I had a long and informative meeting with Greg’s care team this afternoon: neurologist, critical cardiac care doctor, surgeon, and palliative care team. The neurologist showed me the MRI images and carefully explained the range of impacts to expect from the many areas of stroke damage in many parts of the brain. Even if he returned to consciousness, and they feel this is highly unlikely, he would probably need 24 hour care and be limited in his cognitive and communication abilities, as well as many other issues. This is not the life he wants to lead, and the conversation we had and his advance directive were both very clear on this. These were a final gift from Greg, and I am confident in making this decision now that he is unable to express his wishes.
So we will be removing life support, tomorrow or Sunday, after the kids and I have another chance to spend time with him, with more holding hands and expressing love. Once that is done, they will keep him pain free and calm, and his passing will be peaceful.
I will spare you daily updates until that time, but know that I’ll be there as much as I can, as he journeys to the undiscovered country.
My sympathies to his family. Even with an advance directive and clear knowledge of the person’s wishes these situations are hard.
I enjoyed Mr. Bear’s work and I’m glad he gave it to the world to enjoy.
That’s too bad. I enjoyed his work. I checked my bookshelf and I have Hull Zero Three and Darwin’s Children. I think I have a couple more on my Kindle. He’ll be missed.
One of my favourite authors. The Forge of God duology and the Way series are both chock-full of intriguing concepts and moments of cosmic wonder. Forge of God includes one of the most detailed and engrossing explorations of the Dark Forest solution to the Fermi Paradox.
RIP. I have really enjoyed his writing, and I’m sad for his death. And how difficult for his wife to have to do that.
I have not read any of his books recently, but about 20 years ago he was one of my go-to SF writers when I would hit the library. RIP Greg, I greatly enjoyed your work.
I also haven’t read anything by him recently, but went through a huge phase a decade or so ago. The Forge of God is one of my favorite books of all time. The slow march of doom was really well done. It should be a limited series.
RIP
Here’s how small the sf world is. I met Astrid at a Worldcon party when she was 15 and I was 18. And I knew Greg’s first wife because she was the sister of a friend of mine.
He will be remembered with Honor.
I haven’t read much by him; but what I’ve read I liked. Maybe I’ll read some more of his work, having been reminded to look for it.
And good on his wife, for making it slightly easier on others who have to make the same sort of decision.
It’s a shame to loae him so young.i enjoyed many of his books - I’ll call out Eon and Blood Music
May his memory be a blessing. I have been following the whole thing on facebook, being friends with many authors and artists in the SF/fantasy community. I am very sad, having met him on a number of occasions when going to cons. He was a true gentleman and I will miss him greatly.
I didn’t find any obituaries/ reminiscences when I made the OP. Here are some:
So sad to hear this. He was one of my favorite SF authors.
Such talent lost to the world. My thoughts are with all his loved ones.
One of my favorites, and I know who I’ll be reading next.
RIP
Darwin’s Radio and Darwin’s Children were two of the best books I’ve ever read. If he had only done that he would have accomplished a lot.