Wednesday, May 19, 2021

A Difficult Goodbye

 Those of you who have gone to Balticon (physical or virtual) have probably seen me on a panel with Don Sakers. Have probably seen the chemistry that developed between us when talking about something we were both excited about.

Yesterday, I found out that Don passed away unexpectedly on Monday. He leaves behind his husband, Thomas Atkinson...and an entire community.

Don was a fixture on Balticon programming for years and could always be counted on to provide his opinion on a wide variety of matters. He was a tireless advocate for gay rights and neurodivergence, and a skilled writer.

Above all, though, Don was a man who dedicated much of his life to helping people find books. A forty year plus librarian, he was the reviewer for Analog Science Fiction & Fact for the last twelve years. He could always be counted on for a recommendation.

He was a light in every room he entered. I normally say "Rest in peace," but even though Don was not Jewish, I can't help but go with "May his memory be a blessing."

Because a man who gives out books gives out memories and I can't imagine Don resting.


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