March was a very sad month for us as our dear friend of over 30 years Eric Brown unexpectedly got the worst news possible. The medication just didn’t work and his hopes of being able to hang around for between two to five years faded, and it was down to a couple of weeks at best. We still can’t believe it, but yesterday we were at his humanist funeral, along with his much beloved family and many friends and neighbours. This afternoon I actually managed to get some gardening done, and I found myself thinking because he was a keen gardener, ‘I must tell Eric ….’ it’ll be some time before it all sinks in.
Eric was a well-known SF author and more recently he turned to crime fiction with his Langham and Dupre series, set in the 1950s, right up my street. He was lovely enough to dedicate one of his books to Jack and myself. Truly you couldn’t find a better human being, it all seems so unfair. He was 62.
Anyway, the poem below was part of his service.
He chose The Byrds Turn! Turn! Turn! as his final music.
I am so very sorry for the loss of your friend. Life can be so unfair and hard sometimes. Sixty-two is young. I’ll be thinking of you and Jack.
I requested one of his books from the library. It is the first in the mystery series.
Jennifer,
I really hope you enjoy the book, I’m surprised that US libraries have them in stock, I’m sure he would have been surprised too! My father was only just 55 when he died, but of course now that I’m over 62 (just) it seems even younger.
How terribly sad and sudden. I’m very sorry for your loss.
Saila,
Thank you, although it’s his wife and 18 year old daughter that I’m thinking of most now. It must be so hard for them. They didn’t have him nearly long enough.
I first met Eric , in a pub in Haworth in 1991,i had no idea he was a writer , but once he found out i played football he immediately recruited me in to his 5 aside football team. Eric was a lovely guy , and obviously a talented writer. Although my favorite memories’ of him were sharing a pint in the Old Hall pub on a Friday night after football. RIP Eric a true friend and gentleman.
Nicholas Sisley,
Thanks for sharing your memories of Eric. I think that everyone who knew Eric felt the same about him, he’s missed by so many people. We can still hardly believe that he’s gone. Thanks for dropping by and taking the time to comment.
Katrina