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I've posted about my favorite author before...

Robert Jordan, author of the long-running Wheel of Time fantasy series passed away yesterday, due to complications from cardioid amyloidosis. His real name is James Rigney, and in addition to being the author of the WoT series, he was a civil war historical writer, a graduate of the Citadel (with a degree in Physics), and served honorably in the Army during two tours in Vietnam, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross with bronze oak leaf cluster, the Bronze Star with "V" and bronze oak leaf cluster, and two Vietnamese Gallantry Crosses with palm medals.

Some of you may remember that last year, after I commented at his blog (which was set up so that Mr. Rigney could correspond with his fans and used heavily to keep fans up-to-date regarding his illness) that I was happy to see he was still healthy and fighting after I had lost touch during Aaron's brief time with us and the immediate aftermath of his loss, Mr. Rigney briefly responded to me personally in one of his postings.

It was a very cool moment for me, because my favorite author was not only aware of my existence, but because he took the time to familiarize himself with my story, wish me God's blessing, and he did so during a time when he was fighting a life-threatening illness.

Well, that illness eventually proved to be too much for even a man with Mr. Rigney's distinctions to overcome. I know I'm not alone in grieving his loss, as thousands upon thousands of fans worldwide found the news just as shocking as I did. He leaves the WoT series unfinished, at 11 books (the 12th would have been the end) and rumors are out there that extensive notes were dictated by Mr. Rigney during his treatment, and that someone else may be finishing the series for him. If this is the case, it will be a bittersweet finale to be sure.

Goodbye, Mr. Rigney. Do me a favor, and tell Aaron how things would have wrapped up in book 12. :)

Comments

Shanna said…
I'm sorry to hear this, I read the WoT books too, that's one of my favorite series. I'm sad to hear that he has lost his fight with the disease, but am glad he's no longer suffering.

I hope that whoever finishes the series does it justice (and finally tells us what really happened to Moiraine!)
5:52 PM
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