

Australian fan Paul Anderson (b.1943) died on January 1. Anderson was active in the 1970s as part of ANZAPA and later wrote reviews for SF Commentary. Director Fiona Cumming (b.1937) died on January 1. Cumming began working on Doctor Who during the Troughton years and directed several Davison episodes, including "Castrovalva," "Snakedance," and "Planet of Fire." She also worked on Blakes 7 and The Omega Factor. Actress Donna Douglas (b.1933) died on January 1. Douglas is best known for appearing as Elly May Clampett on The Beverly Hillbillies, but also appeared in several episodes of The Twilight Zone, including "Eye of the Beholder." Other genre credits include episodes of Night Gallery, Thriller, and Project U.F.O. Actor Kan Bonfils (b.c.1972) died on January 5. Bonfils appeared as Jedi Saesee Tiin in The Phantom Menace and also appeared in Batman Begins, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, and Skyfall. He collapsed on the stage in London during a rehearsal for the play Dante's Inferno. Actor Rod Taylor (b.1930) died on January 7. Taylor is best known for playing the lead in The Time Machine, World Without End, Colossus and the Amazon Queen, and The Twilight Zone. He also appeared in The Birds and most recently Inglourious Basterds. Author Kate Gilmore died during the first week of January. Gilmore is the author of the young adult novels Enter Three Witches, The Exchange Student, and The Caverns of Kwandalin. Gilmore didn't begin publishing until she was 50. Producer Samuel Goldwyn, Jr. (b.1926) died on January 9. Goldwyn produced the remake of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, The Visitor, and Once Bitten. French author Michel Jeury (b.1934) died on January 9. Jeury began publishing as Albert Higon in 1960 with the novels Aux Étoiles du Destin and La Machine du Pouvoir, the latter of which won the 1960 Prix Jules Verne. In the early 1970s, he published Chronolysis and continued to write science fiction into the 1980s, publishing nearly twenty books as part of the Anticipation line before turning his attention to mainstream fiction. Producer and writer Brian Clemens (b.1931) died on January 10. Clemens was the producer of the original television series The Avengers and wrote scripts for episodes of the show. He also wrote the screenplay for The Golden Voyage of Sinbad and Highlander II: The Quickening, as well as episodes of the Highlander television series. Actor Taylor Negron (b.1957) died on January 10. Negron appeared in episodes of Wizards of Waverly Place, Touched by an Angel, and Legion of Super Heroes as well as the films Angels in the Outfield, The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas, and Stuart Little. Actress Anita Ekberg (b.1931) died on January 11. Ekberg is best known for appearing in La Dolce Vita, but she also appeared in some genre films such as Abbott and Costello Go to Mars, Boccaccio '70 and Way…Way Out. Romanian publisher Valentin Nicolau (b.1960) died on January 13. Nicolau founded the Nemira Publishing House, which reprinted many works of classic science fiction in Romanian. Editor Alice K. Turner (b.1940) died on January 16 from pneumonia. Turner had served as the fiction editor at Playboy from 1980 until 2000. In 1998, she edited The Playboy Book of Science Fiction, collecting 25 science fiction stories originally published in Playboy by authors including William Tenn, Ray Bradbury, Doris Lessing, and Ursula K. Le Guin. Japanese writer Kazumasa Hirai (b.1938) died on January 17. Hirai wrote Wolfcrest , Megalopolis no Tora, the Wolf Guy Series, and other works of manga. San Francisco fan Eric P. Scott died in the middle of January. Scott entered fandom around 1980 and attended every Westercon beginning with 1981, eventually helping to run the con-suite. He was an active party thrower at conventions and tried to raise the level of parties by example. He was active in BASFA and also worked on programming, green room, and art shows at various conventions. Artist Stephen Czerkas (b.1951) died on January 22. Czerkas got his start on the film Flesh Gordon and went on to create dinosaurs for Planet of the Dinosaurs and stop motion for Jason of Star Command. He eventually began creating life size dinosaurs and co-founded the Dinosaur Museum in Blanding, Utah. Actor Barrie Ingham (b.1932) died on January 23. Ingham provided the voice for the title character in Disney's The Great Mouse Detective. He also appeared in an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation and Voyagers! He appeared in the William Hartnell Doctor Who serial "The Trojans" as Paris, played Harold Godwinson on the show Theatre 625, and the title character in A Challenge for Robin Hood. Childrens author Pauline Fisk (b.1948) died on January 25. She won the Smarties Award for her debut novel, Midnight Blue. She later wrote the Children of Plynlimon trilogy. Fan and librarian Mary Axford died on January 26. Axford chaired DeepSouthCon 23 in 1985 with Richard Gilliam and was active in a variety of areas of con-running. She spent 26 years as a librarian at Georgia Tech. Author and linguist Suzette Haden Elgin (b.Patricia Anne Wilkins, 1936) died on January 27. Elgin began publishing in 1969 with the story "For the Sake of Grace" and followed it a year later with the novel The Communipaths. She may be best known for the Native Tongue trilogy. In 1978, she founded the Science Fiction Poetry Association, and their Elgin Award is named in her honor. Actress Geraldine McEwan (b.1932) died on January 30. McEwan appeared in an episode each of Red Dwarf and Out of This World. She also appeared in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and did voice work for The Secret World of Arrietty.

Animator Monty Oum (b.1981) died on February 1 from an allergic reaction. Oum created the series RWBY and also worked in the gaming industry for Midway Games and Namco Bandai Games, often as a combat designer. He began working for Rooster Teeth in 2010. Prior to working in the gaming industry, Oum created on-line videos using character models he was able to extract from various games. He won a Steamy Award and an International Academy of Web Television Award for RWBY. Fan John Jones died on February 3. Jones was instrumental in running RavenCon in Virginia. He came to science fiction through super hero shows in the 1970s and began volunteering at Vulkon in the 1990s. He served as head of Operations at Wrath of Con in 2008 and since 2009 has been the vice chair of RavenCon. Author Melanie Tem (b.1949) died on February 9. Tem was married to her frequent collaborator, Steve Rasnic Tem. Her novels included Prodigal, Desmodus, and Black River, and she wrote Daughters with her husband and Making Love and Witch-Light with Nancy Holder. Prodigal won the Bram Stoker Award for best debut novel and "The Man on the Ceiling," co-written with her husband, received the Bram Stoker, World Fantasy Award, International Horror Guild, and Awards. Actor Gary Owens (b.1934) died on February 12. Owens was best known as the often on-screen announcer of Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In, but also had numerous genre credits, including the role of Space Ghost, providing narration of Buzz Lightyear of Star Command, and as an announcer or voice over for many cartoons in the 1970s and 80s. Artist Gail J. Butler (b.1947) died on February 13. Butler's work appeared in the cover of Marion Zimmer Bradley's Fantasy Magazine and Avram Davidson's And Don't Forget the One Red Rose. She also provided interior art of MZB and Analog. Actress Pamela Cundell (b.1920) died on February 14. Cundell appeared in and episode of the British time travel series Goodnight Sweetheart and the film Memoirs of a Survivor, based on Doris Lessing's novel. Actor Louis Jourdan (b.1921) died on February 14. Best known for Gigi, he also appeared in the James Bond film Octopussy as well as Swamp Thing and Return of Swamp Thing. He played Dracula in a made-for-television Count Dracula and his final role was in the border-line science fiction film The Year of the Comet. Artist Brett Ewins (b.1955) died on February 16. Ewins worked on Judge Dredd, 2000 AD, Hellblazer, and Swamp Thing, among other comics. Singer Lesley Gore (b.Lesley Goldstein 1946) died on February 16. Best known as the singer of "It's My Party," "Judy's Turn to Cry," and "You Don't Own Me," she appeared in two episodes of Batman as Pussycat, one of Catwoman's henchwomen, and also appeared in The Pied Piper of Astroworld. Irish fan Mick O'Connor died on February 16. O'Connor became active in fandom in the 1990s when he began attending meetings of the Irish Science Fiction Association. O'Connor also ran a comic book shop in Dublin and was part of the current Dublin in 2019 Worldcon bid. Author Carol Severance (b.1944) died on February 19. Severance was the author of The Island Warrior trilogy and the Compton Crook Award winning Reefsong. Her novels tended to use the Pacific Islands as their background and Severance did anthropological fieldwork in the remote coral atolls of Micronesia and eventually settled in Hawaii. Artist John Cooper (b.1942) died on February 22. Cooper's specialty was comics based on television series and he did comics of Doctor Who, Blake's 7, Thunderbirds, and Captain Scarlet. Actor Ben Woolf (b.1981) died on February 23 from a head injury incurred when he was struck by a car mirror. Woolf portrayed Meep on American Horror Story: Freak Show and also appeared in the film Unlucky Charms. Author Bertrice Small (b.1937) died on February 24. Mostly known as a romance writer, several of her novels included aspects of science fiction, such as A Moment in Time and her "World of Hetar" series was a fantasy romance series. Author Ryder Syvertsen (b.1941) died on February 24. Syvertsen generally used pseudonyms for his novels, his "Doomsday Warriors" series of post apocalyptic SF being published as by Ryder Stacy. Writing as John Sievert, he published the C.A.D.S. books. Actor Leonard Nimoy (b.1931) died on February 27. Nimoy was best known for his role as Mr. Spock in the original Star Trek, as well as the movies based on the series. He also directed the films Star Trek III: The Search for Spock and Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. In addition to his work on Star Trek, Nimoy was the long-time host of In Search of… and appeared in such films as Zombies of the Stratosphere and Them!. Prior to appearing on Star Trek, Nimoy had a recurring role on Sea Hunt. He appeared in episodes The Outer Limits and The Twilight Zone. Author Albert J. Manachino (b.1924) died on February 28. Manichino's first story, "Tower of Babel," appeared in Keen Science Fiction! In 1977. Over the next three decades his fiction appeared in many small press anthologies ans was collected in two collections. He expanded his short story "The Box Hunters" into his only novel.

Actor Daniel van Bargen (b.1950) died on March 1. Van Bargen is perhaps best known for a role on Seinfeld, but he also appeared in episodes of The X-Files, The Pretender, and the remake of Fantasy Island as well as the filme S1m0ne, RoboCop 3, and the Postman. Author Dennis Barker (b.1929) died on March 2. Barker wrote the novel Winston Three Three Three, about a Soviet occupied London, as well as other novels about politicians and the armed forces. Author Mal Peet (b.1947) died on March 2. Best known as an author and illustrator of children's books, such as the mythologically inspired Cloud Tea Monkeys, he also wrote the satirical fantasy The Murdstone Trilogy. Producer Harve Bennett (b.Harve Bennett Fischman, 1930) died on March 4. Bennett co-wrote and produced Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, Star Trek IV: The Journey Home, and Star Trek V: The Final Frontier. He also worked as executive producer on Salvage 1 and Time Trax. His production credits also included The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman. Animator Gordon Kent (b.1954) died on March 5. Kent worked on numerous animated television series, including Ultimate Spider-Man, Young Justice, The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes, Buzz Lightyear of Star Command, and more. In addition to animation, he also worked as a writer for several of his shows. Artist Norman Lee (b.1968) died while snorkeling in the Cayman Islands on March 5. Lee began working on Wolverine '96 Annual and went on to draw for both Marvel and DC, including Wonder Woman, Starman, Avengers, and Spider-Man. Sculptor and artist Tom Loback (b.1949) died on March 5. Loback's artwork adorned many Toklien gaming projects and 'zines and he also created a line of figures. A linguist, his art often included inscriptions in Quenya and Sindharin. Manga artist Yoshihiro Tatsumi (b.1935) died on March 7. Tatsumi helped pioneer a more adult style of manga and was the receipient of the Japan Cartoonists Association Award. Comic artist Fred Fredericks (b.1929) died on March 10. Fredericks drew and wrote the newspaper strip "Mandrake the Magician" from 1965 until he retired in 2013. From 1995 to 2000, he also inked the strip "The Phantom." Earlier in his career, he worked on Daredevil, Bullwinkle, Defenders of Earth, and other comic books. Comic artist Irwin Hasen (b.1918) died on March 13. Hasen began working in comics in 1940 of The Green Hornet, The Flash, and Green Lantern. He also created Wildcat. He continued to illustrate those and Justice Society of America and Johnny Thunder after World War II before creating Dondi in 1954. Author Sir Terry Pratchett (b.1948) died on March 12 surrounded by his family. For the past several years, Sir Terry has suffered from Alzheimer's. Pratchett is best known for the long-running Discworld novels, but has also been co-authoring the Long Earth series with Stephen Baxter. His other works include The Nome Trilogy, Johnny and the Dead, and Good Omens, written with Neil Gaiman. In addition to his knighthood, Pratchett has won the Andre Norton Award, the BSFA Award, the Skylark, World Fantasy Lifetime Achievement Award, and others. Danish author Inge Eriksen (b.1935 ) died on March 13. Eriksen began publishing science fiction in 1980 with the play The Wind Is Not for Sale and wrote the novel Amanda Screamer's Desire two years later. Her "Space Without Time" series is comprised of four novels and was published between 1983 and 1989. Prior to writing science fiction, Eriksen wrote mainstream fiction and returned to that in the 1990s. British fan Pete Gilligan died on March 14. Gilligan was active in PSIFA and Concatenation. In the 1970s and early 80s, he was involved in running Shoestringcon. Danish author Ib Melchior (b.1917) died on March 13. Melchior wrote the short story "The Racer," which was the basis for the films Death Race 2000 and Death Race. hisother short stories included "Vidiot" and "The Winner and New…" In addition to two novels, he wrote screenplays for Robinson Crusoe on Mars, Journey to the Seventh Planet, and two episodes of the Hugo-nominated Men Into Space. Bookseller Ted Ball died on March 18. Ball was the co-owner of London's Fantasy Centre, a SF/fantasy bookstore Ball opened in 1969 with Dave Gibson and which closed in 2009. Mercury 13 member Bernice Steadman (b.Bernice Trimble, c.1925 ) died on March 18. Steadman was one of the thirteen women who volunteered, and successfully passed all of the physiological tests performed on the Mercury 7 astronauts. Steadman met her future husband, Robert Steadman, in 1957, when he took flying lessons from her at a flight school she owned. She was the first woman to receive an Airline Transport Rating, and was briefly considered as a candidate to be an astronaut before NASA abandoned the idea of women astronauts. Author Ellen Conford (b.1942) died on March 20, her 73rd birthday. Conford wrote more than 40 children's books, including picture books and YA. Her genre novels included the fantasies The Frog Princess with of Pelham and Genie with the Light Blue Hair. Director Walter Grauman (b.1922) died on March 20. Grauman directed an episode of the original V, Tales of the Unexpected, and The Twilight Zone, as well as numerous mystery and police shows . Actor Gregory Walcott (b.1928) died on March 20. Walcott appeared in Plan 9 From Outer Space and also had a bit role in Ed Wood. He appeared in a two part episode of The Six Million Dollar Man and Land of the Lost. Book dealer Richard Clear (b.1943) died on March 21. Clear opened the Dragon's Lair comic store in Dayton, OH in 1973 and later Merlin's Books in Tampa, FL. Eventually he moved back to Ohio and sold books on-line and at conventions. Clear helped with the early Pulpcons and received the Lamont Award in 1988. Producer John Litvack (b.1945) died on March 21. Litvack wa a co-executive producer of Hill Street Blues and Smallville and served as a consulting producer on Fringe. As an executive at WB, he mentored J. J. Abrams on Felicity, Joss Whedon on Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, and other showrunners. Actress Alberta Watson (b.1955) died on March 21. Watson appeared in the television shows The Outer Limits, La Femme Nikita, and Deadly Nightmares and the film Day of Resurrection. Fan Peggy Rae Sapienza (b.Peggy Rae McKnight, 1944 ) died on March 22, about a month after undergoing heart surgery. Peggy Rae, who was married to Bob Pavlat from 1963-1983 and to John Sapienza from 1999 until her death, chaired Bucconeer, the 1998 Worldcon (my first). She was long active in con-running and fanzine publishing. She was a driving force behind much of Washington and Baltimore fandom, and has chaired or co-chaired several recent Nebula Award Weekends. She helped create the modern exhibition concourse at Worldcons and in 2012, she was the fan guest of honor at Chicon 7. Danish artist Otto Frello (b.1924) died on March 24. In 2004, he received the Eurocon Award for Best Artist. Director Richard L. Bare (b.1913) died on March 28. Bare directed 7 episodes of The Twilight Zone, including "To Serve Man" and "Nick of Time." He also directed the film Wicked, Wicked. Czech cinematographer Miroslav Ondrícek (b.1934) died on March 28. In 1972 he worked on the film Slaughterhouse-Five and later worked on Dark Sun and F/X. Some of his non genre work included Hair and A League of Their Own. He received Oscar nominations for Amadeus and Awakenings. Hugo nominee Karl Alexander (b.1945) died in late March. Alexander was nominated for the Hugo for the film Time After Time, which was based on his novel of the same name. He also wrote a sequel, Jaclyn the Ripper. Most of Alexander's work in Hollywood was as a gaffer and electrician.

Actor Robert Rietty (b.1923) died on April 3. Rietty appeared in several James Bond films, The Golden Voyage of Sinbad, The Omen, and episodes of Space: 1999. In 2002, he appeared in the Doctor Who webcast Death Comes to Time with Sylvester McCoy. Actor Richard Dysart (b.1929) died on April 5. Dysart was best known for his role as Leland MacKenzie on L..A. Law, but also appeared in Meteor, The Thing, Back to the Future, Part III, Spawn, and providing voice work for Castle in the Sky and Batman: The Animated Series. Actor James Best (b.1926) died on April 6. Best is best known for his portrayal of Sheriff Roscoe P. Coltrane on The Dukes of Hazzard, but genre roles included Forbidden Planet, The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms, and Men into Space. Animator Cliff Voorhees (b.c.1930) died on April 6. Voorhees worked on several animated television shows, including My Favorite Martians, Mission: Magic!, Star Trek: The Animated Series, and The New Adventures of Batman. Author Patrick H. Adkins (b.1948 ) died on April 7. In 1974, Adkins, a lifelong fan of Edgar Rice Burroughs, published Edgar Rice Burroughs Bibliography and Price Guide. His first novel, Lord of the Crooked Paths, the first in a trilogy, appeared in 1987. In 2001, he published the collection Forgotten Tales of Love and Murder of uncollected Burroughs stories through the Tarzana Project, which he founded with John H. Guidry. He also served as editor of the New Orleans SF Association fanzine NOLAZine. Actor Geoffrey Lewis (b.1935) died on April 7. Lewis appeared in episodes of The X-Files, Quark, and Odyssey 5. his film roles included Night of the Comet, The Lawnmower Man, and The Dragon Gate. Artist Herb Trimpe (b.1939) died on April 13. Trimpe worked on The Incredible Hulk in the 1960s and 70s and became the first person to draw Wolverine for publication. He drew for several other Marvel publications, including Captain America and The Defenders. In 2002, he won an Inkpot Award as well as a The Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award for work he did as a chaplain at the World Trade Center following the September 11 attacks. Fan Art Widner (b.1917) died on April 17. Widner, who often signed his correspondence as R. Twidner, was one of the founding members of The Stranger Club, the pioneers of Boston fandom, and chaired Boskones I and II. He published more than 160 fanzines, including YHOS from 1940-45 and 1979-2001. He received the Big Heart Award in 1989 and was the 1991 DUFF winner. Widner received a Retro Hugo nomination for 1946 in the Best Fan Writer category and, along with The Stranger Club, was the Worldcon Fan GoH at Noreascon 3. Widner was also an inductee into the First Fandom Hall of Fame. Fan Steve M. Cohen (b.1957) died on April 20. Cohen was a long-time comics fan. Cohen was exceptionally knowledgable about both comics books and comic arts. He had been suffering from respiratory issues for several years. Fan Stan Burns (b.Marsdon Stanford Burns, Jr., 1947) died on April 23. Burns began reading science fiction in 1957, when his mother got him a copy of Heinlein's Have Space Suit, Will Travel from the library. He became active in LASFS while working on a cultural anthropology paper in 1967 and began attending conventions. Burns was the official photographer at Equicon, Filmcon, LACons I and III, many Loscons. Artist Francis Tsai (b.1968) died on April 23. Tsaigot his start in the video game industry working on Myst 3, Star TreK: Hidden Evil and other games and went on the work for Marvel Comics. First working for Wizards of the Coast on Magic: The Gathering, his illustrations appeared in many of their Dungeons and Dragons manuals and he created the artwork for the 4th Edition Dungeon Master's Screen. Actor Rex Robinson (b.1926) died in April. Robinson appeared in Superman IV: The Quest for Peace as well as in three serials of Doctor Who, including "The Hand of Fear," "The Monster of Peladon," and "The Three Doctors." Fan Kathy Doran Owen died on April 25. Owens lived in Alabama was was active in developing and running the literary programming track at DragonCon for the past several years. Screenwriter Don Mankiewicz (b.1922) died on April 25. The son of Herman Mankiewicz, the younger Mankiewicz made his own way as a writer in Hollywood, writing scripts for Star Trek and Alcoa Presents: One Step Beyond. Actress Suzanne Crough (b.1963) died on April 27. Crough is best known for her appearance as Tracey Partridge on The Partridge Family and reprised the role in the animated series Goober and the Ghost Chasers. She also did voice work for Fred Flintstone and Friends and appearesd in an episode of Wonder Woman. Cinematographer Andrew Lesnie (b.1956) died on April 27. Lesnie worked as the director of photography on all of Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films as well as King Kong and I Am Legend. In 2002, he won an Oscar for his work on The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Artist Marcia Brown (b.1919) died on April 28. Brown was a three-time Caldecott Medal winner for her children's books, which included Stone Soup, Anansi, the Spider Man, Snow Queen, and many other books based on fairy tales. Actor Nigel Terry (b.1945) died on April 30. Terry got his start playing Walter Raleigh in the British television series Kenilworth, and appeared as Prince John a year later in The Lion in Winter. In 1981, he played King Arthur in Excalibur and later appeared as Sir Thomas Covington is the short lived Medieval series Covington Cross. His final genre role was as Cobb in the Doctor Who episode "The Doctor's Daughter."

Actress Grace Lee Whitney (b.1930) died on May 1. Whitney portrayed Ensign Janice Rand on Star Trek and in several of the films, as well as an episode of Star Trek: Voyager. She also appeared opposite Vincent Price in House of Wax and in an episode of The Outer Limits and as one of King Tut's henchwomen in two episodes of Batman. Prior to her roles on television, she toured with Spike Jones' Orchestra. Screenwriter Norman Thaddeus Vane (b.1928) died on May 2. Vane wrote several horror films, including Dracula Sucks, Frightmare, Shadow of the Hawk, and The Black Room. Producer and writer Robert Foshko (b.1930) died on May 3. Foshko wrote two episodes of Tales of Tomorrow and was an associate producer on The Man from U.N.C.L.E. In addition to his television work, Foshko wrote for the comic Flash Gordon and for Argosy. Screenwriter William Bast (b.1931) died on May 4. Bast wrote the screenplay for The Valley of Gwangi, an episode of The Outer Limits, and produced Deadly Invasion. He won an Edgar Award for his script for The Legend of Lizzie Borden and was nominated for an Emmy for an adaptation of The Man in the Iron Mask. Reviewer Chris Gilmore (b.1947) died on May 6. Gilmore worked as a reviewer for Interzone in the 90s and published four short stories in the early 90s. British fan Fred Hemmings (b.1944) died on May 6. Hemmings was active in the Kingston SF Group and BSFA and also helped run several Eastercons. At Eastercon 22, Hemmings costume based on H.Beam Piper's Space Viking won Best Costume in what may have been the first fully successful masquerade in British fandom. He attended the first Eurocon and edited the fanzine Viewpoints. Danish author Jannick Storm (b. Finn Jannick Storm Jørgensen, 1939) died on May 9. Storm worked as a critic, translator, and editor as well as an author. He helped reintroduce science fiction to Denmark in the 50s and edited a line of translations beginning in 1968. his own fiction is collected in Miriam og andre and Er mao død. Actress Elizabeth Wilson (b.1921) died on May 9. Wilson appeared in The Incredible Shrinking Woman, the film The Addams Family, the television show Dark Shadows, and The Day of the Dolphin. Artist Glen Orbik (b.1963) died on May 11 following a battle with cancer. Orbik studied art at the California Art Institute and later with Fred Fixler. His artwork adorned video games, novels, and comics, including works by Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, Joe Lansdale, and Barbara Hambly. Artist James R. Powell (b.1972) died in a car accident on May 13. Powell painted the cover for the anthology Denizens of Darkness, several Joe Lansdale novels, as well as works by Neil Gaiman, Michael Moorcock, and Brian Hodge. He created the badge art for the 2015 World Horror Con, which was held the weekend before his death. Voice actor John Stephenson (b.1923) died on May 15. Stephenson began his career on screen in the 1950s, including an appearance on Science Fiction Theatre in which he played "Phil Coulson" in the episode "Robot Doctor." In the early 60s, he began doing voicework on the show Top Cat and eventually his work included voice roles on Jonny Quest, Atom Ant, The Flintstones, Wacky Races, and Scooby Doo. He also did voices for the two animated films based on Tolkien's work. Actress Mary Ellen Trainor (b.1952) died on May 20. Trainor appeared in Death Becomes Her, Back to the Future, Part II, Ghostbusters II, Romancing the Stone, and an episode of Amazing Stories. She also appeared in the remake of Freaky Friday. Fan Yvonne "Vonnie" Carts-Powell (b.1966) died on May 22. Carts-Powell was a frequent attendee and panelist at Boston area conventions and has written reviews for Green Man Reviews. A science writer, in 2008, she wrote The Science of Heroes, a look at the television series. She was diagnosed with cancer in 2013. Author Morya Caldecott (b. Olivia Brown Caldecott, 1927) died on May 23. Most of Caldecott's novels were aimed at children or young adults, including Child of the Dark Star, The Silver Vortex, and The Tower and the Emerald. Several of her novels were based on mythology and legend or history, such as The Winged Man, about King Bladud, or Hatshepsut: Daughter of Amun. Author Tanith Lee (b.1947) died on May 24. Lee began publishing with the short story "Eustace" in 1968. She went on to write numerous novels, including the five volume "Tales From The Flat Earth" sequence, the Birthgrave trilogy, and "The Secret Books of Paradys" sequence. She was nominated for the Nebula twice, for Birthgrave and "Red As Blood," as well as numerous World Fantasy and British Fantasy nominations, becoming the first woman to win the British Fantasy Award for Best Novel for Death's Master. She won back-to-back World Fantasy Best Short Story Awards in 1983 and 1984 and received that organization's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. Bookseller and publisher Chuck Miller (b.1953) died on May 24. Miller ran a used bookstore in Pennsylvania before teaming up with Tim Underwood to found the publishing company Underwood-Miller in 1976. The two published several books, beginning with a reprint of Jack Vance's The Dying Earth before disbanding the company in 1994. Their final project was another reissue of The Dying Earth. They also published works by L. Sprague de Camp, Harlan Ellison, and Philip K. Dick. Miller self-published the novel Blood of the Centipede in 2012. Author Robert E. Margroff (b.1930) died on May 25. Margroff published 7 novels between 1968 and 1992, all in collaboration with Piers Anthony, including the Kelvin of Rud series and two stand-alone novels. He also published six short stories, three of which were collaborations with andrew j. offutt (and one of those was also with Anthony). Doris Elaine Sauter died around May 25. Sauter met Philip K. Dick in 1972 and struck up a friendship with him that lasted until his death. After Dick died, Sauter edited What If Our World Is Their Heaven? The Final Conversations of Philip K. Dick, which was ranked fourth in the Locus Poll in 2002. Spanish director Vicente Aranda (b.1926) died on May 26. Aranda directed the fantasy film Fata/Morganaand the horror film La novia ensangrentada. He wrote the science fiction film Último deseo, Japanese actor Masayuki Imai (b.1961) died on May 28. Imai wrote the time slip play Winds of God as well as the film based upon it, in which he also starred. He also appeared in the fantasy television series If: Moshimo and the sf series Neptune no chô taiken! Actress Betsy Palmer (b.Patricia Hrunek, 1926) died on May 29. Palmer appeared in the Friday the 13th films as Jason Voorhees' mother. She also appeared in an episode of the series FreakerLinks and the title role in Bell Witch: The Movie. Her role in the original Friday the 13th earned her a Razzie Award. Canadian author and editor Joël Champetier (b.1957) died on May 30. Champetier's first story, "Le chemin des fleurs" appeared in Solaris in 1981 and his first novel, La mer au fond du monde appeared in 1990. In 1983, he helped organize the first Boréal Congress and was on the board of directors for several years. Beginning in 1990, he held various positions at Solaris and was managing editor at the time of his death. Japanese actor Hiroshi Koizumi (b.1926) died on May 31. Koizumi appeared in Mothra, Ghidorah, Mothra vs. Godzilla, and Godzilla Raids Again among nearly 100 film and television credits.

Visual effects artist Kate Chappell (b.1985) was killed by a lion in South Africa on June 1. Chappell has worked on Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Godzilla, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and Game of Thrones. At the time of the lion attack, she was taking pictures of lions to raise money for organizations that protect animals from poachers. Fan Michael Wernig (b.1954) died on June 3. Wernig was a member of the Albuquerque Science Fiction Society and a frequent attendee at Bubonicon. Actor Richard Johnson (b.1927) died on June 5. Johnson appeared on the show Space: 1999, the films Some Girls Do, The Haunting, Zombie, and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. Screenwriter Callisto Cosulich (b.1922) died on June 6. Cosulich wrote Planet of the Vampires. Actor Christopher Lee (b.1922) died on June 7. Lee portrayed numerous iconic genre roles beginning with Count Dracula, but also Saruman, Count Dooku, Flay, DEATH, Scaramanga, Rochefort, and many more. Lee won several Lifetime Achievement Awards including the Saturns, Empire, SFX, and Bram Stoker. Paul Bacon (b.1923) died on June 8. Bacon was a book jacket designer perhaps best known for the cover of Joeph Heller's Catch-22 and Peter Benchley's Jaws. Some of his genre works included the covers for Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five, Ellen Datlow's Alien Sex, and Michael Crichton's The Andromeda Strain. Author Charles W. Runyon (b.1928) died on June 8. Best known for thrillers, he published "The First man in a Satellite" in Super-Science Stories in 1958 and continued with sixteen more stories over the next few years. He also wrote a few science fiction novels, including Pig World and Soulmate. Some of his mystery novels were published under the house name Ellery Queen. Producer Robert Chartoff (b.1938) died on June 10. Chartoff produced the film Ender's Game and The Tempest although his best known films were the Rocky movies with Sylvester Stallone. German author Wolfgang Jeschke (b.1936) died on June 10. Jeschke discovered German science fiction fandom in the 1950s and in 1955 became one of the first members of Science Fiction Club Deutschland. His early stories were published in fanzines, but he eventually went on to work in publishing as an editor as well as write his own novels, including Der letzte Tag der Schöpfung and Midas oder Die Auferstehung des Fleisches. Jack King (b.1931) died on June 11. King served as the Kennedy Space Center's Chief of Public Information from 1960-71 and as NASA's Public Affairs Officer from 1971-5. During that time, he was the voice of Mission Control, announcing the launch of Apollo 11, among others. Actor Ron Moody (b.Ronald Moodnick, 1924) died on June 11. Perhaps best known for playing Fagin in Oliver! and Vorobyaninov in The Twelve Chairs, his genre films included The Mouse on the Moon, Into the Labyrinth, A Kid in King Arthur's Court, and Unidentified Flying Oddball. Moody has said his biggest regret was turning down an opportunity to become the third incarnation of The Doctor in Doctor Who. Actor Rick Ducommun (b.1952) died on June 12. Ducommun appeared in Little Monsters, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, Groundhog Day, Amazing Stories, and the television remake of the Shaggy Dog. Author Graham Lord (b.1943) died on June 13. Lord wrote the satirical science fiction novel God and All His Angels and the disaster novel A Party to Die For about a comet striking the Earth in 2000. He served as the literary editor for the Sunday Express for 23 years. Philadelphia and Charleston fan Sandy Swank (b.Gregory A. Swank, 1959) died on June 13. Swank served as President of the Greater Delaware Valley Costumers Guild and was also active in the SCA. In May 2015, Swank, along with his husband, Rob Himmelsbach, co-chaired CostumeCon 33 in Charleston, SC. Swank was active in living history education as well. Actor George Winslow (b.1946) died on June 13. Winslow acted in films from the age of 6 until he was 12. During that time he starred in the science fiction film The Rocket Man. Other films included working with Marilyn Monroe in both Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Monkey Business. Seattle area fan Bruce E. Durocher II (b.1959) died on June 14. Durocher ran videos and film for the 2005 NASFIC, Cascadia Con, and was active in Seattle fandom. A film fan and reviewer, he was married to artist Margaret Organ-Kean. Phil Austin (b.1941) died on June 18. Austin was the one constant member of The Firesign Theatre, founding the troupe with David Ossman, Peter Bergman, and Phil Proctor. Austin provided the voice for the character Nick Danger, one of the troupes most famous creations. He (and the rest of the group) were twice nominated for the Hugo Award for their comedy albums Don't Crush That Dwarf, Hand Me the Pliers (1970) and I Think We're All Bozos on This Bus (1971). Producer Jack Rollins (b.1915) died on June 18. Rollins has had a long career tied to Woody Allen and was an Executive Producer of the Hugo and Nebula Award winning Sleeper. Other Allen filsm he produced included Stardust Memories, The Purple Rose of Cairo, and the Bradbury nominated Midnight in Paris. Japanese actor Kazuya Tatekabe (b.1934) died on June 18. Tatekabe provided voicework for numerous anime productions, including Gatchaman, Yatterman, Chôdenji robo Kon-Batorâ bui, and Gyakuten Ippatsu-man. Artist and musician Colin Cameron died on June 19. Cameron was an active fan artist in the 60s and eventually became a musician in Hollywood, performing on the soundtracks to such films as Moonraker, Phantom of the Paradise, and The Muppet Movie. Artist Earl Norem (b.1924) died on June 19. Norem illustrated numerous covers for men's adventures magazines and also painted for Masters of the Universe and Marvel Comics, where he worked on Savage Sword of Conan, Planet of the Apes, and The Silver Surfer. He created a line of Mars Attacks trading cards. DC Executive Jay Emmett (b.1929) died on June 22. Emmett was one of the founders of DC Comics and the last founder living. He co-founded the company's marketing and licensing arm and eventually negotiated the settlement wth Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster to ensure they had credit for creating Superman. Composer James Horner (b.1953) died in a small plane crash on June 22. Hornr composed and directed music for numerous science fiction and fantasy films, including The Rocketeer, Apollo 13, Blade Runner, Avatar, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, and Captain EO. He received his first of seven Oscar nominations of Aliens and eventually won an Oscar for Titanic. Actor Dick van Patten (b.1928) died on June 23. Perhaps best known as the patriarch on Eight is Enough, he also appeared in Mel Brooks' High Anxiety, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Spaceballs, When Things Were Rotten and the film Westworld. Actor Patrick Macnee (b.1922) died on June 25. Macnee is best known for his portrayal of John Steed on The Avengers and The New Avengers. Macnee also appeared in episodes of Battelstar Galactica, Night Gallery, and The Twilight Zone. Actor Edward Burnham (b.1916) died on June 30. Burnham appeared in Quatermass and the Pit, The Abominable Dr. Phibes, The Avengers, and the Doctor Who serials "The Robot" and "The Invasion." Author Ray Girvan (b.1956) died on June 30. Girvan was a fan who also wrote a handful of stories, with three appearing in 1988 and his final story, co-written with Steve Jones, in 1990. He died following a three year battle with cancer. Artist Leonard Starr (b.1925) died on June 30. In addition to his work as a comic book artist, Starr also worked in animation and wrote scripts for Thundercats and an episode of Silverhawks. From 1979 until 2000, he wrote the syndicated comic strip Annie. Author Markus Wolfson (b.Mark McCann, 1945) died on June 30. Wolfson published the short story "Alien Invaders" in 2014 and the novel The Magonia Stone in 2015 two weeks before his death.



Screenwriter Jeff Rice (b.1944) died on July 1. Rice created Night Stalker and Kolchak: The Night Stalker for a novel, but found the most success with the character in television movies and two TV series. Actress Amanda Peterson (b.1971) died of a morphine overdose on July 3. Peterson appeared in the film Explorers, The Lawless Land, and Windrunner. Author John A. Williams (b.1925) died on July 3. Williams wrote the novel Captain Blackman, Sons of Darkness, Sons of Light, and The Man Who Cried I Am. Much of his literary output focused on his experience as an African-American. Art dealer Steve Kennedy (b.1945) died on July 4. Kennedy specialized in pulp artists and represented the estates of Hannes Bok, J. Allen St. John, and other artists and illustrators from their period. Animator Blaine Gibson (b.1918) died on July 5. Gibson worked as an animator of several Disney films, including Peter Pan, Sleeping Beauty, and Alice in Wonderland. He began working for Disney on Song of the South. He went on to sculpt animatronic figures for the Disney parks including all of the Presidents in the Hall of Presidents at Disney World and also sculpted the statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse located at the center of Disneyland. Producer Jerry Weintraub (b.1937) died on July 6. Weintraub produced the television series Westworld and the film My Stepmother Is an Alien as well as Diner and the Karate Kid movies. Actor Roger Rees (b.1944) died on July 10. Rees had a recurring role on Warehouse 13 as the villain in the first season and also appeared as the Sheriff of Rottingham in Robin Hood: Men in Tights. He also appeared in the television series M.A.N.T.I.S. and the film The Scorpion King. Outside the genre, he was best known for his portrayals of Robin Colcord on Cheers and Nicholas Nickleby. Actor Omar Sharif (b.1932) died on July 10. Best known for his role in Doctor Zhivago and his career as a bridge player (Sharif wrote several books and columns on bridge), Sharif also had genre credits to his name, including 10,000 BC, The Last Templar, and Oh Heavenly Dog. Scientist Claudia Alexander (b.1959) died on July 11. Alexander worked for the US Geological Survey and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, serving as the last project manager for the Galileo mission. In addition to her work as a scientist, Alexander published steampunk stories and was active in steampunk costuming. Author Tom Piccirilli (b.1965) died on July 11 after a battle with cancer. Piccirrilli wrote the novels Dark Father, Headstone City, and The Night Class, the last of which won the Bram Stoker Award. He won two more Stoker Awards for poetry collections, one for his short story "The Misfit Child Grows Fat on Despair" and a fifth for his work The Devil's Wine. Actor Olaf Pooley (b.1914) died on July 14. Pooley has appeared on Star Trek: Voyager, Lifeforce, The Gamma People, Beastmaster III: The Eye of Braxus, and the Doctor Who serial Inferno, in which he played Professor Stahlman opposite the third Doctor. Animator Steven Archer (b.1957) died on July 15. Archer got his start working on stop-motion animation as an assistant to Ray Harryhausen on Clash of the Titans. He went on to work on Krull and The NeverEnding Story. In 1993, he published Willis O'Brien: Special Effects Genius. Actor Aubrey Morris (b.1926) died on July 15. Morris has appeared in the original The Wicker Man, Lifeforce, Legend of the Mummy, Babylon 5, and A Clockwork Orange. He portrayed the Captain of the B Ark in The Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy television series. Artist Alan Kupperberg (b.1953) died on July 16. Kupperberg worked as an artist on many Marvel comics in the 1970s and 80s, including The Invaders, Thor, Defenders, and Spider-Man. Fan Anne Morrel died on July 17. Morrel was active in LASFS and participated in many of the club's projects. She attended many Los Angeles area conventions. Actor George Coe (b.1929) died on July 18. Coe has provided voice work for many animated series and video games, including Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, The Edler Scrolls V: Skyrim, and also appeared on screen in Smallville, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Max Headroom. Actor Alex Rocco (b.1938) died on July 18. Rocco may be most identifiable from his role as Moe Green in The Godfather, but he also appeared in episodes of Batman, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, and other science fiction and fantasy based television shows. Actor Theodore Bikel (b.1924) died on July 20. Best known for creating the role of Captain von Trapp in the play The Sound of Music and performing in productions of Fiddler on the Roof, Bikel also had numerous genre roles, including Rabbi Koslov in an episode of Babylon 5, the voice of Aragorn in the Rankin-Bass Lord of the Rings, Sergey Rozhenko in an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, and more. Author and costumer Adrienne Martine-Barnes (b.1942) died on July 20. Barnes published her first short story in 1982 and followed up with her first novel the same year. She collaborated with Marion Zimmer Bradley on three Darkover novels, with Diana L. Paxson on the Chronicles of Fionn mac Cumhal trilogy, and published the Chronique D'Avebury trilogy on her own. In 1979, Martine-Barnes attempted, but failed, to create Costume-Mania, a costuming weekend, but her vision eventually launched Costume-Con 1 in 1983. Author E. L. Doctorow (b.1931) died on July 21. Not particularly known as a genre author, in 1976, Doctorow was nominated for the Nebula Award for his novel Ragtime, which would eventually be turned into a Broadway musical. Filker Renee Alper (b.1957) died on July 27. In 1977, Alper founded The American Hobbit Association, almost single-handedly running the organization for 12 years. She also was the dramaturge for Ovation Theatre Company's adaptations of The Lord of the Rings over a three year period. She has twice been nominated for the Pegasus Award and has produced several filk albums, including Wheelchair in High Gear and Thoracic Park. Alper won or placed in the OVFF Songwriting Contest a dozen times. Production Designer Clifford Hatts (b.1921) died on July 27. Hatts worked on numerous BBC productions and was responsible for the look of Quatermass and the Pit and Late Night Horror. Fan Margaret Ford Keifer (b.1921) died on July 28. Keifer's husband, Ben, was one of the founders of MidWestCon, and Keifer is the only person to have attended all 66 MidWestCons. A founding member of the Cincinnati Fan Group, Keifer was one of the administrators of the Don Ford Fund, named after her first husband, the chairman of Cinvention, which raised money to bring Jack Speer to Ditto 14/Fanhistoricon 11. Wrestler Roddy Piper (b.1954) died on July 31. Best known as a wrestler, Piper had a successful career as an actor, appearing in They Live and episodes of Highlander, The Outer Limits, Superboy, and the television series Robocop.

Author Robert Conquest (b.1917) died on August 3. Best known for his non-fiction, Conquest wrote the SF novel A World of Difference and co-edited five volumes of Spectrum with Kingsley Amis. Conquest published three short stories in the 60s and 70s as well as a handful of poems. Actress Coleen Gray (b.1922) died on August 3. Gray appeared in the films The Leech Woman, The Phantom Planet, and The Vampire. She also appeared in episodes of Tales from the Darkside, Mister Ed, and The Name of the Game. Artist Jef Murray (b.1960) died on August 3. Many of Murray's illustrations appeared in Inklings-related publications and he was known for his illustrations based on the writings of both J .R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis. British actor George Cole (b.1925) died on August 5. Cole appeared in episodes of Out of the Unknown and UFO as well as the films Mary Reilly, The Vampire Lovers, and The Ghost of Greville Lodge. Actor Mark Sheeler (b.1924) died on August 6. During a nine-year career, Sheeler appeared in episodes of Captain Z-Ro and Adventures of Superman as well as the film From Hell It Came. Actor Terrence Evans (b.1934) died on August 7. Evans's earliest genre roles was in an episode of The Incredible Hulk and he went on to appear in The Greatest American Hero, Voyagers!, Quantum Leap, Star Trek: Voyager, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. He has a small role in Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Actress Susan Sheridan (b.1947) died on August 8. Sheridan created the role of Trillian in the original The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy radio series and reprised the role for the subsequent radio series. She also provided the voice of Princess Eilonwy in The Black Cauldron as well as voicework in the television series Moomin. Animator Richard Manginsay (b.1971) died on August 13. Manginsay worked as a character layout artist on Futurama and The Simpsons and as a character clean-up artist on the films Anastasia and Bartok the Magnificent. He also worked as a second unit director on several episodes of The Simpsons. Comic publisher Rick Obadiah (b.1948) died on August 16. Obadiah founded First Comics in 1981 and published Warp, a comic adaptation of the stage play he produced at Chicago's Organic Theatre. At First, Obadiah published adaptations of several of the entities in Michael Moorcock's Eternal Champion series and Howard Chaykin's American Flagg. He also published translations of Japanaese manga including Lone Wolf and Lone Cub. While at the Organic Theatre, Obadiah also produced the play The Bleacher Bums. Actress Yvonne Craig (b.1937) died on August 17. Craig is best known for creating the roles of Barbara Gordon and Batgirl in the 1960s television series Batman. She also portrayed the green Orion slave girl Marta in the Star Trek episode "Whom Gods Destroy." Other genre roles included the television shows and films Mars Needs Women, The Wild Wild West, My Favorite Martian, and Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea. Prior to working as an actor, Craig was the youngest dancer to perform in the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. LASFS member Bart Merrigan (b.Louis John Merrigan III, 1957) was murdered on August 22. Two suspects have been arrested in his murder, Kyle Comrie and a 15-year-old boy. Merrigan joined LASFS in 1981, although he was not a particularly active member. His brother, Tim, joined a year earlier as remains an active LASFS member. LASFS member Marjorie Jennings died on August 27. Jennings published a handful of stories in the 70s and 80s under the name Jor Jennings, including "The Devil and All Her Works" and "Tiger Hunt." Costumer Toni Lay (b.1950) died on August 28. Lay was a long-time costumer, serving as Program Director for Costume Con 5 as well as the Historical Masquerade Director for Costume Cons 16 and 22. She was frequently a judge and was a member of the "Sick Pups," the New Jersey-New York Costumers Guild. Also a Deputy Chatelaine for the Crown Province of Ostgardr in the SCA, Lay's interests included science fiction and fantasy on television and reading, as well as mysteries and alternate history. Director Wes Craven (b.1939) died on August 30 form a brain tumor. Craven is best known as the writer and director of the Nightmare on Elm Street series of films and also had active roles in the films The Hills Have Eyes, Scream, Swamp Thing, and directed five episodes of The Twilight Zone. Fan Ned Brooks (b.Cuyler W. Brooks, Jr., 1938) died on August 31 following a fall from his roof, where he was doing repairs. Brooks was long active in N3F, and in 1972 won the Kaymar Award. He was the recipient of the Rebel Award in 1976 and the Rubble Award in 1992. Brooks published such fanzines as The New Newport News News, It Goes on the Shelf, and It Comes in the Mail. He was the Fan Guest of Honor at Rivercon IV in 1978 and at DeepSouthCon 39 in 2001.

Actor Dean Jones (b.1931) died on September 1. Jones is best known for his work in live-action Disney films in the 1970s, specifically the Herbie/Love Bug films. He also provided voicework for various Superman and Batman animated television series, Blackbeard's Ghost, The Shaggy D.A., and The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes. Author Jean Darling (b.1922) died on September 4. Darling wrote a handful of stories in the 1980s, beginning with 1981's "Comb My Hair, Please Comb My Hair" through 1987's "The Perfect Gift." Darling was also an actress and an assistant to her magician husband. She appeared in the 1934 Babes in Toyland. Author Warren Murphy (b.1933) died on September 4. Murphy wrote dozens of the novels in The Destroyer series as well as an Arthurian duology, The Forever King with Molly Cochran. He co-wrote the film Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins with Christopher Wood, who died a month later. Actor Dickie Moore (b.1925) died on September 7. Moore is best known for giving Shirley Temple her first on-screen kiss, but also appeared in the fantasy films Heaven Can Wait, The Blue Bird, and The Gladiator. Minneapolis fan William Crowley (b.1955) died on September 9. Crolley was a long-term volunteer at CONvergence and MarsCon in Minneapolis. Actor John Connell (b.1923) died on September 10. Connell made appearance on Dark Shadows and Captain Video and His Video Rangers as well as appearing in The Solarnauts and Fail Safe. Artist Jay Scott Pike (b.1924) died on September 13. Pike created the character Dolphin for DC and co-created Jann of the Jungle for Marvel. Most of his work tended to be on the non-Superhero lines. Chicago area fan Jason Jensen (b.1973) died on September 14. Jensen, known as "Jazz" by his friends, was active in running Anime Central and building it into the convention it is today. He was also active in other Chicago cons, both as an attendee and volunteer, working in the Windycon Con Suite for multiple years. Actor Jack Larson (b.1928) died on September 20. Larson portrayed Jimmy Olson in the 1950s Adventures of Superman opposite George Reeves. He also played an older Jimmy Olson in an episode of Lois and Clark and appeared on Superboy and in the film Superman Returns. Publisher Jeremy P. Tarcher (b.1932) died on September 20. Tarcher was a book packager for celebrities in the early 1960s, producing books like Phyllis Diller's Housekeeping Hints and Happiness is a Dry Martini, by Johnny Carson. He expanded his line to include New Age novels. His eponymous line eventually included non-fiction and published Alexei and Cory Panshin's The World Beyond the Hill: Science Fiction and the Quest for Transcendence. Fan Ann McKnight (b.c.1924) died on September 23. McKnight was Jack McKnight's second wife and step-mother to fan Peggy Rae Sapienza. Prior to moving to Arkansas, Ann was active in Philadelphia fandom. Japanese actor Eiji Maruyama (b.1930) died on September 24. Maruyama has leant his voice to more than 100 anime films, including Dragon Ball Z, Fullmetal Alchemist, InuYasha, Doruâga no tô: The Aegis of Uruk, and Sailor Moon Z. Fan artist D. West (b.1945) died on September 25 shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. West's work appeared in numerous fanzines and he won the Nova Award for Best Fan Artist eleven times between 1984 and 2014 as well as the Nova for Best Fan Writer in 1987. In 2011, he declined the Rotsler Award. West was also twice nominated for the Hugo for Best Fan Writer and once for Best Fan Artist. He also won 4 FAAN Awards. In the 1970s, he created the Astral Leauge (sic) in Leeds. His work appeared in Chunga, Izzard, Banana Wings, and other 'zines. Director John Guillermin (b.1925) died on September 27. Guillermin directed the 1976 film King Kong and its sequel King Kong Lives. He also directed The Towering Inferno, Sheena, and Death on the Nile. Special effects artist Howard Anderson (b.1920) died on September 27. Anderson created special effects for the original Star Trek series as well as the 1960 The Time Machine and Phantom from Space. He received an Academy Award nomination for his work on the non-genre Tobruk. Actress Catherine E. Coulson (b.1943) died on September 28. Coulson appeared in Ring of the Musketeers and Four Diamonds, but was best known for her role as the Log Lady on Twin Peaks. She also worked camera on Eraserhead and Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Actress Pat Woodell (b.1944) died on September 29. Woodell appeared in The Twilight People and on an episode of The Munsters. Swedish author Göran Hägg (b.1947) died on September 30. Hägg published three satirical novels, Det Automatiska paradise, Doktor Elgcrantz eller Faust I Boteå, and Anders och Dafne as well as short fiction. Hägg served as a book reviewer for Aftonbladet and Månadsjournalen.

Actor Alex Giannini (b.1958) died on October 2. Giannini appeared in the horror film Left Hand Drive and portrayed the Penguin in the Batman Live touring company. Author Roger Bollen (b.1941) died on October 3. Bollen wrote the book Zenon, Girl of the 21st Century, which formed the basis for three television films and also worked as the cretor and producer of the animated series Handy Manny. Texas fan Fred Duarte, Jr. (b.1957) died on October 3. Duarte charied several Armadillocons and was the convention's fan guest of honor in 2011. He also served as co-chair of Westercon 49 in 1996 and chair of SMOFCon 13 and World Fantasy Con in Corpus Christi in 2000. Tennessee fan Stuart Bergman (b.1965) died on October 6 after a year of battling cancer. Bergman, known as Shorty, was active in running MidSouthCon. He won a Best Food Award at DucKon for his "Walking Tacos" and was known for serving a drink referred to as "blue stuff." Director Kevin Corcoran (b.1949) died on October 6. Corocan got his start as a child actor, appearing in the Spin and Marty series and Old Yeller, before going on to become a director. His genre credits include directing three episodes of Quantum Leap and the TV film Mrs. Santa Claus. Hungarian President Árpád Göncz (b.1922) died on October 6. In addition to his political career, Göncz translated numerous works of literature from English into Hungarian, most notably J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. He also translated Doctorow's Ragtime, Shelley's Frankenstein, and works by Hemingway, Wolfe, McCullough, and more. Author Gordon Honeycombe (b.1936) died on October 9. Best known as a newsreader, hea appeared in the film The Medusa Touch and wrote the novels The Dragon Under the Hill and Neither the Sea Nor the Sand. Screenwriter Julia Jones (b.1923) died on October 9. Jones adapted several fairytales and novels into shows aimed at children, including The Enchanted Castle, Tom's Midnight Garden, The Snow Spider, and Emlyn's Moon. Danish fan Hans Rancke (b.1956) died on October 9. Rancke co-created the comic Valhalla as well as the animated film based on it. He also wrote source books for GURPS Traveller. Serbian comic writer Zdravko Zupan (b.1950) died on October 9. Zupan worked on Disney titles as well as Tom and Jerry, but most importantly he was an historian of Yugoslavian and Serbian comics, publishing six volumes beginning in 1986. NASA Administrator George Mueller (b.1918) died on October 12. Mueller helped create the test process for the Apollo program, helped design Skylab, and advocated for the space shuttle program. Following his work at NASA, Mueller worked for a variety of aerospace contractors. Actor Bruce Hyde (b.1941) died on October 13. Hyde, who taught at St. Cloud State University, appeared in two episodes of Star Trek in 1966 as Kevin Riley. The majority of Hyde's screen credits date to 1965 and 1966. Author Merl “Bill” Baldwin, Jr. (b.1935) died on October 14. Baldwin wrote “The Helmsman” series, beginning in 1985 and continuing through eight books, ending with The Turning Tide in 2011. He also wrote the stand-alone novels Canby’s Legion and The Enigma Strategy. Poet K. Cassandra O'Malley (b.1942) died in mid-October. O'Malley's poetry appeared in Tales of the Unanticipated, Time Gum, and New Worlds. Prolific reviewer Harriet Klausner (b.1952) died on October 15. Klausner was a librarian and journalist who reviewed thousands of books on Amazon, at one time ranking at the #1 Amazon reviewer, although the quantity and brevity of her reviews caused many to wonder how closely she read the books. In 2006, she was selected by Time Magazine as one of the representatives of its Person of the Year when it selected "you," representative of the individuals making a difference in the world. Romanian author Liviu Radu (b.1948) died on October 17. Radu began publishing fiction in 1993 with the story "Fa?a nev?zut? a planetei Marte." In addition to his own fiction, Radu translated the works of numerous Anglophonic authors into Romanian. He also founded the Ion Hobana National Colloquium. Over the years, Radu won the the Vladimir Colin Grand Prix, the Imagination Seniors Award, the Ion Hobana Award, and the 2010 Eurocon Encouragement Award. Screenwriter Christopher Wood (b.1935) died on October 17. Wood wrote the screenplays for the James Bond films The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker as well as the novelizations of both films. He also wrote the pulp film Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins, along with Warren Murphy, who died earlier this year. Bookseller Dave Gibson (b.1939) died on October 21. Gibson was the co-owner of London's Fantasy Centre, a SF/fantasy bookstore Gibson opened in 1969 with Tedd Ball and which closed in 2009. Gibson retired from the store in 1991. Actor Marty Ingels (b.Martin Ingerman, 1936) died on October 21. Ingels appeared in The Munsters Today, Deadly Games, an episode of Bewitched, and provided voice work for the videogame Zork: Grand Inquisitor. Ingels got his first break teaming with John Astin for I'm Dickens, He's Fenster, and later married Shirley Jones. Kansas City fan Nancy Nutt (b.c.1955) died on October 22. Nutt was a fan guest of honor at ConQuesT in 1982, Archon 11, and Conjuration 1999. In 1998, she co-chaired ConQuest and in 2008, she served on the logistics team for Denvention. In addition to working on various ConQuests over the years, Nutt served as a director for KaCSFFS in the late 1980s. Comic book artist Murphy Anderson (b.1926) died on October 23. Anderson co-created the characters the Atomic Knight and Zatanna and helped create the look for Adam Strange. He worked on both Hawkman and the 1960s version of The Spectre. Prior to working for DC, Anderson drew the Buck Rogers comic for two years. Actress Maureen O'Hara (b.1920) died on October 24. O'Hara starred in The Hunchback of Notre Dame opposite Charles Laughton, as well as the original Miracle on 34th Street, Sinbad, the Sailor, and Baghdad. Earlier this year, she received an honorary Academy Award. French author Yal Ayerdahl (b.1959) died on October 27 after a battle with cancer. In addition to writing science fiction, Ayerdahl began publishing in 1990 and in addition to science fiction wrote more mainstream thrillers. Ayerdahl has twice received the Grand Prix de l'Imaginaire, the first time in 1993 for his novel Demain une oasis, and again in 2004 for Transparences. In 1999, he and Jean-Claude Dunyach received the Prix Tour Eiffel for Etoiles mourantes. Japanese artist Noriyoshi Ohrai (b.1935) died on October 27. Ohrai created the Japanese posters for the original Star Wars trilogy as well as poster art for Godzilla films and other movies. He was an artist for the Metal Gear video game series as well. Bruce Edwards (b.1952) died on October 28. Edwards was a scholar of the works of C. S. Lewis and was the general editor of the multi-volume C. S. Lewis: Life, Works, and Legacy. He was nominated for a Mythopoeic Award for his study The Taste of the Pineapple: Essays on C. S. Lewis as Reader, Critic, and Imaginative Writer and wrote other books on Lewis and the Chronicles of Narnia. Edwards taught for more than 30 years at Bowling Green State University. Author Nick Kisella (b.1966) died on October 28. Kisella wrote the novels Monringstars and The Beasts and the Walking Dead and appeared in an episode of the television series Zombies Incorporated. Actor Charles Herbert (b.1948) died on October 31. Herbert appeared in the original The Fly, The Colossus of New York, and episodes of The Twilight Zone, Men Into Space, and The Outer Limits. Actor William Byrd Wilkins (b.1965) died on October 31 from pancreatic cancer. Most of Wilkins career took place on stage, but he appeared as the Preacher in the Doctor Who episode "A Town Called Mercy." Author T. M. Wright (b.1947) died on October 31. Terry Wright began publishing fiction in 1978 with the novel Strange Seed, although in 1968 he published the non-fiction The Intelligent Man's Guide to Flying Saucers. His short fiction appeared in Twilight Zone, Brutarian, and Cemetery Dance among other places. Wright occasionally used the pseudonym F. W. Armstrong and painted book and magazine covers.

Chicago fan Kent Farris (b.c.1956) died on November 3. Farris, who used the con name "Goofy," was a frequent attendee at Chicago area conventions. He died when his car crashed into a retention pond. Actor Kenneth Gilbert (b.1931) died on November 4. Gilbert appeared in the Doctor Who serial "Seeds of Doom" as well as episodes of The Changes and The Guardians. He also appeared in television film versions of Ivanhoe.and The Tempest. Screenwriter Melissa Mathison (b.1950) died on November 4. Mathison is best known for writing the film E.T.: The Extraterrestrial. She also wrote the second section of The Twilight Zone: The Movie, The BFG, and The Indian in the Cupboard. Non-genre film credits include work as a location scout for The Godfather: Part II and as an executive assistant on Apocalypse Now. From 1983-2004, she was married to Harrison Ford. Car designer George Barris (b.1925) died on November 5. Barris is best known for designing the 1966 Batmobile and went on to design custom cars for The Munsters and The Beverly Hillbillies. Barris bought the Lincoln Futura which was the base for the Batmobile for $1 and spent about $15,000 to run it into the iconic car. In 2013, he sold the original Batmobile for $4.2 million. Journalist Mike Sutton (b.1971) died on November 5. Sutton wrote about science fiction and horror films for BFI and DVD Times. Swedish actor Carl-Åke Eriksson (b.1934) died on November 7. Eriksson appeared in the Swedish version of The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest and episodes of Mysteriet på Greveholm and the film Frostbiten. Actor Gunnar Hansen (b.1947) died on November 7. Hansen's most famous role was his debut as Leatherface in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. He went on to appear in numerous other low budget horror films, including Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers, Chainsaw Sally, and Reykjavik Whale Watching Massacre. Michigan fan Michael Klemish (b.1969) died on November 7. Klemish, who went by the nickname "Ox" was a long-time con attendee at Michigan and Ohio area conventions who played the drums and collected and read science fiction. Publisher Carl Llewellyn Weschckes (b.1930) died on November 7. Weschckes was the publisher of Llewellyn Worldwide, which specialized in New Age, Metaphysical, Self-Help, and Spirituality. Weschckes purchased 60-year old Llewellyn Publications in 1961 and opened the Gnostica Bookstore in Minneapolis 9 years later. Throughout the first half of the 1970s, he ran Gnosticon in Minneapolis. Publisher Rena Wolner (b.1945) died on November 7. Wolner served as president of Berkley, Avon, and Pocket, and published works by William Gibson and Dean Koontz, among many others.. British fan Martyn P. Jackson (b.1963) died on November 8. Jackson had several letters appear in Ansible and often sent David Langford stories for the fanzine. Fan Daniel Fleetwood (b.1983) died on November 9. Fleetwood, a Star Wars fan, was diagnosed with spindle cell sarcoma and given two months to live. His final wish was to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Disney arranged for him to see an unfinished cut at his home last week and he also received a call from director J. J. Abrams. Swedish SF author Johan Frick (b.1966) died on November 14. Frick founded the Gothenburg outlet of the Science Fiction bookstore, published several short stories, and translated the works of Patricia McKillip into Swedish. Actor Warren Mitchell (b.1926) died on November 14. Mitchell appeared in several episodes of The Avengers and Out of the Unknown and the films Moon Zero Two, The Crawling Eye, and Blood Beast from Outer Space. Graphic designer Michael C. Gross (b.1945) died on November 16. Gross is best known for his design of the logo for Ghostbusters. He also designed the National Lampoon cover which featured the caption "If You Don't Buy This Magazine, We'll Kill This Dog." Gross also produced both Ghostbusters films as well as Heavy Metal. He received Emmy nominations for his work on SCTV Network, Inspector Gadget Saves Christmas, and The Real Ghostbusters. Actor Rex Reason (b.1928) died on November 19. While Reason may be best known for his roles in various Westerns, he also appeared in the science fiction classic This Island Earth and the horror film The Creature Walks Among Us. Screenwriter Hazel Adair (b.Hazel Joyce Willett, 1926) died on November 22. Adair's first credit was as a writer for Stranger from Space in 1951, which she and her husband, Ronald Marriott, also wrote novelizations for. Using the pen name Klaus Vogel, she also wrote the horror film Virgin Witch. Editor and author Perry Chapdelaine (b.1925) died on November 24. Chapdelaine is best known for editing two collections of the letters of John W. Campbell, Jr. He also published his own fiction in the 1960s and 70s, including The Laughing Terran, Spork of the Ayor, and Swampworld West, until he began suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Chapdelaine wrote for the Arthritis Foundation of America using the pseudonym Anthony di Fabio. Actor Al Markim (b.Alfred Moskowitz, 1927) died on November 24. Markim got his start appearing as Astro on Tom Corbett, Space Cadet, and appeared in a couple other TV shows over throughout the 1950s. He produced a show in the mid-1960s before leaving show business. Producer Elmo Williams (b.1913) died on November 25. Williams worked as a film editor on the Disney film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea with non-genre work on High Noon and Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome. He also worked as a producer for Tales of the Vikings and Tora! Tora! Tora!. He received an Oscar nomination for 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and won the Oscar for High Noon. Manga artist Shigeru Mizuki (b.1922) died on November 30. Mizuki was best known for GeGeGe no Kitar?. Mizuki lost his left arm in World War II in Papua Ne Guinea and was the sole survivor of his unit. He published his first work, Rocketman, in 1957. Mizuki has won the Kodansha Jido Manga Award, the Kodansha Manga Award, and the Eisner Award, among others. British artist Gerard Quinn (b.1927) died on November 30. Quinn's work began appearing in New Worlds in 1951 and he became quite prolific over the next decade, contributing covers to magazines and books.

Bay area fan Felice Maxam (b.1934) died on December 1. Maxam, then Felice Rolfe, was a member of the Peninsula SF Association in the 1960s. She co-edited Niekas with Ed Meskys, being nominated for two Hugo Awards and winning the Hugo for best fanzine in 1967. Artist Jon Arfstrom (b.1928) died on December 2. Arfstrom is believed to have been the last of the classic Weird Tales cover artists to be alive. He began contributing covers to fanzines in the 1940s and collaborated at the time with Jack Gaughan. His work appeared on the cover of Weird Tales beginning in 1951 until the magazine folded in 1954. He came out of retirement in the 1990s to do covers for Haffner Press, Fedogan & Bremer, and Tales of the Unanticipated. Italian Actor Gabriele Ferzetti (b.1925) died on December 2. Ferzetti appeared in Julia and Julia, Computron 22, A Matter of Time, Des Ringe des Saturn, and On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Actor Robert Loggia (b.1930) died on December 4. Loggia appeared in the films Smilla's Sense of Snow, Amazon Woman on the Moon, Independence Day and episodes of numerous television series including Wonder Woman, The Outher Limits, The Six-Million Dollar Man, The Bionic Woman, and more. In 1990, he won a Saturn Award for his role in Big. Actress Karen Montgomery (b.1949) died on December 4. Montgomery appeared in a handful of films, including Amazon Women on the Moon and in an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation before becoming a producer. Actor Nicholas Smith (b.1934) died on December 6. Smith is best known for his role in the British television series Have You Been Served, but his genre credits include voice work for The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, for which he was nominated for an Annie Award, and roles on Z-Cars, Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell, and The Avengers. Actor Martin E. Brooks (b.1925) died on December 7. Brooks portrayed Dr. Rudy Wells on The Six-Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman as well as appearing in episodes of the television series Planet of the Apes. He also appeared in the film Colossus: The Forbin Project Actress Shirley Stelfox (b.1941) died on December 7. Stelfox is best known to British audiences for her roles on Coronation Street and Emmerdale, but her genre credits include the 1984 film 1984, Knights of God, Kinvig, and Corruption. Norwegian fan Jørn Uno Myrvoll (b.1963) died in early December. Myrvoll served as the treasurer for the Oslo sf club Aniara for many years. He ran the film program at many Norwegian conventions. Artist Luis Bermejo Rojo (b.1931) died on December 12. Bermejo began illustrating comics in the 1950s and moved to Warren Publishing in 1974. In 1980, he did an adaptation of The Lord of the Rings in Spanish and also adapted the works of Isaac Asimov and Raymond Chandler. Actress Rose Siggins (b.1972) died on December 12 following kidney stone surgery. Siggins appeared as Legless Suzi in American Horror Story: Freak Show. Siggins had both her legs amputated when she was 2 due to a genetic disorder called sacral agenesis. Author Daniel Grotta (b.1944) died on December 13. Grotta wrote the study J.R.R. Tolkien: Architect of Middle Earth, originally published in 1976, which looked at how Tolkien's life and experiences drove the creation of Middle Earth. Romanian author Florin Manolescu (b.1943) died on December 13. Manolescu's doctoral thesis, published as Literatura S.F., was the first dissertation on science fiction in Romania. From 1968-92, he taught at the University of Bucharest and then moved to Ruhr University until 2010, when he returned to Bucharest as a visiting professor. In addition to his scholarly works, Manolescu wrote numerous short stories which were collected in Misterul camerei închise, Mentali?tii, and Il Gatto e l'astronomo. Australian author Tom Arden (b.1961) died on December 15. Arden was the pen name for David Rain. His first novel, The Harlequin's Dance began his five book Orokon series. In addition, he wrote two stand alone novels and three pieces of short fiction, including a Doctor Who novella, "Nightdreamers." Arden also published reviews in Interzone in the late 90s and early 2000s. British author Peter Dickinson (b.1927) died on December 16. Dickinson published numerous young adult novels, including the Kin series, the Changes series, and the standalone Eva. In 2002, his novel The Ropemaker won the Mythopoeic Award for Children's Literature and he was twice nominated for the World Fantasy Award. In 1999, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2009. Dickinson was married to author Robin McKinley. Kathleen A. Bellamy (b.1957) died on December 19. Bellamy served as the Managing Editor for Orson Scott Card's Intergalactic Medicine Show. Bellamy was also involved in the magazine's slush reading process. Actor Douglas Dick (b.1920) died on December 19. Dick appeared in episodes of Alcoa Presents: One Step Beyond, Men Into Space, and World of Giants. Dick also had a career as a screenwriter, and wrote episodes of Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie. Actor Brooke McCarter (b.1963) died on December 22. McCarter appeared in a 1987 episode of The Twilight Zone and portrayed Paul in The Lost Boys the same year. McCarter has appeared in a handful of films since and has also worked as a director, producer, and screenwriter. Artist Carson van Osten (b.1945) died on December 22. Van Osten began drawing for Disney in 1970 and over the years worked on comic books and animation for Disney and other studios. He created the Disney Comic Strip Artist's Kit, a primer on perspective. In 1980, he moved into management at Disney and was named a Disney Legend earlier this year. Costume Designer Claire Prebble (b.1985) died in late December from cancer. Prebble was the youngest designer to become the World of Wearable Art Supreme Winner and did textile design for the films Avatar. She also worked on special effects for WETA on films including and Prince Caspian, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, and The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Fan Jack Robins (b.Jack Rubinson, 1919) died on December 23. Robins was a member of ISA and helped it turn into the Futurians, which he invited Isaac Asimov to attend. He attended the First Eastern Convention as well as the first Worldcon. Robins published the fanzines The Scientific Thinker and Looking Ahead and was eventually inducted into the First Fandom Hall of Fame and made an N3F Life Member. Author George Clayton Johnson (b.1927) died on December 25. Clayton is best known as a the co-author of Logan's Run and he was also active in Hollywood, writing episodes of The Twilight Zone and Alfred Hitchcock Presents as well as the first episode of Star Trek to air. In 1999, his short fiction was collected in All of Us Are Dying and Other Stories. Actor Jason Wingreen (b.1920) died on December 25. Perhaps best known for his role as the bartender on All in the Family and Archie Bunker's Place, Wingreen also appeared in episodes of the science fiction series Starman and Freddie's Nightmares. Perhaps his most notable role was as the uncredited voice of Boba Fett in The Empire Strikes Back. Las Vegas fan Harrison Simon (b.1975) committed suicide on December 26. Simon was involved in Las Vegas Wrestling and Comic Book fandoms and was also active in Vegrants. he was a charter member of the Trufannish Electronic Press Exchange. Cinematographer Haskell Wexler (b.1922) died on December 27. Wexler worked on George Lucas's THX 1138 and Ridley Scott's Blade Runner as well as The Secret of Roan Inish. He was nominated for the Academy Award five times, winning twice. Hotel sales rep Jim Strauss (b.1948) died at his home on December 26. Strauss wasn't a member of the fannish community directly, but he worked with multiple Chicago area science fiction conventions at various hotels and offered his expertise to conventions when they were negotiating with other hotels. Nashville fan Andrew Bostaph (b.1969) died at home in late December. Bostaph was a frequent attendee at Libertycon, Chattacon, and other conventions. Actor Wayne Rogers (b.1933) died on December 31. Rogers was best known as Trapper John McIntyre on the television series M*A*S*H, but prior to that, he appeared in Chamber of Horrors, The Invaders, Doomsday Machine, and cowrote The Astro-Zombies.