h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I've read his series more times than any other ever written. Whenever life gets particularly rough, I pick up my dog eared copy, look steadfastly at the don't panic button on the cover, and immerse myself inside another man's imagination.

His works taught me many things. How to laugh, how to survive, how to mix a Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster. But most importantly it tought me not to take myself or life too seriously. That at times, life will remove all control from your reach, and that you must learn to sit back, relax, and Don't Panic.

Good-bye old friend. I may not have known you in person, but through your books I knew your soul.

- Now I know how Marvin felt...

Yup, I think you ought to know I'm also feeling very depressed.

I've been an avid DNA fan since my own Dad got me into his works at a tender age. Not only have I read the books over and over, watched the TV series more times than I should admit to, and listened to my tapes of the Radio series until they wore out (I bought some more) I also went to bed countless nights lulled to sleep by Douglas reading his own work as noone else could.

I hope that the fact so many people were frankly obsessed with Douglas' work is a source of comfort to his family and friends. We've got no right to share your loss, except in that we feel we've lost a friend too. A mentor, even, in a lot of cases.

I hope as Polly grows up she appreciates just how important her father was to a staggering number of people, and that it makes up in some small way for the brief time she was able to spend with him.

Thank you for giving yourself to the world. Sorry you had to leave us so soon.

Rachel
England

His vision for h2g2 will live on.