R.I.P. Terry Pratchett, 1948-2015

There is very sad news in the literary and geek worlds today. Sir Terence David John Pratchett, OBE, much better known as “Terry,” has died at the age of 66. Pratchett announced in December 2007 that he suffered from early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease, and had since then become a supporter and advocate for research into its cure.

Readers will know Pratchett from more than 40 books in his very popular Discworld series, and from his collaboration with his friend and fellow author Neil Gaiman on Good Omens, recently turned into a radio drama by the BBC. For fans of his works, it seemed his reservoir of humor would never run dry. His excellent works will live in his memory, and as Discworld readers know, Death himself is not cruel. Pratchett’s Alzheimer’s Disease had progressed to the point where he no longer made public appearances, and as anyone who has seen a friend or relative suffer from that horrible illness knows, being released from that suffering is not altogether a bad thing. The real tragedy is that his life was cut short as early as it was, and that he and his family had to go through such an ordeal.

Please take a moment out of your day to think of Terry Pratchett, and especially of his friends and family who survive him. Consider making a donation to Alzheimer’s Research UK, which Pratchett supported personally, or to another foundation for research into a cure.

Goodbye, Sir Terry. We know Mort and Binky will take good care of you now.