The Journey(s) of Ian

My life long interest in astronomy resulted in a life long interest in some interesting people. One of those, very interesting people, was Patrick Moore. Moore spent his entire life as an amateur astronomer and a populariser of the subject. With a mildly eccentric demeanour he entertained generations of young people, and more than a few older. Having said that he never struck me as a particular helpful source of information. I found neither his books nor his long dialogues on the subject that useful, however, I always found him an interesting subject to observe, if never entirely sure just what he was up to. This, combined with his rather varied and equally eccentric political views, made him someone to occasionally pay attention to, but never take too seriously. With all that, however, Patrick Moore, you were a fun fellow, you lived a long life, doing what you wanted. RIP.

Larry Hagman, an actor, man who made people happy. I first saw you in "I Dream of Genie" (as many of us did). Then I occasionally watched you in "Dallas". A good actor, and a good man. You leave behind many good memories in the minds of many people. RIP.

I remember it well, High School, the scratchy radio voice and the blurry black and white image. The long wait, and then Neil Armstrong spoke those globally famous words as he stepped onto the Lunar surface. July 20th 1969. A life that will be remembered as long as humans still value their past and their accomplishments. RIP.

Harry Harrison, an amusing name. I can remember the first time I saw the name on the shelves of my High School library, when I first came across the Deathworld series. This fascinating read began a long friendship, his books, my reading. I met Harrison when he came to Perth for a Swancon. An interesting and witty man, always ready with a story. Mr Harrison, you have left a long and lasting legacy, which will entertain many generations to come. RIP (1925-2012).

I saw Dr Ride in 1980 when she visited the city of Perth, Australia, and lectured in the Octagon Theatre of the University of Western Australia. It was a popular event, and she spoken well and engagingly. The rest of her life proceeded well, she travelled into space twice, pursued a successful academic career, and established a company that encouraged young people, in particular women, to consider a career in science. Sad that she died at the relatively young age of 61. Pancreatic cancer, I hope that a cure is found soon. It seems to target interesting people. RIP.

A shock. Steve Jobs was always there. An innovator, a trier of new ideas, a man who pushed. An interesting man for us to watch. A figure. He deserved a longer life. He would have enjoyed watching the next few decades of tech unfold, and been part of it all. A good man. RIP.

Another face from my youth, the bright and attractive actress Elisabeth Sladen, who played the 'Dr Who' companion Sarah Jane Smith, has passed away, and at the relatively young age of 63. I remember her as the companion of John Pertwee and Tom Baker. She played a feisty investigative reporter, turned time travelling companion—a part she played well. I recall her time on the show fondly, and was sorry when she left. She did return to the series from time to time ( :) ), but, for me, it will always be the 70s. Elisabeth Sladen 1948-2011 RIP.

Elizabeth Taylor was an actress, and something of an icon. I remember her from her role as Cleopatra, starring opposite the great Richard Burton, who portrayed the flawed, great Mark Antony so well. She was always there in my life, no longer. RIP.

A talented and engaging actor. A wide variety of roles. A wide variety of genres. An exemplary career. His most notable, to me (and most SF fans), was as Commander J. J. Adams, in the SF classic "Forbidden Planet" (1956), however, also the 'Naked Gun' series. Lots of laughs. He will be missed. He will be remembered.