About Bill Patterson (1951-2014): Part 2

[beamjockey]

Long ago, in recounting his own genesis as a science fiction fan, Patrick Nielsen Hayden wrote:

In 1971, I actually managed to find a Phoenix chapter of the Tolkien Society, and attended one of their meetings, where, being twelve, I was mostly ignored by all, save for a large fellow named Bill Patterson who talked to me almost as if I were human.

Bill had no way of knowing that kid would one day publish fanzines.

Bill had no way of knowing that kid would one day be a Trans-Atlantic Fan Fund winner.

Bill had no way of knowing that kid would go on to win the Hugo Award for Best Professional Editor, Long Form. Multiple times.

But Bill Patterson was a gentleman. Instinctively, he treated a twelve-year-old stranger with respect.

And for all the decades afterwards, Patrick remembered that.

Comments

[icecreamempress.livejournal.com]

That's a lovely story. My sympathies on your loss.

[harvey-rrit.livejournal.com]

I didn't know him.

But I like him.

[bibliofile.livejournal.com]

Funny, that sounds kinda like you. (I'm not the only one who's noticed your proclivity to talk with the new person in the room at a fannish gathering.)

[beamjockey.livejournal.com]

*blush*

It's something we all ought to do. I remember what it's like to be a lonely stranger.

Takes some effort. I'm more comfortable talking to the people I already know. But some of my very best friendships have started this way.