborations with Larry Niven) were the highlight of my earlier years reading science fiction. I put his work in the same category as my very early idols, Heinlein, Asimov, Poul Anderson and Andre Norton. I also truly enjoyed his Byte column and then his web posts. that his resume included so much more work in the real world too, government and engineering, only speaks volumes of how great he was.
So sad; condolences to his family – but, the footprints you leave behind are a testament to how great a legacy, and Jerry’s footprints are many.
Dear Dr. Pournelle,
I was not born in America
When I arrived in America (in my teens) I had with me a very basic comprehension of English
With some struggles I managed to understand your articles on Byte Magazine, and I can say for certain that your articles were partly responsible for my career choice – Electronics
And for that, I thank you !!
Rest well, Dr. Pournelle, and so long!
I didn’t realize how important Jerry was to me until I learned of his passing. For a good part of today I wanted nothing more than to get roaring drunk, which I haven’t done in 42 years. That may not be the most eloquent testimony to a great man, but that’s what I felt at his passing. I have been reading the postings here in the Well-Wishing section. Interestingly, I am not at all surprised at the scope of his influence.
Who will fill his shoes?
I was introduced to Dr. Pournelle not though science fiction, but though his Byte magazine articles from Chaos Manor back in the (I think) early 1990s. I didn’t even know he was a writer, then, but his articles were always head and shoulders above the others. Since then I have enjoyed his fiction. The world has lost a unique talent. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
I met Jerry through his son Alex. My deepest condolences on his passing.
I read many of the books, was devoted to the Byte columns, was always stimulated by the thought Dr. P. brought forth. The phrase that lives in my mind is, “the day was devoured by locusts.”
There’s only one fitting prayer and commendation I can give, and not knowing anything about Dr. P.’s faith, I hope it’s o.k.:
““The sun shall no longer be your light by day, Nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you; But the LORD will be to you an everlasting light, And your God your glory.” Isaiah 60:19 NKJV
Thanks Jerry for your wisdom and well-expressed intelligence over the years. You will be missed. My best to your wife and family.
Godspeed.
The Byte column from the early days was always something to read first. Loved the books, disagreed on politics. But that’s the civil way of democracy.
You will be missed.
The world was a better place for your writing.
Thank you. Godspeed, sir.
I read the Byte columns for years. I read all the books. We sometimes disagreed, but you always made me think.
So sad about this…
Dr Pournelle,
You will be missed good sir! My deepest condolences to your friends and family.
Rest well
I grew up with this mans books being read to me. He and my Dad would sometimes talk, and he recommended my brothers and my home-school curriculum to my Mom.
The universe lost one hell of guy.
So sorry to hear. I have lots of good memories of his work. Take care, all!
Thank you Dr Pournelle, for supply a rich environment, full of science, fiction, adventure, creating a future which I have thoroughly enjoyed for my whole adult life from high school on. And a blog of thought worthy of digging into, bringing clarity to mine.
Rest In Peace.
With a tear in my eye, condolences to his family.