Patrick-Moore-Obituary

Patrick Moore

Obituary

LONDON (AP) — British astronomer and broadcaster Patrick Moore died Sunday, according to friends and colleagues. He was 89.

He died at his home in the coastal town of Selsey in southern England, according to a statement released Sunday. No specific cause of death was given, but he had heart problems and been confined to a wheelchair.

Moore was well known for his long-running BBC television show "The Sky at Night," which was credited for popularizing astronomy with generations of Britons. He had presented the show for more than half a century.

The statement said he was briefly hospitalized last week when it was determined no more treatment would help him. Instead, his wish to spend his final days at home were honored.

"Over the past few years, Patrick, an inspiration to generations of astronomers, fought his way back from many serious spells of illness and continued to work and write at a great rate, but this time his body was too weak to overcome the infection which set in a few weeks ago," the statement said.

It was signed by various staff members and friends, including Queen guitarist Brian May. May said Moore was irreplaceable and had stirred millions through his broadcasts.

"Patrick will be mourned by the many to whom he was a caring uncle, and by all who loved the delightful wit and clarity of his writings, or enjoyed his fearlessly eccentric persona in public life," May said.

In its obituary, the Daily Telegraph reported that Moore believed he was the only person to have met the first man to fly, Orville Wright, as well as the first man in space, Russian Yuri Gagarin, and the first man on the moon, the late Neil Armstrong.

Moore, who received a knighthood in 2001, had recently celebrated the 55th anniversary of his program. He only missed one episode, because of an illness caused by food poisoning. He was known for his trademark monocle and his occasional xylophone performances and his frequently professed love of cats.

He wrote dozens of books using a 1908 typewriter he received as a gift when he was 8.

Moore had long expressed an interest in traveling into space, but said he wasn't medically fit to do so — he said he was so large that a special rocket would be needed.



Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Just heard the Sibelius and suddenly remembered how it was a prelude to his enthusiasm and authority and to being able to stay up late to wonder about great things. How much I miss that optimism about life in today's grim climate of destruction and worldwide killing and war. I hope we can still reach for the stars in peace and harmony.

Thank you for the inspiration Sir Patrick. Your spirit will live on for many years to come.

The Sibelius, the monocle and the air force tie... inspired generations of young astronomers. RIP Patrick.

MAY THE GOD OF HEAVEN BE WITH THE MOORE FAMILY,GOD HAS SAID THAT HE WOULD BE THEIR COMFORTER IN THEIR TIME OF NEED."HAPPY ARE THOSE WHO MOURN,SINCE THEY WILL BE COMFORTED."..MATT.5:4.....DM

I just wish to express my thanks for all that Patrick did for others throughout his life, and the enthusiasm with which he faced life. He is an example to us all.

I, like most of those who felt compelled to write here, have fond memories of staying up late to watch Patrick on the Sky at night. His manner was always polite and inquisitive, and he never seemed to pretend that he knew more than his guests. I have heard many more examples over this week since his death which highlight...

He has joined the stars he so loved.

One of the last of a truly great generation. We will never see their like again. Let's hope that candle gets blown out. God bless you Patrick.

Sir patrick, thank you so much showing me round your house and answering all my questions your a great man and i will miss you

Patrick was one of a kind, a true gentleman and scholar. You were greatly loved and will always be missed.