RIP, Philip Edward Kaldon
I learned earlier today that Philip Edward Kaldon, aka Dr. Phil, had passed away.
I don’t remember exactly when he and I met, but it’s been years. I knew him both as an author and as a fan, a constant presence at most Michigan conventions. We played dueling photographers at ConFusion back in 2015.
As an author, he was published in Writers of the Future XXIV, Analog, Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine, Abyss & Apex, and more. At least two of his stories are available online:
He was also a physicist, and taught at Western Michigan University. (Which, personally, I think gave him an unfair advantage in writing science fiction!)
I knew he’d been having health troubles for a while, but I’d thought — hoped — he was on the path to recovery. I’d been looking forward to joking with him about his new bionic leg at next year’s ConFusion.
He always struck me as positive and pleasant and generally just enjoying himself. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone say a bad word about him (which is especially impressive in this community).
He was a regular at many of my book launch events here in Michigan, going back almost ten years, which…it meant a lot.
I’m sorry we won’t get to see more of his work, but I’m even sorrier that I won’t get to hang out and joke around and talk writing and photography and whatever else again.
--E
April 21, 2016 @ 8:52 pm
I only knew him from lj, but his comments were always gentlemanly and cogent. He was someone who improved my corner of the internet. I’m surprised at how hard this news is hitting me.
A true loss for the SFF community. My condolences, Jim.
JohnFromGR
April 21, 2016 @ 9:14 pm
Oh, no! I met “Dr. Phil” at ConFusion ’15, and we spent a long time talking about writing, publishing, the whole bit. I liked him; he was very friendly, and eager to share his knowledge and experience.
🙁