RIPs

[von Boom]

Deepest condolences Mabs. The loss of a grandparent is always rough.

[Mabs]

Thank you Charlie Boy, and you're right - those memories I shall cherish forever.

Thanks von Boom,  the kind words from my fellow Zarjazers has really touched me.

[Simon Beigh]

Can't pass by without offering my condolences to a fellow Shakara admirer. I'm sorry for your loss, Mabs, she sounds like she was an amazing lady...

[Jim_Campbell]

Not unexpected, but far too soon: Iain Banks.

Nothing official yet, but I've no reason to doubt Pádraig's info. (Updated: Confirmed on Twitter by Charles Stross.)

Greatly saddened.

[Something Fishy]

Rip Ian banks.  I only discovered his culture series in recent years having read some of his other books. I had missed out on some brilliant works.

Very sad loss.

[Something Fishy]

And sorry for your loss mabs.  Sad times.

[IAMTHESYSTEM]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22835047


BBC confirm the sad news. Damn.

[von Boom]

That's incredibly sad news about Iain Banks. I didn't expect him to go so quickly. 

[Dunk!]

R.I.P. Iain and thank you.

Dunk!

[TordelBack]

Very sorry to hear about your loss Mabs, lovely wee tribute that was.  My kids have been lucky enough to have had all four of their grandparents around, but I only ever really knew my Nan, cantakerous old marvel that she was, and reading your post made me think of how important she was to me.

And while I have tried to take Iain Banks' horribly swift final illness in the spirit he seemed to have adopted, I am afraid I find myself terribly saddened by the news of his death, irrationally so given I never met the man.  He's been a constant presence in my reading pile since I was loaned The Wasp Factory when I was 15 or 16.  I hope his last months were at least as rewarding for him as his body of work has been for me.

[Mabs]

Thanks Tordelback, Simeon and SF,  I cannot thank you guys enough for your kind words. I'm truly touched by it.

I was also very saddened to hear about Iain M. Bank's death today. I knew he was suffering with cancer, but it doesn't make the news any less tragic and painful. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.

Rest in peace.

[Link Prime]

Just saw you post there Mabs- very sorry to hear that.

[Sideshow Bob]

Yes, just saw this myself...
Deepest Condolences to you and your family, Mabs...

[Mabs]

Thank you Link and Bob, really appreciate it guys. I feel previlaged to be a member of this great forum.

[CrazyFoxMachine]

End of an era. The oldest verified man at 116 - the last person from the 19th century -

Jiroemon Kimura

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jiroemon_Kimura