I will always remember my first OSFW (Oklahoma Science Fiction Writers) meeting in August, 1989. I was writing my first sf novel, which was bad, and needing to connect with other people who were at least interested in writing sf and fantasy. I brought the prologue of my novel to read, and at the meeting, I noticed a constantly smiling, white-haired man across the room, chatting w/a young blonde fellow sitting beside him. My only excuse being stupid nervousness, (and/or It Was Their Hair), I asked them, “Are you related?” They howled with laughter because of course they weren’t related. Then I found out the white-haired gentleman was none other than R. A. Lafferty. The younger fellow is still my friend, Chris Merle.
The early nineties were OSFW’s salad days (I’d say now is another productive period for the group, with a bit smaller membership). During his twilight years, Ray was healthy enough to attend meetings. We’d take turns giving him rides, and I always brought my husband, Randy, along to help Ray on and off his porch. I was terrified I wasn’t strong enough to support him if his legs gave out. (“Nobody Writer Responsible for Crippling Accident of American SF/F Treasure!”)
Ray enjoyed the meetings. He’d laugh all evening, and make us laugh, too, since he had a wicked sense of humor. He would eat snacks with gusto, and on rare, rather precious occasions, he’d regale the group with stories of some of the biggest names in science fiction and fantasy (sometimes unflattering but never malicious). He was devastated when Isaac Asimov passed away, observing that he should have gone first since he was older.
And he listened–with kind patience–to all manner of poorly-written, ghastly dreck from us. He never said much, but if you were very lucky, after you read your latest chapter or short story, he would occasionally remark, “Oh, that’s a good one, you’ll sell that.” High praise, indeed. I was fortunate enough to hear that a few times, and Ray was right, I did sell a couple of the stories he commented on; “Fence of Palms,” and “Noodle You, Noodle Me.”
Ray died on March 21, 2002 in a Broken Arrow, Oklahoma nursing home. Thanks for listening, Ray.
Obituaries for Ray Lafferty:
The Daily Oklahoman
Tulsa World
Like!! Thank you for publishing this awesome article.
You’re most welcome, and thanks for reading on my website! OSFW (Oklahoma Science Fiction Writers) most famous alum was Ray Lafferty. We were lucky to have him.