Evening Everyone

This is a sad day. The passing of a Very Great Person, he was concerned about many things in life (in many areas of science) that he felt important. One of those small things that he felt was important is Seti.

What is not known was that the Donation Letter for the current Donation drive (and others) were always sent to Sir Arthur Clarke for approval. One other thing that followed was a small check which represented about 1/4th of the operating budget for the year.

This year, there was no response when the letter was sent and then another was contacted for approval. That delayed the donation drive for unstated reasons. As many have asked (privately), Now "we" know.

Rest In Peace, Fair Winds and Following Seas!

or the mis-quoted, "Straight on until tomorrow to the star on the left."

Regards

Al

"I'm trying to maintain a shred of dignity in this world." - Me

Sci-fi writer Clarke laid to rest
British science-fiction writer Sir Arthur C Clarke has been buried in his adopted country of Sri Lanka.
Music from the film 2001: A Space Odyssey was played at the funeral and members of the family which had adopted him cried as his coffin was lowered.

"Here lies Arthur C Clarke. He never grew up and did not stop growing," his gravestone in Colombo is to read, in accordance with the author's wishes.

Sir Arthur died from heart failure and breathing problems at the age of 90.

A nationwide minute's silence was ordered by the Sri Lankan government to coincide with the ceremony.

Sir Arthur's brother, Fred Clarke, attended the funeral along with members of the Ekanayake family, with whom the writer had lived in recent years.


Your footprint will never fade. If anything, it will only magnify what we do
Family friend Tamara Ekanayake

Post-polio syndrome meant Sir Arthur had used a wheelchair since 1995.

Fred Clarke said his elder brother had "always loved" the "warm climate and the friendly people" of Sri Lanka.

"He said he had managed to escape 40 British winters and had no regrets," Mr Clarke told AFP news agency.

Tamara Ekanayake, who grew up at Sir Arthur's home in Colombo, paid tribute to him at the service, saying: "We feel so privileged that you left your mark on us."

"Your footprint will never fade. If anything, it will only magnify what we do," she told mourners.

Before the funeral, yellow roses were thrown on to Sir Arthur's body as a final gesture of respect as it lay on a white bed beneath curved elephant tusks.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/entertainment/7309598.stm

Published: 2008/03/22 14:28:56 GMT

© BBC MMVIII

This site provides a small glimpse into the impact Arthur C. Clarke had. Unbelievably impressive.