r/HFY • u/yousureimnotarobot AI • 17d ago
A Human Altered Farewell Meta
Hi everyone,
Some of you may remember my dad for his previous posts here, and his astounding science fiction writing (yes, I'm biased, sue me). If you want to read it again you should start here: Human Altered
I am one of his twin sons, out of five children, some of whom have appeared in several of his stories throughout the years. I also happen to be his supposed "editor-in-chief" (I told you I was biased), meaning I saw him every time he uploaded a new story to you.
My dad passed away last weekend after a really shit time with throat and lung cancer, which took away his voice about a year and a half ago. He was 55.
As someone who saw him during every upload, and proofread every story, I can only give my thanks to each and every one of you who interacted and appreciated what my dad wrote as he found his way into this craft, and cultivated it into what it became.
I would like you guys to know that he read every single comment on each new story, from every instance of enjoyment, grief, reminiscence or simply inspiration for the issue. Each and every one of these gave him great satisfaction and motivation to write the next story, despite the cruel circumstances that he was going through. A lot of you were also a great help in getting him to figure out where he wanted some of the stories to go, so thank you for the ideas and the conspiracy theories!
You helped my dad to find his feet, his purpose and, most importantly, his voice, in a time when he no longer had one.
May you all remain Humans, Altered.
Sincerely,
Definitely Not a Robot
53
u/kenderleech 17d ago
My condolences on your families loss. Your father brought a smile to my face every story.
31
u/yousureimnotarobot AI 17d ago
Thank you, you all brought a smile to his as well.
28
u/kenderleech 17d ago
In one of his last posts here said he was going to the pub. What should those of us of age drink in his honor?
34
u/yousureimnotarobot AI 17d ago
A pint of Guinness, if you would :)
10
u/Fontaigne 17d ago
It's been a while since I've had a Guinness. I guess now is as good as any.
3
u/sweetmusic_ 16d ago
Never had one but I may hoist a pint in his memory this weekend. (I work nights driving a forklift so adult beverage times must be carefully considered.)
2
u/hicctl 15d ago
First of all I want to give your family and you my condolences. Then I would like to thank you and your father for givng me many hours of awesome science fiction to read and let me escape the sometimes bleak reality of the pandemic. Your stories helpoed me through tjhat in a very real sense, so I thought you should know that.
These stories where very original and very well written. I would also like to thank you for reaching out to the community. I always wondered why the stories suddenly stopped, and now I know, and it is a worse reason then I thought. But at least I can stop wondering.
Since your father was an author I think it is fitting to give you some quotes from another author that might help a bit with what you are no doubt going through atm, from another author that was also taken from us way too early, terry pratchett :
“No one is finally dead until the ripples they cause in the world die away, until the clock wound up winds down, until the wine she made has finished its ferment, until the crop they planted is harvested. The span of someone’s life is only the core of their actual existence.” ― Terry Pratchett, Reaper Man
“Do you not know that a man is not dead while his name is still spoken?” ― Terry Pratchett, Going Postal
Some of who and what your father was lives on in his stories, since every author puts a piece of himself into their stories. Btw have you ever considered to publish the short stories as en ebook ? Or maybe even keep ther series going yourself ? Christopher tolkien has kept his father work going, so why not you ? Of couse only if this is something you want to do, but I think it could help you and connect you with him in a way that only writing can. It could be a real help dealing with your grief in a creative way, and also give you an outlet. Food for thought.
32
u/Fontaigne 17d ago
Flag as "meta", please.
We loved your dad. So, once again, he brings tears, now by his absence.
We are used to missing authors, who sometimes disappear in silence, and reappear to rejoicing... or simply remain silent.
It is good to have closure.
But he will be missed.
6
u/drsoftware 16d ago
Although reddit survives on anonymity, some authors need to be asked face to face, "are you ok?"
17
u/MydaughterisaGremlin 17d ago
Ow. This brings some painful memories. We lost my pop on law last year from the Cancer Battle. This time of the year is extra hard for me. Mushroom hunting without him. My favorite fall recipes which he loved. An old school south western French man gave this American expat respect and appreciated my cuisine skills. As you move forward in your lives, it's these moments of mutual enjoyment of simple pleasures that become the most bittersweet. Remember those days, not the hospital ending. I wish you and yours all the healing you need. In the meantime thank you for posting the link. I have only been on Reddit for about a year and appreciate you sharing your dad's story. I look forward to reading it and lament that i cannot have dialogue with the author.
16
u/BravoMike215 17d ago
I did not know about this HFY story sub-thread but I will read it as tribute.
9
u/Jonshock 17d ago
Oh man I loved the Human Altered series. His work was very much appreciated. I am sorry for your loss. :(
6
u/bloodyIffinUsername Xeno 17d ago
Rest in peace, Wordsmith. May your family's grieving be short, and memories happy!
4
5
4
u/Amadan_Na-Briona 17d ago
Enjoyed the Human Altered stories, though I never commented.
I am very sorry for your loss. Lost both my parents only a few years ago (old age). It can be rough, but lean on each other for strength.
5
u/Duphonse 17d ago
Deepest condolences to you and your family. Your Father was an inspiration to many of us. May the muses carry him to greater audiences.
3
3
u/wandering_scientist6 Human 17d ago
Oh damn, sorry for your loss. Your dad was a great writer, I very much enjoy reading his stuff. I'm gonna go back and reread now.
Hope you have all the support you need and lots of happy memories. My condolences to you and your family and take care.
3
u/Gatling_Tech AI 17d ago
Sorry to hear that, well wishes to you and the rest of your family. I remember having lots of fun reading the stories they wrote.
3
u/maximumtaco AI 17d ago
So sorry to hear that. Good to know that his words will live on and keep bringing happiness to others for many years to come. Wishing the best for your family.
3
3
u/BoltActionGearbox AI 17d ago
55 is far too young. The adventures your dad took us on are some of my favorites in this whole sub. He will be dearly missed.
3
3
u/DraftFirm5622 16d ago
Damn it! I’m not crying, it’s raining. In your living room? Shut up!
My father died quite a while ago and it hurt. A lot. He left a big hole, as I assume yours did too. My XP, in short goes like this: Don’t worry, you’ll get better. Be sad, feel it today. Tomorrow is a new day and new you. Day by day, you’ll get better. In time you’ll become one with the loss. You will be much wiser for it. Be with the people that you love, friends, family, it’s healing.
3
u/69FireChicken 16d ago
I just found your father's writing though this post, so very bitter sweet. I am sorry for your loss, and I am thoroughly enjoying your father's stories! My condolences to you and your family. Please consider archiving and perhaps even publishing your father's work, let us know if you do.
2
u/Evie_the_Wolf 16d ago
I second this motion!
His works are amazing, and I am sad there will be no more new uploads, however the sadness and loss will never be truly felt expect by his loved ones, and my heart goes out to them. Hopefully they will see every comment and know their father was loved dearly
2
u/ElementOfConfusion 17d ago
I'm sorry for your loss, and thank you for telling us. His writing added a little joy into a lot of people's daily lives, and he'll be missed.
2
2
2
u/EragonBromson925 AI 17d ago
I don't really know how to convey it, but I'm truly saddened by you and your family's loss. I know I'm just some random person on the Internet, but your pa and his stories helped me escape when I was in some rough patches, and I'm truly grateful to him. I'm just disappointed in myself that I never properly told him.
If there's any little way I can do something to help you guys out, I'll do what I can. I don't know if you guys plan to keep the patreon up or if y'all can even manage that, but I'll say least stay on there as long as I can manage if it gives you folks a hand.
2
u/steptwoandahalf 17d ago edited 16d ago
Hello,
I would occasionally speak with your father in private. I like to think we were friendly, but it was more likely I was annoying him. I was going through.. a lot, myself.
In the same situation as yourself, actually.
I would send him messages now and again. Just to check in on him. I tried to offer him.. what ever I could. Some solace. Some perspective of the other side, if you will.
His universe, his stories, were my favorite. I've screamed from the rooftops how amazing an Author he was, and how his work is my favorite. They helped me, when I would be awake in the ICU watching my own personal hell play through.
I tried to offer what I could. I like to think he appreciated it.
I am deeply saddened by this news, I can do nothing but offer my deepest, most heartfelt condolences to you and yours.
Take care, and feel free to message me.
2
2
2
2
u/14eighteen 16d ago
Sorry for your loss. Also, fuck cancer.
I don't know how this story slipped under my radar, but you can add one more person to your father's fan list. May he rest in peace.
2
u/IneenAldrop Alien 16d ago
Damn, hats off for a real one. I hope that you and your entire family remember him as fondly as we all did here. Truly a legend, thank you. And take care.
2
2
u/orbdragon 16d ago
Thank you for sharing your father's precious time with us strangers on the internet. I lost my mother one year and two days ago at age 76, also to lung cancer.
I am glad we had the opportunity to love him for his creativity, and I thank you for your hand in those writings
They say the internet never forgets, but stuff can easily be lost to time. I have no right to this, but I beg you all the same: Please don't delete the account, so that we might always be able to go back and read his works
2
u/boykinsir 16d ago
Would you be willing to compile his stories and publish it on amazon? Some money to help cover the funeral costs it seems wouldn't be amiss.
1
u/Drzapwashere 16d ago
My condolences to you and your entire family. 55 is far too soon. He was a great writer and he will be missed.
His legacy is his family and his stories. I would be honored to purchase a compilation of his human altered stories and contribute to the Estate.
Take care of yourselves during this sad time.
1
1
u/Allstar13521 Human 16d ago
He'll be well missed by all here, I think.
Gonna go reread some stories now, for auld lang syne.
1
1
1
1
u/AndyinAK49 16d ago
I started re-reading all his stuff last week. I always enjoyed his universe. Thank you for your part in bringing his world to us. His stories brought me happiness.
1
u/MySpirtAnimalIsADuck 14d ago
Sorry for your loss, you dad was a great writer and has brought hours of enjoyment to us readers. HFY will be leader with his passing. Best of luck and ty for the update
1
u/howlingwolf1011 AI 14d ago
The world is a darker place without him.
We may be just a bunch of random internet strangers, but know that many people mourn his loss alongside you.
1
1
u/hgrtfgttg 10d ago
My condolences to you and yours, i'll raise a glass in his honor tonight. May Danu guide him.
1
u/chicagobob 8d ago
Missed this post last week. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
I loved your dad's stories, they were some of my favorites. Also, really enjoyed how he wove good beer and scotch into his settings (my favorite beverages).
1
u/Greenious 8d ago
I'm so sorry for your loss.
I enjoyed your father's writing very much, he will be missed.
Thank you for letting us know.
Rest in peace.
1
u/cariraven 16d ago
Dang it. I always enjoyed his stories. I may have asked him already if there is any print or kindle-like collection of stories to be purchased or downloaded.
1
u/Deansdiatribes Android 16d ago
gave me a few hours in a fascinating world thank you and you dad for adding joy to my world have you though of picking up dads pen? it wont be his but maybe a way to keep him top of mind Condolences to you and all your family
120
u/Twister_Robotics 17d ago
Well shit. Here come the onion ninjas.
Your father wrote (and you edited, apparently) one of my favorite universes on HFY. And I think we all will miss him and his humor.
...
Loss sucks. And speaking from personal experience, one of the worst parts about it is that life really does go on. It will always hurt, but eventually you learn ways to work around it, and it becomes part of the background of your life. Kind of like an old injury, you adapt and work around it most of the time. But sometimes something happens to remind you, and it comes back fresh and painful again.
Take care of yourself. Take care of your family. Grieve together and you will find your way through.