Friday, February 5, 2010

The Mythago Man, RIP

I haven't posted anything here for a long time. And then something occurred that left me feeling numb -- this was the untimely death of Robert Holdstock at the end of 2009. At the time I felt unable to put anything about this on my blog; it was too difficult.

It is still painful to think about. I met Rob years ago at a fantasy convention, and we quickly became friends (even though meeting once or twice a year). Rob was a biologist working in the field of immunology before becoming a full time writer, and he kept up with the latest developments in cell biolgy. When he learned that I worked in an immunology laboratory he took delight in bamboolzing me with the latest research. I didn't mind: there was always a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Jan and I were going to stay with Rob and the lovely Sarah last December but my family committments put a raincheck on that. Alas, our visit to Rob and Sarah (and the promised all night wine-tasting event) will never be. I miss Rob terribly. I took the attached photo of Rob and Sarah at the wedding of Jo Fletcher and Ian Drury. I rather like it but Rob complained that I cropped off what little hair he had.