September 08, 2017
Jerry Pournelle Has Passed Away
Few have had as big an influence on Science Fiction as Dr. Jerry Pournelle. Best known as a fiction author he was also a veteran who fought in the Korean war and an engineer of some repute. He worked in the government developing advanced defense technologies in various capacities during the Cold War , he was tasked as well with various strategic studies and was very involved in civil defense issues as well. After Civil Defense was placed on the back burner by the government in favor of a more top down approach exemplified by F.E.M.A. , he helped to start the preparedness movement in the 1970's. (It should be noted that many of his views on civil defense have been spectacularly vindicated in recent weeks by the response to Harvey.)
Word is that Jerry Pournelle has passed away quietly at his home.
With the late Max Hunter, he helped develop the DC-X a vtovl rocket test rig for a proposed re-useable spacecraft. It was, unfortunately, cancelled despite a succsessful test run.
Dr. Pournelle received numerous awards for fiction and nonfiction work, including the Robert A. Heinlein Memorial Award for a lifetime achievement in promoting the goal of a free spacefaring society. It was well earned as making humanity a multiplanet society was a passion for him as was individual liberty.
I have read nothing of his, that was not enjoyable, inspiring or both. If you have not read his books, then you need to start with A Mote in God's Eye.
He left unfinished several works including an update of his earlier The Strategy of Technology, a nonfiction policy oriented essay which I particularly recommend.
I did not know Dr. Pournelle, however the dozen times or so that I interacted with him, he was a perfect gentleman, respectful, professional and kind.
His life was long and has to be judged successful. He went above and beyond though. His daughter is an archeologist and his son is a naval officer and in addition to blessing the world with such worthy progeny, he gave joy to millions through his prodigious quantities of fiction and hope for humanities future through his vision and wisdom.
May we be worthy of his legacy.
We have truly lost one of the greats.
UPDATE: Sarah Hoyt remembers Dr. Pournelle..
There is a silence after a giant falls. We’re all concussed by the sudden loss.
Posted by: The Brickmuppet at
07:11 PM
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