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’ve been meaning to do this for quite a while, but was hip deep in assisting my wife in her battle with cancer until she succumbed to it on August 3rd.
I was a fan long before I stumbled across Jerry’s “Day Book” as he called it and shortly after that he was in a panic, his husky had gotten into some antifreeze. I know a thing or two about antifreeze, gave him some ideas and everything worked out okay. Later on he gave me good advice on self-publishing my own book, and reminded me of his article on how to get his job – a great read by the way. I wouldn’t say that we were exactly friends, but Jerry was a friendly guy, eager to give advice and guidance, which helped me out a lot. I miss our email correspondences a lot.
My condolences to the family on the passing of Roberta Pournelle.
My wife and I met the Pournelles at Balticon 41 in 2007. We were fortunate enough to have a rather long conversation with Mrs. Pournelle while the good Doctor was signing autographs. We found her to be a charming, friendly and extremely intelligent lady. We regret not having had more time to get to know them both better. Our Prayers and Condolences go out to the family.
May they both Rest In Peace in God’s Love
So sad for such bad news, I followed and appreciated Jerry for decades and I learned how he was proud of Roberta and the whole family. Thamks for keeping the site alive and sharing content and news. Wishing all of you to stand this difficult moment and keep going.
My condolences on the passing of Roberta. I am sure that Jerry is happy to see her, but I am sure it will leave a hole in the family’s life and heart. I pray that you may all be comforted with great memories.
He was a giant. I just learned of his death… I’m not surprised, but still saddened
Well, I am at a loss. How could I have let this pass me by? I had been an irregular contributor to Chaos Manor Musings in the late 90s and early 00s, but had drifted on as I got busy with life and was preoccupied with other projects. I would wonder what he would say about various topics, but failed to actually go check. I love his books, and loved his commentary. Wondering how he would comment on current events, I checked, and found out he had succumbed to the march of time. His wisdom is sorely needed in the world, and he is no doubt much missed. Rest in Peace, Dr. Pournelle, we’ll take it from here
To the Pournelle Family,
I have enjoyed Dr. Pournelle’s writing since I was old enough to understand it.
Several years ago, and while doing research for my own first (and as yet still unfinished) novel, I took a chance and emailed him. To my astonishment, he responded with a short, but kindhearted and encouraging note.
Classy. Simply classy. I’ve never forgotten it.
My thoughts are with you all in remembrance and appreciation.
Dear Pournelle Family,
My deep condolences to Jerry’s family. I just found out today that he had passed away. I was immersed in family matters. I’ve always enjoyed reading and rereading his books and other writings. Thank you Jerry for everything you did and for you contributions to human understanding.
The Pournelle Family thanks you for your kind words and continued support of Chaos Manor. We have two new media and discussion outlets:
NEW WEBSITE
http://www.jerrypournelle.com/sciencefiction/
NEW FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/JerryPournelleChaosManor
Please donate today!
Your generous support and donations continues care for Jerry’s wife, Roberta. Thanks to your contributions, she is watching the birds and squirrels outside right now.
Sadly just found out today that the great man had passed away and I had missed the news due to my own mental health issues.
I remember fondly hunting through Byte to find the goings on at the manor as the first article I read each month – often dreaming that I could come over and help (even by getting a drink from the kitchen) and learn.
Sadly missed now but not forgotten.
Rest in peace my friend – your memory is treasured in this heart of mine.
Shout out to Jerry and Larry Niven today:
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2019/11/microsofts-project-silica-offers-robust-thousand-year-storage/
Talks about long-term data storage and The Mote in God’s Eye. Neglected similar issues Jerry mentioned in King David’s Spaceship
Like so many others, I’ve gone from reading the site daily…keeping up with Dr. Pournelle’s musings and events and later on sweating his recovery from crashes in the desert and health setbacks…. to checking in weekly, and now monthly.
The site is still filled with many enjoyable posts from the past. It’s so interesting to see how the pendulum has swung back and forth on so many topics… computing, space, politics, the (now mainstream and stifling) PC in society. Jerry, what would you say about life in 2019? about the ubiquity of and hold social media has on the thinking of so many? the continued uncritical thinking and gullibility of people as they digest information from the internet?
Over 2 years gone now and I still miss his writing, humor, and expertise. I hope his family is well and wish the best for them.
I find myself revisiting this page every few months, and when i do I think the same thing: “I wish Dr. Pournelle were here, I would certainly enjoy his perpsective.” A great man is missed.
Just finished King David’s Spaceship, a book I’d somehow missed reading over the many years.
Another outstanding story.
I miss reading Jerry’s blog and would love to be reading his take on the Trump presidency.
RIP Jerry, you are greatly missed.
Remembering!
Talk Like pirate day
Two years, and I still miss reading Jerry’s thoughts. Rest in peace, Dr. Pournelle.
Dear Pournelle Family,
Wishing you well and good memories of Dr. Pournelle. I still miss his wit and wisdom, but I am grateful for his writings: fiction, computer, and his online journal. Prayers for Jerry and for you all.
Coming up on two years, I still come back to the site…..