Robert Forward has died.

He was a brilliant man, a titan in science, technology and science fiction. Probably no single man came up with and fleshed out more concepts that may ultimately result in our visiting other solar systems.

He was the king of anti-matter propulsion, but he also developed concepts for star travel via light sail. In addition, in more mundane matters (relating only to travel in our own solar system), he was a leading light on the care and use of tethers.

I have many (literally) vivid memories of him, particularly of his sartorial oddness. He was a man quite comfortable in a rainbow hued vest amidst a group of gray suits and ties. His ideas stood out in much the same way. I deeply regret that he didn't have the opportunity to see many of his ideas come to fruition.

Damn.

I regret that I was never able to get into his science fiction more than I did. Guess it involved too much *real* science for my li'l intellect to handle.

People have already done enough damage to Earth. The last place they should be allowed to spread is to other worlds in outer space. Forward and anybody else who defended that we slaughter other worlds for our own benefit is an enemy of peace.

Boy, isn't it just like the lefty loons to desecrate the memory of a man with such an idiotic post.

I used to be in SFWA and I remember Bob well, and who could forget his eye-gouging vests. I used to tell him there were times I was glad I was colorblind. (^_^) Had a few good talks over the years, mostly about Tipler's theories. We disagreed, which certainly means I was wrong, but we had fun. Must re-read Dragon's Egg--life on a neutron star! What a genius.

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