And the days grow short... Michael Mason, RIP

[hazelchaz]

Michael Mason found dead in his apartment tonight, 04-Jan-2005. Now you know as much as I do.

EDIT: Memorial service details (Sunday, 23 January, 6pm) are in a follow-up comment.

Michael was in charge of the LASFS library for many years. Not a trained librarian, he did what he could, and he had a love for the LASFS Library nonetheless. LASFS used to purchase its NESFA Press books by way of Bruce Pelz, and when Bruce died Michael Mason joined NESFA expressly to continue that arrangement. Now who will buy our books?

Michael was a habitual Worldcon attendee, and his collection of Worldcon t-shirts was one he was proud of. He had enough to wear a clean Worldcon t-shirt every day. He chaired Loscon a year ago, and "helped" with the Loscon program most recently.

He was also one of the people I'd talked TAFF strategy with, and helped me convince myself I wanted to run.

Comments

Michael's shuffling off this mortal coil

[(Anonymous)]

This is James R. Terry, Jr. aka Jim Terry,
I have known Michael for about 27 years, the only other person who has known him as long is david Keller. I recieved the news about Michael's passing that evening from Deanna and then Dave and much later Steve Smyth. I am currently living out in the Coachella Valley (Palm Springs area) so me getting to Los Angeles is car and money dependant (I had a major car repair and I am too broke to be at today's wake for him - gas money you know.).
Having been a friend to Michael for so long, to hear of his passing has brought tears. Michael has done many things for me and with me. As stated in Kory Doyle's post, we went to the Renaissance Faires together, always was with him at cons, occasionally sharing a room, LASFS, and other parties and fannish type events. I have missed out because of my location, but I am going to try to make it to Gallifrey One to see friends and say goodbye to an old friend. My email address is admrljrt@hotmail.com, feel free to email me as I check my email daily. I miss Michael more than anyone knows. In spite of my occasionally teasing him about his long windedness, he knew I meant no malice. I have been reading the posts and my contact lenses keep fogging from the tears. Michael was in my "inner circle" of friends, whixh sounds elitist but I am sure everyone has those few friends they would know for life. I will miss him at cons, LASFS and of course just parties. Thanks for listening,
Jim