Greg Bear to be taken off life support this week end

From the image in the linked tweet: “I had a long and informative meeting with Greg's care team this afternoon: neurologist, critical cardiac care doctor, surgeon, and palliative care team. The neurologist showed me the MRI images and carefully explained the range of impacts to expect from the many areas of stroke damage in many parts of the brain. Even if he returned to consciousness, and they feel this is highly unlikely, he would probably need 24 hour care and be limited in his cognitive and communication abilities, as well as many other issues. This is not the life he wants to lead, and the conversation we had and his advance directive were both very clear on this. These were a final gift from Greg, and I am confident in making this decision now that he is unable to express his wishes. So we will be removing life support, tomorrow or Sunday, after the kids and I have another chance to spend time with him, with more holding hands and expressing love. Once that is done, they will keep him pain free and calm, and his passing will be peaceful. I will spare you daily updates until that time, but know that I'll be there as much as I can, as he journeys to the undiscovered country. Thank you for all your love and support. They mean a lot, and I've shared your messages with him.” (Astrid Bear)

I have now very old copies of both The Way and Forge of God series on my bookshelves still from decades ago now, very interesting series that really underlined to me the stories scifi could tell. Though I didn't keep up with his more recent works I'm sorry to hear this news, but he has left quite a legacy. Cheers to a life well lived and many minds inspired. And based on the link I'm glad too he to some extent gets to choose the manner of his departure too. Having had to go through something like this recently with a relative having good advanced directives and the like is something all of us should put some thought towards.

Ah that's sad. Back when I was a teenager I discovered the Bova, Benford, Brin, and Bear SF section. That's what I called it anyway.

I have happy memories of reading Moving Mars and I have a prized (to me) hardcover copy of "Songs of Earth and Power". A talent who wrote wonderful books. He'll be missed

Forge of God changed my young mind as to how aliens CAN be (unlike ET, etc..). After reading Carl Sagan, the disk he sent (here we are, find us here!) it was a sobering 'what-if'.

It was a brutality of the actions that left a lingering impression on me. Darwin books were equally fantastic for different reasons.

According to the link in the link, he has substantial brain trauma from a stroke.

So sad… Such a talented author. A great loss to the world. He will be missed. Condolences and well-wishes to his loved ones for their incredible loss.

I believe read all his books except the halo books and The Unfinished Land.

One of my all time favorite authors.

Eon is a book I've used to introduce many people to serious sci-fi novels.

What a bummer.

Of “Darwin’s Radio,” and others. RIP.