Categories: SCIFI.radio

Sci-Fi Author Andrew J. Offut, Dead at 78

Andrew J. Offut V, dead at 78 after a long illness.

Andrew Jefferson Offutt V, of Haldeman Heights, Morehead, passed away April 30, 2013, at his home after an extended illness. He was 78.

Born Aug. 16, 1934 in Louisville, Kentucky, he was the son of the late A.J. and Helen Spaninger Offutt. He began a full-time writing career in 1969 and published more than 50 books, including including several in the “Thieves World” series edited by Robert Lynn Asprin and Lynn Abbey, which feature his best known character, the thief, Hanse, also known as Shadowspawn (and, later, Chance). He also wrote the 19-book science fiction “Spaceways” series, over half of which were collaborations.

As an editor Offutt produced a series of five anthologies entitled Swords Against Darkness, which included the first professional sale by Charles de Lint. From 1976 to 1978 he served as president of the Science Fiction Writers of America (SFWA) and was guest of honor at more than 80 science fiction conventions.

Offutt is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Joe (Jodie) McCabe Offutt; four children, Chris Offutt and his wife Melissa, of Oxford, Miss., Jeff Offutt and his wife Jian of Fairfax, Va., Scotty Hyde and her husband Jim of Bowling Green and Melissa Offutt of San Diego, Calif.; five grandchildren, Sam, James, Stephanie, Joyce and Andrew Offutt; and his sister, Jane Offutt Burns of Lubbock, Texas.

The family will receive visitors from 3 to 7 p.m. EDT Friday, May 3, 2013, at Northcutt and Son Home for Funerals in Morehead.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Claire Regional Hospice & Palliative Care, St. Claire Foundation, 222 Medical Circle, Morehead KY 40351.

– 30 –

SCIFI Radio Staff

SCIFI.radio is listener supported sci-fi geek culture radio, and operates almost exclusively via the generous contributions of our fans via our Patreon campaign. If you like, you can also use our tip jar and send us a little something to help support the many fine creatives that make this station possible.