John M Ford, 1957-2006.

[Bridget Burke]

I just stumbled upon the sad fact that John M Ford died on September 25th. He wrote science fiction, fantasy & poetry. And he designed games.

"A Dragon Waiting: A Masque of History" was my first encounter with his work. It's alternate history--or maybe fantasy. "The Last Hot Time" depicted Chicago after the elves returned. And he wrote Star Trek novels; "How Much for Just the Planet" is a real hoot.

His works are intelligent, difficult to classify, allusive & worth re-reading. He was not prolific--apparently he'd had health problems for years. And he refused to adapt one "style"--another reason he did not become well known. He always left you wanting more.

Ford's poetry was classic & often brilliant. "Winter Solstice, Camelot Station" & "A Holiday In the Park" are Arthurian Christmas poems that can bring me to tears.

He was known as "Mike" to his many friends. Read some tributes here:

http://nielsenhayden.com/makinglight/archives/008033.html#008033