Forrest J. Ackerman, the man who coined the term "sci-fi" back in the 1930s, died on 4 December.  He is remembered by science fiction fans for many things, including being an early mentor to Ray Bradbury, Robert Heinlein, and many other men and women who helped grow the field.  Anyone who haunted a science fiction convention over the last 40 years probably ran into him.  I did, back in the 1960s.  He was an open, funny, nice man who loved his art.

I may have said this in a previous post: I was introduced to science fiction at the age of eight in the third grade by a friendly librarian at my school.  She started me on a path I have never regretted following.  To her, I dedicate this story written by Forry.  (I just hope I don't get sued.)  It is copyright 1973 by Mankind Publishing Company and is considered the shortest Sci-Fi story ever told.



                                                                                                 

Forrest J. Ackerman - 24 November 1916 - 4 December 2008