That Mike will be remembered for his work in science fiction goes without saying. But it is worth emphasizing too that he was an irreplaceable presence in the blogosphere, who showed the potential of the medium for work of substance and lasting value. I doubt he ever posted anything that didn’t reward his readers’ attention, with writing that wore lightly Mike’s learning not only in the sciences but also in philosophy, theology, and history. He was for many years a regular and welcome contributor to the comments section of this blog, raising the tone simply by virtue of his presence. One of the things I most admired about him was the calm and patient manner with which he would respond to even the most obnoxious and ignorant interlocutors. He never had to say that he knew what he was talking about, while his opponent didn’t. He simply showed it by typing up a few sentences.
I had the
honor and pleasure of meeting Mike in person only once, at a conference in New
York City at which the esteemed Matt Briggs
was also present. The three of us “bloggers
in arms” marked the event with a
photo. (It was also an honor, and a
thrill, when Mike had a character cite me as an authority in his philosophical
SF short story “Places Where the Roads Don’t Go,” in his collection Captive
Dreams. Thanks, Mike!)
Matt has
posted his own reflections about Mike at his blog.
Though I knew Mike mainly from our online interactions, I have to say it felt like a gut punch to learn of his death. Perhaps that was for the usual selfish reason that all of us are sad at the death of a person we like and admire – that we know we will be worse off. Thank you for your work, Mike, and may God bless and protect your soul. You and yours are in our prayers. RIP.
Yes, I well remember his outstanding contributions to your blog comment section.
ReplyDeleteAs I began reflecting on his presence, the thought of " that Briggs guy too" crossed my mind just a moment before I read your remark.
Both were outstanding, and your point about their charitable manner of interacting with ahh ...is well taken.
But, who remembers blog com box contributors? In their cases, I certainly did.
R. I. P. 🌹 💐 🥀
ReplyDeleteDid he post by his own name?
ReplyDeleteAt this blog, Mike would post under the name "TheOFloinn" and elsewhere (such as at Matt Briggs' blog) he would post under the name "Ye Olde Statistician."
DeleteSo yes he did... just in Irish!
DeleteVery sad to hear this. For me, Mike was one of the stand-out contributors to this blog's comments, another being Scott, who is also no longer with us.
ReplyDeleteR.I.P.
Sorry for your loss, but thanks for letting us know; I had intended to read Eifelheim but it fell of my radar; his bibliography looks great and your endorsement carries a lot of weight.
ReplyDeleteFor me the most poignant expression was this montage from the OP:
ReplyDeletei0.wp.com/www.wmbriggs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/yos4.webp?w=579&ssl=1
It reminded me of when I lost my younger brother and one of his friends put together a celebration of life video of him, very much appreciated.
I have lists of names and birthdates, adding a death date is a stark and sobering moment, the bracketing of a life no longer an open book. The finitude.
Best wishes to those who mourn, carpe diem my friends, you only get about thirty thousand, from the photos it is plain your blogger in arms made much of his.
I really respect you for this. You are a bit of a gadfly here (I mean that as a compliment), so it is especially moving to see this kind of cross-ideological kindness in the face of tragedy. Ultimately, we are all in it together on this floating rock. God bless you, though I know you don’t believe in him.
DeleteHe will be missed.
ReplyDeleteRIP
ReplyDeleteI will pray for the repose of his soul. And in honour I will find a copy of Eifelheim to read.
His was a life well and fully lived. "Ave atque vale."
DeleteMay his memory be eternal.
ReplyDeleteMike was a brilliant intellect. I remember fondly over at the Strange Notions Blog. He would chime in to correct the "scientific" pretensions of some of the Gnu Atheist Posters. It was a joy to see.
ReplyDeleteMike has in his lifetime forgotten more science than yer average internet denizen has learned.
Also how can ye not love a man who puts Krasnikov Tubes in his hard scifi novels?
I weep for the loss of a great Catholic and Great Hard Scifi writer.
But I rejoice Heaven has a new resident.
Rest in Peace Mike.
But I rejoice Heaven has a new resident.
DeleteUnless you have reason to believe that he was saintly like St. Carlo Acutis, you should always pray for the repose of a deceased Catholic.
You should pray for the repose soul of all the deceased, whether or not they are Catholic.
DeleteSon of Yachov Here.
DeleteThis blog won't let me use my Linux Labtop for some weird reason? So I am posting Anon.
Anyway yes may God have Mercy on Mike Flynn's soul. In the Name of Christ Our Lord by the prayers of His All Pure Mother Mary.
Amen!
PS: I personally feel he is in Heaven but my person feeling here is not infallible or binding on others. Cheers.
@Son of Ya'akov (see that ascii 'ayin there?)
DeleteThank you for being understanding and thank you for not taking offense at the correction. Bless you!
Och aye the noo Jimmy!
DeleteJust yesterday I wondered whether The O'Floinn was still around. I loved his great use of language. I will pray for his eternal peace.
ReplyDeleteRIP. I enjoyed his posts, his blog, his sense of humor. Seemed like a great guy. I pray that God receives him in heaven and comforts his family and friends.
ReplyDeleteSad to hear this. My condolences to his friends and family.
ReplyDeleteHis Great Ptolemaic Smackdown is one of the best tracts of science history ever written. Alas, I fear we will never see his like again.
ReplyDeleteEvery time I was struggling to understand some A-T concept application or other things like physics, there he was right in the comment section of the old posts explaining the relevant parts and answering some other people's objections. Such a good guy.
ReplyDeleteMay his soul rest in the arms of the Father.
R.I.P, OFloinn.
We should ponder our own mortality.
ReplyDeleteMan, i do remember him from some old discussions, interesting poster.
ReplyDeleteDeath is sure a sad thing, even if you do not know the person. Praying for him and his family, hope he does not need it, but it is better to help if i can.
I know exactly what you mean about the "gut-punch". RIP Michael and thankyou.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhy are you forever removing your comments?
Delete@Anonymous
DeleteSometimes I post something, but then I discover a malevolent interpretation someone could assign to my comment, and then I delete it.
This metacomment cannot be assigned a malevolent interpretation, so I will not delete it in the future.
Agree with the Anonymous above. If a comment was worth posting to begin with and you are concerned about an ambiguity say, just repost with an explanation or correction, do not delete. That way you will preserve your contribution.
DeleteHK I think you worry too much about your postings.
ReplyDelete