And suddenly the crystal hits the floor...

[autographedcat]

I take a pause this morning to remember two friends, both of whom are gone from our lives far too soon.

Canadian filker John Caspell passed away suddenly, while recovering from a motorcycle accident. I wish I could say I knew him well, but I never really got the chance. But he was always a warm and friendly presence at any convention I saw him at, and I will miss hearing him in circles. He was very dear to many people who are dear to me, and I will miss him.

Fantasy author Tom Deitz was one of the first people I met when I moved to Athens in 1989. He was an old college friend of stars_and_magic, and was a fixture at the frequent parties and gatherings we attended. He suffered a heart attack some weeks ago, and never fully recovered. He had a very wry sense of humour that I always appreciated.

Comments

[hobbitbabe.livejournal.com]

I discovered Tom Deitz's books by happenstance in the university bookstore when I lived in Columbus (the Ohio one not the Georgia one). I bought one because my insurance agent had the same name, and I bought the rest because I liked the first one. I'm sad to learn of his death, but at the same time happy to hear of him as a person. If that makes sense.

[autographedcat.livejournal.com]

I still remember the first time I met Tom in passing, at a convention in Columbus, GA (interestingly enough), shortly after his second novel was published. We were both browsing in the dealer's room, and struck up a random conversation, as you do. We'd been chatting for a few minutes when I noticed his nametag and realized he was one of the author guests at the con. I said, "Btw, it's nice to meet you. I'm afraid I haven't had a chance to read any of your books yet." He looked sheepish and said, "That's ok. I don't expect anyone to have read my books."

[bedlamhouse]

Tom was always a presence we could count on when we started PhoenixCon (in Atlanta, for those of you confused by the name. It's a long story.) I was startled to hear of his passing, as I always think of all of us being just as young and foolish as we were back then.

[acciochocolate.livejournal.com]

Thanks for mentioning Tom's passing. It's still hard to think about. There's been too many deaths in my life of late.