Mon 25 Jul 2016
Most of you may already know this, but in case not, from Bill Crider’s blog on Friday:
“Very aggressive form of carcinoma. Looks bad. Love to you all.”
Then on Sunday:
“Hey, blog fans. I’m out of the hospital after being poked, prodded, tested. and humiliated. I’m in much worse shape than when I went in. It’s a long story. Next week I’ll try to get into M. D. Anderson. The outlook isn’t brilliant for the Mudville Nine. I might not be posting here again, so I want to say now how moved I’ve been by your comments. You guys are the best. Even if we’ve never met in person, you are truly my friends. Love to you all.”
Although we’ve met only once, Bill and I have known each other for nearly 40 years, maybe longer. On many an occasion he’s blamed me for getting him involved in mystery fandom. I don’t know if that’s true or not, but if it is, I’m glad I did. My world so far wouldn’t have been the same without him. This is very tough news, indeed. Bill, we all love you too.
July 25th, 2016 at 2:44 am
I love his Dan Rhodes books, his blog, and Bill in particular; though I’ve ever met him. I have had occasion to exchange e mails two or three times and what a kind man he is. God bless you, Bill.
July 25th, 2016 at 3:56 am
We’re all just blinking in shock and disbelief,
July 25th, 2016 at 5:46 am
Bill is the best, and he has definitely done his share of suffering in the last few years, and came out the other side. Now this. We’re not giving up that he can make it past one more big obstacle.
July 25th, 2016 at 7:15 am
A scholar and a gentleman-those words sum him up. And an awfully nice man. This was all too quick for us to absorb.
July 25th, 2016 at 10:03 am
I’ve been a big admirer of Bill Crider’s writing for many years.
Here’s hoping for the best of all possible outcomes.
July 25th, 2016 at 3:42 pm
Prince of a man. I’m a long-time fan.
July 25th, 2016 at 7:44 pm
A fine man, an excellent writer, a good friend. No one deserves this, but he most especially does not. Though the prognosis cannot be good, we can certainly hope for recovery.
July 25th, 2016 at 9:09 pm
I think everyone who contributes here feels the same about Bill, and wishes him the best.
July 26th, 2016 at 12:17 am
I’m just back from Pulpfest and did not learn of this until late Monday. What terrible news.
July 26th, 2016 at 1:05 pm
I’ve left this comment on several other blogs, so apologies for the duplication, but it just feels wrong to open Bill’s blog and not see his daily eclectic mix of weird news stories, book and movie reviews, personal anecdotes, and the Song of the Day. After losing his beautiful wife, Judy, less than two years ago, Bill deserved a little happiness. It seemed that way when he recently adopted three stray kittens. And now this! Just a rotten thing to happen to a great guy!