[From the Archive] From 2009 – Locus Leader Passes Away
The Science Fiction publishing world lost a major icon suddenly this week. Charles N. Brown passed away in his sleep on July 12, 2009 on his way home from Readercon. Brown was the co-founder, publisher, and editor of Locus: The Magazine of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Field.
According to Locus:
“Charles N. Brown, 1937-2009
Locus publisher, editor, and co-founder Charles N. Brown, 72, died peacefully in his sleep July 12, 2009 on his way home from Readercon.Charles Nikki Brown was born June 24, 1937 in Brooklyn NY, where he grew up. He attended the City College of New York, taking time off from 1956-59 to serve in the US Navy, and finished his degree (BS in physics and engineering) at night on the GI Bill while working as a junior engineer in the ’60s. He married twice, to Marsha Elkin (1962-69), who helped him start Locus, and to Dena Benatan (1970-77), who co-edited Locus for many years while he worked full time. He moved to San Francisco in 1972, working as a nuclear engineer until becoming a full-time SF editor in 1975. The Locus offices have been in Brown’s home in the Oakland hills since 1973.â€
I never knew Mr. Brown personally, but many people I do know have felt his passing in a personal and intense way. Charles Brown was, and forever will be, as important to the Science Fiction industry. He influenced careers and people since the inception of Locus. I know I was giddy with the two-line mention of The Four Redheads of the Apocalypse release in the midst of dozens of other releases. It’s the only time my name has appeared in the magazine, and, I hope it won’t be the last. The magazine Mr. Brown created really is the industry “standard†for trade publications.
Mr. Brown has a legacy that will be felt for decades to come. Since the announcement on July 13, 2009 of his passing, the word has spread across the internet in a wave of emotion that touches me. My heartfelt sympathies and condolences go out to his family and business partners as they deal with this loss. I wish them all the best as they take Locus forward, per Mr. Brown’s wishes.
I regret I never got to know him personally. From what I’ve read, I would’ve have liked him. He was, from all accounts, one of the “good ones†whether you agreed with him or not. The industry won’t be the same without him.