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Harry Stubbs Obituary
Mr. Stubbs, who held degrees in astronomy, chemistry and education, had a dual career teaching high school science at Milton Academy in Massachusetts and writing science-fiction short stories and novels.
His best-known work, " Mission of Gravity, " a novel serialized in Astounding Science Fiction in 1953, became an exemplar among science-fiction writers and readers for what is known as world-building the creation of a scientifically plausible planet as background for an extraterrestrial narrative in which every detail of plot and character is logically compatible with the setting.
" Mission of Gravity " is set on a disc-shaped planet called Mesklin with a gravity 700 times that of Earth. No human could withstand such crushing force, but the low-slung natives of the planet evolved to survive under conditions in which a 6-inch fall could be fatal.
The plot, involving efforts by a Mesklinite crew to retrieve a crashed space vessel, provides a framework for demonstrating what life in such an odd environment might be like. As a feat of scientifically informed imagination, it remains a classic of hard science fiction, a subgenre that adheres closely to the laws and principles of the hard sciences such as physics and chemistry.
More than 18 Hal Clement books appeared during Mr. Stubbs ' 62-year career. He chose his pen name in 1941, when he sold his first short story to Astounding Science Fiction while a Harvard undergraduate. Having just published two articles under his own name in astronomy journals, he feared his professors would disapprove of his appearance in a pulp publication. By the time he discovered that they had no objections, Hal Clement was a respected name in science fiction, so he kept it.
Mr. Stubbs continued to publish science articles under his own name, and, in the last three decades of his life, he painted astronomical and science-fiction art using the name George Richard.
Mr. Stubbs is survived by his wife, Mary Elizabeth Myers of Milton; sons George of Melrose, Mass., and Richard of Alexandria, Va.; a daughter, Christine O. Hensel of Westerville, Ohio; and a grandson.
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Memories and Condolences
for Harry Stubbs
Sponsored by FanTEk.
Robin Wood
June 6, 2004
I'll miss Harry; his smiling face, his wit, his whistling. I met him 30-some years ago. He seemed to be at nearly every convention I went to, always cheerful, tireless, and kind.
I feel honored to have known him.
Heather Muller
January 10, 2004
Mr. Stubbs was always a gentleman towards me. When I found out about him going to the other world, my eyes misted over and I wept. I only got to know him during these past two years at Fantek, and before I noticed him walking around, being so proud and dignified. He would go into lectures just to hear people talk. He was a great gentleman. He will surely be missed. One thing though, did he ever do a love novel under a different name? I have to wonder...Mr. Stubbs, sir, you were well loved.
April & Martin Layman
December 11, 2003
Hal we are going to miss you. You were like a part of the family, its seems like your were always there and will alway be there. If someone would tell me that you were an angel, I would say that I thought that he was. I knew no kinder man on this Earth. We give our love to him and to his family.
Rex Muller
November 16, 2003
I met him as Hal at the Fantek cons and looked forward to his diccussions on writing and science. I found him to be someone who delighted in sharing knowledge, concepts, and friendship. I can think of no better way to live. He will be greatly missed.
Ida Schaeffer
November 14, 2003
It was a sad day for me the day I heard that Hal had passed away. He was someone that was easy to talk to and fun to be around. I always thought that he was one of those people that was always going to be there. He will be missed tremendously.
PaulFrancis de Sales O'Sullivan
November 5, 2003
Goodbye and God bless!
Bill McIninch
November 1, 2003
I had the great fun of comet watching with Harry at two consecutive Lunacons and seeing him show the wonders of the universe to children each year at Arisia, where he never forgot how to be one of them. He was a perfect proof that a good teacher never really changes careers. In his honor we should copy that. Carpe mirum (Sieze the Wonder).
-= Professor Bill =-
Helen Gbala
October 31, 2003
The Science Fiction community lost a true master and gentleman in Hal Clement (Harry C. Stubbs). We at DucKon and the Golden Duck Awards for Excellence in Children's Science Fiction (Hal Clement Award for Young Adults) have had the privilege of knowing Hal as a guest of honor and honored guest.
Alexander Bouchard
October 30, 2003
My wife Megan and I were always pleased to see Harry/Hal at any convention venue we attended. He was pleasant, knowledgeable, funny, and a wonderful person to be around and to know.
His loss is already deeply felt, and the shadow of his memory will be long...
Gene Miller
October 30, 2003
I know Harry a bit from his writings, and never had the pleasure of a real world meeting. A dear friend of mine who grew up in the Boston area occasionally tells stories about him. He was her science teacher. His flights of imagination will be missed. Few teachers have made learning less painful.
Lew Wolkoff
October 30, 2003
My deepest condolences to Harry's family. And my deep gratitude for their sharing that warm, gentle man and his never-ending enthusiasms for science, for science fiction, for fandom, and for life in general with all of us for so many years.
Bonnie Kenderdine
October 30, 2003
I'm very sorry to hear that Harry has passed away.
I met him in the Boston Star Trek Association and always enjoyed his company. I recently attended one of his panel discussions at the World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon). I think it was this past Labor Day in Toronto, but perhaps it was last year in Philadelphia.
He will be missed.
Peter Harp
October 30, 2003
Mary and Family: I am so sorry, I always enjoyed seeing Harry and I will never forget how considerate you both were when Mom had that last stroke. I was always happy that she had those last couple of days with you two. I am sorry that I can not make the service but, I can't get off that quickly. Keep in touch. Peter
Leslie Greenleaf
October 30, 2003
My sincerist condolences on your loss.
Charlie Harak
October 30, 2003
Dear George and Sally: We love you both, as you know, and out thoughts are with you. Charlie and Eliza.
Clinton
October 30, 2003
I first met Harry in the late 1970's in association with Star Trek actvities. Our paths crossed on several occassions over the years, most recently at Worldcon in Toronto in August. Harry was always more than ready to chat with anyone, sharing his ideas and experiences. He will be missed.
Carol Paolucci
October 30, 2003
To a wonderful man, who was loved by pros, fans & stars alike. He always was fan first, He liked to be called Harry. I am so sorry. I will miss him at Conventions.
Carol
Kess Campbell
October 30, 2003
My condolences to the family of a truly great man. I met Harry when he ran a writer's group out of his house in Milton in 1987. We were lucky enough to be involved in the polishing of his novel "Still River" and my autographed copy is one of my treasures. He was instrumental in showing me what it truly meant to be a writer, and for that I will always be grateful. He touched so many, taught me so much....the world has lost a rare treasure.
Cheryl Evry
October 30, 2003
Good-bye to a great man of science and a true gentleman, and a good friend. I will miss having breakfast with him at EveCon or CastleCon.
My deepest condolences to his family. He was a wonderful person, and everyone here at FanTek will always honor his memory.
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