RIP, Mike Glicksohn, Hugo-winning science fiction fan

Mike Glicksohn, a lifelong prominent science fiction fan, has died from cancer. He was 64, and is survived by his wife, Susan Manchester. I can't count the number of times I've run into Mike at a con and had a conversation that was surprising, interesting, and delightful. He will be sorely missed.

Back home in Toronto Mike made his living as a high school mathematics teacher. He and Susan Wood had married in 1970 after meeting at Boskone the year before. Together they published the leading fannish fanzine, Energumen, for several years, turning out 15 impeccably mimeographed issues filled with brilliant art and contributions from the most sought-after fanwriters. Their zine won a Hugo at Torcon II in 1973. However, by that time their marriage had broken up although they remained on terms that allowed them to accept Aussiecon's invitation to be joint Fan Guests of Honor at the 1975 Worldcon. The Hat Goes Home is Mike's report of that trip...

If Mike had a fannish philosophy, I'd say it was something he'd inject into the dialogue when, now and then, things got a little heated: Unless you were having fun, there wasn't any point in staying in fandom.

He was always ready to enjoy the good times and help create them. He'd play along with the joke - like when he let Elst Weinstein and I make him co-GoH of the 1978 Hogu Ranquet. He even refused to let us pay for his hamburger.

Mike's memorial service is being held in Toronto this coming Wednesday.

Mike Glicksohn (1946-2011) (Thanks, Jack, via Submitterator)

• [Trister]

  The complete run of Energumen can be downloaded from here:

  http://efanzines.com/Energumen/index.htm

  Ghu rest his fannish soul.

• [Anonymous]

  Mike Glicksohn was a teacher of mine as well – he was definitely intimidating, but I respected the man completely. It will be weird not seeing him around the neighbourhood anymore.

• [RobertJSawyer]

  Mike’s memorial service was this evening in Toronto; huge turnout — as expected — despite the late-season snow storm.

  The picture of Mike Glicksohn used above, by the way, was taken by me on December 15, 2008, at a party at my home in Mississauga, Ontario:

  http://sfwriter.com/blog/?p=1391

• [Anonymous]

  I remember Mike taking off after school on his old Honda Goldwing from the Humberside CI parking lot. That was in the early 90′s. He will be missed.

• [Anonymous]

  Mike Glicksohn taught me math in grade 9 at HCI. In fact my class was the last he taught before retiring. He was always my favourite teacher, although most people found him intimidating. Rest in peace Mr. Glicksohn. Will raise a glass for you.

• [Gary Farber]

  My post.

• [jphilby]

  It’s kind of surprising that the SciFic community hasn’t come up with some expression besides R.I.P.

  Something about beaming-up, maybe? Or Gateways?

  -Maybe- this is an appropriate spot to post this: Cracked: 5 Reasons Pop Culture Is Run by Fan-Fiction. http://www.cracked.com/article_19084_5-reasons-pop-culture-run-by-fan-fiction.html

• [Jack]

  I actually never knew or heard of Mike Glicksohn before, because I am not really involved in science fiction fandom. But I have always been a fan of science fiction, fan communities and the folks that make such places a unique and special place. Reading his obit makes me realize this guy is a fan that all fans should aspire to be. R.I.P.

• [devophill]

  Aww, crap. That’s how old my dad is. And my dad looks a lot like that, too. He’s getting an extra hug tomorrow…

  • [dculberson]

    Your dad has most excellent facial hair.

• [Dinny in Adelaide]

  Mike looks like an all round good guy. Sorry to hear of his passing…..Love and hugs to his family and friends.