Iain Banks

[ffutures]

I've been off line most of the day, came back to find that there's some very bad news; Iain Banks has died; he was recently diagnosed with gall bladder cancer, and it went faster than anyone anticipated.

I don't have any good stories to tell about him; we moved in similar SF circles but had different friends, I've probably spoken to him a dozen or so times over the years. I did once point out a science gaffe in Surface Detail, but that's about it. Nevertheless he was one of my favourite authors, and he'll be badly missed by everyone who knew him or liked his work.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22835047

Comments

[jjpor.livejournal.com]

That's very sad news. I never met him, but I've enjoyed his books over many years. He seemed to be dealing with his illness with a great deal of dignity and courage, too.

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

It's a total bugger. I just wish things could have gone better.

[gonzo21.livejournal.com]

Very sad. I thought he would have a bit more time than this.

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

I think everyone did. I am getting REALLY fed up with all these cancer deaths lately.

[gonzo21.livejournal.com]

Yep. Did you catch that scary news story yesterday that they now estimate 50% of people will have cancer at some point in their lives?

I really hope that's just because people are living longer and not dying of the same sorts of things they used to, and not that cancer is becoming massively more prevalent.

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

It looks like it is simply longevity.