Science Fiction Writer

Uncle_Dave

Originally uploaded by Marinade Dave

This is my uncle, David A. Kyle. He is recognized in the science fiction community as the elder statesman, certainly to the older generation. I don’t know about present day fans. He still goes to many sci-fi conventions around the world. He is now 86 and to this day, has no trouble hopping in his car and driving down to Orlando from Potsdam, NY. Way upstate. He is married to my mother’s sister, Ruth. His mind is as sharp as it was 50 years ago. Back in 1980, he was authorized by the late E.E. ‘Doc’ Smith estate to write further adventures in the ‘Dragon Lensmen’ series. He has written other books and many years ago, was an author and illustrator for detective, fantasy and sci-fi pulp fiction magazines, such as Analog, and was the founder of Gnome Press. Years ago, he and my aunt owned a radio station up there, WPDM.

I remember, when I was four, going to their wedding in New York City. I sat with my grandmother and great aunt in the front row. During the ceremony, I looked up at the stained glass windows. It was an Episcopal church, The Little Church Around the Corner in midtown Manhattan. Quite ornate and somewhat gothic, if I recall. The moment was very silent. Pointing upward, I blurted out, “Is that God?” And I meant ‘was that really God?’ It reverberated throughout the whole church. The congregation roared in laughter. I guess I had my 15 minutes of fame rather early in life.

When I was young, probably from around nine to fifteen, they used to fly me up to spend summers with them. Mohawk Airlines. DC-3s back then. Sometimes, they’d entertain guests for dinner. Earlier on, it meant nothing to me to dine with Isaac Asomov or Robert Heinlein. A close friend is Forrest J. Ackerman and not far behind is some guy named Arthur C. Clarke, like anyone would know who he is. Being famous was not part of my vocabulary back then. About the same age, my father took me to a midget or sprint car race in Flemington, NJ, where I’m from. “See that guy out there?” he asked. “That’s A.J. Foyt.” “So?” I responded. I knew who Superman was.

My uncle has always had a very vibrant and creative mind and a keen, dry sense of humor. He still does.

Every winter, he and my Aunt Ruthie try to come down, to escape the brutal and long winters of the north country.

If you are familiar with him, would you drop me a line? I’d love to pass along any stories to him, especially since he can be the consummate storyteller, himself.

This is republished from an original posting on my WordPress blog, dated May 26, 2005. Below are the comments made on that post…

Michael Gavin says:

September 29, 2007 at 10:06 pm

David Kyle was an inspiration and big influence during my high school days in Martin County FL (under a different last name at the time). Mr. Kyle supported and helped this green freshman start a school science fiction come which lead to my very first Science Fiction convention (Omnicon 2 in Ft. Lauderdale FL). The friends, experiences and inspiration stemming from that experience make up a lot of who I today. Thus, I owe Mr. Kyle a great deal of appreciation. Thank you, sir!

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Marinade Dave says:

September 30, 2007 at 11:39 am

Thank you, Michael. I see from your sight you run the “Orlando Hauntings” tour. Interesting. I live in Casselberry. The photo of my uncle was taken on the front porch of my brother, Sam and his wife, Lindsay’s home in Orlando. We’ll have to meet sometime. No doubt, I’ve heard of your tour, but I never really thought of Orlando as a haunted town, not in the classic sense of old towns with centuries old tombstones and ancient ghosts. I know age has nothing to do with it and I’ve since altered my thinking.

My uncle certainly is a very interesting character and he inspired me, as well. I will make sure I pass your message on to him. One of his many friends, who I forgot to mention (although I never met him personally) is Forrest J. Ackerman. When I was young, my aunt and uncle always got me a subscription to his magazine, “Famous Monsters of Filmland“, which I’m sure you are familiar with. He coined the term, SciFi. My aunt and uncle had one of the largest collections of books and SciFi gadgets I’ve ever seen and it was a real treat to fly up there and spend my summer nights lying in bed reading novels. Did you ever get to see him when he visited here and went to the Orlando Public Library? I know he had meetings down there.

Thank you again, and your comment is very much appreciated.

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Virg says:

November 5, 2007 at 1:18 am

I’ve known David Kyle now personally for about the past 15 – 20 years. I live here in Potsdam NY… up in the great white north. I see David around town and always stop and chat about the latest doings in the world of science fiction. We both share a love for the Babylon 5 programs as well as other works by MJS.

Growing up I cut my teeth on such authors as Isaac Asomov, Robert Heinlan and Arthur C. Clarke. I have always beed a Star Trek fan since it’s inception in the early 60′s. Whenever I see your your uncle, we chat about the latest convention he’s been to, who he has met and what he’s been doing. I continually threaten that I will stow away one of these times just so I can see a bit of all he’s been doing.

He’s a very likeable fellow, your uncle. For someone that has met nearly every one of my earthly idols, and has been involved with so many things I have interest in, he has always kept his feet on the ground. He’s quite an interesting fellow. Any one should appreciate just sitting and chatting with him. I know I do.

Just thought I would leave a few comments. David Kyle is a real jewel. If you don’t know him, but get the chance to meet him, take it. You will not regret it. Thanks for reading…

Virginia “Virg” Reed

Potsdam NY

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Marinade Dave says:

November 5, 2007 at 8:56 pm

Hello, Virg -

Yes, my uncle is quite the gem. It’s hard to believe how strong he is still going at 88. A couple of months ago, I was talking to him on the phone and he told me my cousin (his daughter,) Kerry told him, “Dad, we see eye to eye.” I didn’t quite get what he meant and I asked him. He said, “Well, I was so much taller than her and now I realize how much gravity has taken its toll on me. We are the same height now.”

Next time I speak to him, I will mention your name and the comment you left. Thank you for leaving me a note. By the way, you might hear from him before I do. If so, tell him Dave says hello!

Oh, I was always a big fan of Star Trek. Years ago, Aunt Ruthie and Uncle David got to visit the bridge on a trip out to Hollywood. They were quite impressed.

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Gef Topping says:

January 26, 2008 at 5:09 pm

My late Grandfather Louis F. W. Lawes, was friends with David Kyle in the mid 1970′s, when the Kyle family were based in Weybridge, Surrey in the UK, around the time when I was born.

David gave my Grandfather a dedicated/signed copy of “A Pictorial History of Science Fiction”, which fascinated me as a child (and to this day!), and was certainly a major contributing factor to my serious love of the genre and also following a career in special effects in film/tv.

I grew up in a sci-fi loving household, both parents read hard sci-fi/fantasy and related films and tv shows were the preference, but Mr Kyle’s book and later the second volume opened my mind to so much more.

I regret that I have never been able to thank Mr Kyle in person; he and his family moved to Florida just after I was born (1975) , and it was not until I was 4 years of age, that my Grandfather gave me the book to read.

For years, my grandfather and I tried to track down a copy of “The Illustrated Book of Science Fiction Ideas and Dreams”, without success.

Then in 1989, I was visiting my Grandparents with my family, and it was announced that we were going to an antiques fair in a village in Surrey, several miles away.

My Grandfather, who was staying behind as he had a prior HAM radio QSO (contact), placed some coins in my hand and said ‘if we’re lucky, you might find the book’.

We arrived at the fair which was held in a typical English village hall, with tables covered in artifacts from yesteryear. Nothing gauged my interest. As I approached the front of the hall, I saw a a table with antique books. I drew up to the table, and right in front of me was a mint copy of the book, which after I promptly purchased, once I had got over the shock

When we returned to the house, my grandfather, said to me that he had a strange feeling that we would be lucky that day.

In the last couple of years of his life, my family introduced my Grandfather to the internet, and hoped that we would be able to contact David.

However, in 2003, my Grandfather suffered the first in a series of strokes that would see that we could never achieve this together.

My Grandfather passed away in October of 2004.

I’d just like to thank Mr Kyle for opening my mind to the huge world of sci-fi down the centuries, and I hope that if I am ever on the east coast, I can thank him myself in person.

Gef Topping

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Marinade Dave says:

January 26, 2008 at 6:18 pm

Hi, Gef -

I am very sorry for the loss of your grandfather. Obviously, you have a lot of love, respect and admiration for him. I remember when my aunt and uncle lived in England and how much they loved it. When they returned to the states, they bought a home in Hobe Sound, FL. They moved back to Potsdam many years ago, but the photo of him was taken at my brother and sister-in-law’s house in Orlando, where they used to spend winters.

What a stroke of luck it was for you to find that book. I’ve often wondered how interested I would be in Sci Fi if my aunt had never married him. I like to think of myself as a creative person, so my guess would be that, yes, I would have an inherent fascination with the genre.

I am going to call my uncle tomorrow to direct him to this post and these comments. Perhaps, he will comment back or make some kind of arrangement to contact you. Maybe, he can get that book autographed after all and that would surely put a smile on your grandfather’s face as he looks down upon you. In the meantime, try this address, too, for more info on Uncle Dave:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Kyle

Two of the external links are to Red Jacket Press, their daughter’s publishing company. The other one is to this address.

Thank you so much for leaving such a nice comment, and please feel free to correspond with me at my e-mail address (located on the main page) if I can be of further help.

Dave Knechel

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George C Brothers says:

March 12, 2008 at 1:03 am

My father, Nelson “Buck” Brothers, did a lot of carpentry work for Mr. Kyle and his radio station back in Potsdam. I met Mr. Kyle when I was about 15, while working for my father. I found that both he and Mrs. Kyle were warm, wonderful people.

I left Potsdam in 1971 to begin my own life, and I haven’t seen Mr. or Mrs. Kyle since, except when Dad died and Mr. Kyle was kind enough to say some wonderful words about Dad at his funeral, in 1989.

I think of him and Mrs. Kyle quite often, and I try to keep in touch with them through my brother who lives there in St. Lawernce County. I plan to be in Potsdam in April of 2008, and I would love to see them again. If that is not possible, I would like to know that I miss them, and I will never forget them.

George C. Brothers, Sr.

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Marinade Dave says:

March 12, 2008 at 6:45 am

George -

I clearly remember your father and he was a great guy. I also remember his son worked with him. That must have been you.

Your father was always around and he was a warm, funny man. Gee, I must have been a pest back then. Your father was always cutting wood or banging nails or painting something.

I’m sure Aunt Ruthie and Uncle David would love to see you. Please do get in touch with them. I will mention your comment here, too. If you need info on how to get in touch with them, e-mail me at marinadedave@yahoo.com

Wow, George, we’re going back quite a number of years. Thanks.

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Fran Keegan says:

March 17, 2008 at 3:50 pm

Hello Dave-

What a joy it is to have happened upon your site–quite by accident.

I used to live a mile down the road from the radio station and I worked there for several years. I know David and Ruth well. They are, as all have said, truly wonderful people.

I spoke with them about a year ago, but this year I was lax–I let their birthdays go by and did not call. However, on Jan. 4 and Feb. 14 I was thinking of them and wondering if they were still in Parishville or if they had moved to CA to be with their son, as David had mentioned they might do. Actually, I think of both of them often but have not been in the area of Parishville for a number of years. Maybe this coming summer? I do have to add here, though, that David is not the best at answering his email! I pretty much gave up on that quite a while ago. 

BTW, it was interesting too to read of Nelson Brothers, as I knew him also. He was a grand person.

All the best to you, Dave.

Fran

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Marinade Dave says:

March 17, 2008 at 10:57 pm

Thank you so much, Fran. Life always goes on. My poor uncle. He is now 89 years old. Excuses, excuses, excuses. I know, though, for a fact! He has never been good about answering e-mails. Besides, his back is sore and his laptop is way up the stairs. Winters in that neighborhood can be rather brutal.

Aunt Ruthie says, Kerry will buy me a computer. I say, who will teach you?

Life goes on and that’s a great, great thing. By the way, they still live at Skylee.

Thank you so much. I wish you could meet my mother. You would love each other.

All the best in return, Fran…

Dave

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Kathie says:

March 18, 2008 at 10:11 pm

I knew your uncle Dave through my Dad. They were close friends for years in Potsdam. Your Uncle gave my Dad’s eulogy. Please tell him Nelson’s daughter said Hi and would love to see him and Ruth again. I remember going with my dad to their house and they were always so warm and loving. I also remember my dad not admitting it, but missing Dave’s friendship when they were in England. My dad would go over to Skylee and start Dave’s Caddie every so often. One day he pulled out his keys and fired up the Caddie only to look down and realize he had actually used his own ignition key for our Chevy. Talk about a small world. Not sure if Dad ever told Dave about that. I’m sure he did…

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Marinade Dave says:

March 19, 2008 at 4:00 am

Hello, Kathie -

Thank you for your kind memories of my uncle and your father. Believe me, I remember your father and what a kind man he was. When I used to fly up there from NJ, I looked forward to seeing him. “Where’s Mr. Brothers,” I would ask. “He’s working at the radio station today,” I was sometimes told. I’m sure there were moments I bugged him a lot, but he never said anything.

If your father never mentioned the Chevy key experience to Aunt Ruthie and Uncle Dave, they will know about it now.

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Tommy Trussell says:

March 19, 2008 at 11:46 am

Greetings! I found this page linked from the David Kyle article at Wikipedia. I have never met David Kyle, but in 1986 I attended graduate school in upstate NY with his son, who was extremely kind and supportive of me and my wife (just married then, still married now). I have lost touch with ACK and wife and kids and I hope they are doing well. If possible please relay my greetings!

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Kathie says:

March 19, 2008 at 12:38 pm

Dave,

Thank you for your kind words. I can assure you, you never bugged my dad. He loved young people and enjoyed talking with anyone with a spark of curiosity, as I am sure you did by the sounds of it. Thank you again for this wonderful walk down memory lane.

Best wishes to you and yours.

Kathie

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Marinade Dave says:

March 20, 2008 at 3:45 pm

Greetings to you, too, Tommy, and thanks for leaving a comment. Sorry I’m so late in responding.

You’re right, AC is a really good guy. So is his sister, Kerry. Well, not a guy, but a very good woman. AC lives in SF now with his wife and children and they are in Japan now. I will find out when they are planning on returning stateside and contact him about you. I’m sure he’d be happy to pass on information on how the two of you can catch up on old times.

I’m very glad you and your wife are happily married, too. That is a wonderful thing and I wish you both a great 22nd anniversary this year.

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Marinade Dave says:

March 20, 2008 at 3:55 pm

Yes, Kathie, I was a very curious youngster, and your father never showed any inkling that I was bothering him. I might have even helped him get nails and pieces of wood once in a while. Probably cold drinks, too, during the day.

Thank you, too, for the fond walk down memory lane. You and your brother have reminded me of great times some 40+ years ago.

I remember Bobby and Laurie Bass were there many summers, too. Their father, Marty, was a writer, I believe, and their mother, Miriam, I think, always spent summers with Aunt Ruthie. They lived in NYC and he remained there to work. I wonder whatever became of them. I recall when Laurie kind of wanted me to, well, mess around a little, but unfortunately, I hadn’t bloomed as early as she had blossomed. Darn.

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Fran Keegan says:

March 26, 2008 at 7:04 pm

Bobbie and Laurie Fass. They, with their parents, Marty and Marian, had lived in NYC originally but for quite a number of years lived in Syracuse. Marty worked at Syracuse University and Marian taught art I believe at a middle school. They lived quite close to my husband Dick Wilson and me in Syracuse.

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Marinade Dave says:

March 26, 2008 at 8:15 pm

Ah, Fass. You’re right! I didn’t think Bass was right and I wasn’t sure about Miriam. Thank you for clarifying their names.

I remember your husband’s name being bandied about a lot of times. I believe your husband and my uncle were quite close. Dick Wilson definitely rang a bell immediately. I mentioned that a few more people had commented, but I didn’t tell them who and I don’t think Uncle Dave’s been back online to read any of these comments. I’m going to try to call them tomorrow night and let them know about you and Dick. They are going to enjoy that! Thank you, Fran.

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Peter Prellwitz says:

October 27, 2008 at 3:34 pm

Hi, Dave!

I’m sure you don’t remember me, but we met at Albacon back in 2004, the year you put out Dave’s Lensmen books. I had the great joy and greater honor of talking to Dave for a couple hours at my table. His enthusiasm for new science fiction and new authors – of which I was one – was both heady and encouraging. And his actually buying my novel HORIZONS and then having me sign it and his autograph book was all but overwhelming.

For as many years and for as many conventions as I’ve done and have yet to do, the positive impact Dave had on me will never diminish and never be replaced as my best moment in the “business”.

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Marinade Dave says:

October 27, 2008 at 3:54 pm

Hi, Peter -

No, it wasn’t me you met that day at Albacon in 2004, because I wasn’t there! My Uncle Dave’s daughter and her husband published his books. I think you met Kerry’s husband. I am his nephew.

I will make sure he is aware of your message here, but don’t count on a reply. If you’ve read any of the previous comments, they are waiting, too.

Thank you for the very kind words on my uncle.

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Fran Keegan (Geller) says:

December 6, 2008 at 5:01 pm

I just spoke with David and Ruth. It is always so exciting to make contact again and I am determined to stay in close touch. They have both been a big part of my life and I have so many fond memories.

David, Ruth asked where we live. It is in a small community called Sunland, about 20 minutes north of Burbank. Just a few minutes from the San Gabriels and the Angeles National Forest.

Much love to you and to Ruth,

Fran

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Carl Hausman says:

December 17, 2008 at 4:28 pm

Great to come across your site! I’ve known David since the early 1970s…Richard Wilson introduced us. Over the last few David and I have exchanged Christmas cards and I’m about to mail one to Potsdam now…though I suspect he’s in a warmer climate at the moment. If you speak with David and Ruth, please say hello for me.

Regards,

Carl Hausman

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Marinade Dave says:

December 17, 2008 at 7:49 pm

I can guarantee you I will send them your regards. Uncle David will be 90 this coming Valentine’s Day and he’s still in great shape. Over the phone, he sounds like a 50 year old. As far as a warmer climate where they are, My God, where do you live? I’m in Florida and I know they’re a lot colder than me.

Thank you for commenting, Carl.

Dave Knechel

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Romeyn Prescott says:

January 16, 2009 at 11:10 am

When I was a kid, I would marvel at the library my next-door neighbor had. He was a professor at SUNY Plattsburgh and I would go over there and look at his hardcover books on comics, his National Geographics, etc. In particular, I always remembered these two books about Pulp Fiction magazine covers.

Fast-forward 15 years or so. About 15 years ago I was working for a computer store in Plattsburgh. We serviced Apple computers all over the North Country. I got an assignment to go see this David Kyle person. I went, and was flabbergasted. I quickly learned exactly WHO he was and the enormity of his contribution to the world of Science Fiction as we know it today. (I am not someone who is easily star-struck!) I was still reeling when he shows me these two books and tells me they were his–he wrote them. They were the same two Pulp Magazine books I remembered from my childhood!

The next time I was home in Keeseville I went to my former neighbor’s house to visit. At one point I excused myself and ran up to his library and grabbed his copies of your uncle’s books. Phil (neighbor) smiled and started telling me all about them (as I had so often heard as a kid). I cut him short, “Phil…these were written by David Kyle?” Phil nodded and started to tell me about David. I stopped him and said, with a huge grin on my face, “How would you like them autographed?”

Long story shorter, I put the two in touch with each other and from what I was told, they had a fabulous time with each other. I haven’t seen David in many years. Perhaps I’ll look him up!

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Marinade Dave says:

January 16, 2009 at 11:20 am

You should look him up, Romeyn. He’d love it. You told a great story about him and you portrayed him exactly the way he has always been – open and very friendly.

He used to have one of those early laptops. I think it was orange and he had trouble accessing the Internet and figuring out his e-mail.

Thank you for commenting and providing an insightful look at my Uncle Dave. This Valentine’s Day, he will be celebrating his 90th birthday. To talk to him, you’d never believe it, and I am so thankful he has been such a positive force in my life for so many years.

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Mark Crosby says:

May 26, 2009 at 9:22 am

This is an everyday story about my experiences with your uncle.

From 1994 to 2004, I ran the copy shop in Potsdam. Your uncle discovered our shop sometime in the mid 90′s. Dave would regale all of us with great tales and I nick-named him Captain (it somehow seemed appropriate). At the time, my nephew, Jason Crosby worked there as well. Dave & Jason (who was in his early 20′s) hit it off and the two would talk endlessly. In 1998, Jason left to resume college but Dave always asks about him every time I see him. Interesting that Jason has pursued a successful career in digital animation and I know that Dave loves hearing what movies Jason has worked on.

Ah, North Country culture… When you live in or around Parishville, one of the social scene must do’s is to visit the town dump (with your garbage of course). All joking aside, I have been amazed to run into Dave there as frequently as I do. I doubt that either of us go that often so it’s kind of spooky that I see him 3 or 4 times a year there. I’m always amazed at how good his memory is and that he always asks about my nephew.

So, my guess is that you could fill more than one book with all of the stories of lives that he has touched. An amazing and very good man. You are quite blessed to have had your youth touched by him.

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Marinade Dave says:

May 26, 2009 at 12:04 pm (Edit)

Hello, Mark, thank you for telling me about some of your experiences with Uncle Dave. I will definitely tell him about your comment. Now, there is a good chance I might fly up sometime this summer. If I do, I wouldn’t mind taking a ride with Uncle Dave to the town dump to meet you.

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kyle cassidy says:

August 13, 2009 at 11:29 pm

a photo of your uncle from worldcon 2009

http://kylecassidy.livejournal.com/538252.html

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Marinade Dave says:

August 14, 2009 at 7:59 am

Thank you for your link, Kyle. He’s still as sharp as he was when he was my age (57 this month) and I think he looks great for a 90 year old. Unfortunately, I have not seen him for a couple of years, but we do talk on the phone. I’d love to go to upstate New York and stay with them like I did in my youth. I have wonderful memories. By the way, that was very nice of you to contact me. It’s an excellent photograph of him, too.

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Barbara Blackburn says:

August 29, 2009 at 8:35 am

Hi there, I wonder if youor anyone else would be so kind as to help me. I bought A Pictorial History of Science Fiction in 1978 for my boyfriend. We separated soon after, but thirty years later! found each other again through Friends Reunited and are soon to be married. He had kept the book all those years. It’s his 50th birthday soon and I desperately want to see if I can find a poster of the cover illustration, but cannot find any reference to it within the book. Can anyone tell me what it is? Thanks in anticipation.

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Filipa says:

August 29, 2009 at 10:56 am

uncle Dave rock’s!

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Fran Keegan (Geller) says:

October 20, 2009 at 3:06 pm

Hi Dave,

Me again. I’ve called David and Ruth a couple of times recently and got a voice on an answering machine that didn’t sound like David. So I wonder if they are still at Skylee. Would you tell me, please? I do like to talk with the periodically.

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Marinade Dave says:

October 20, 2009 at 4:22 pm

Hi, Fran – They are still at Skylee. I will call them later on and tell them you are having problems getting in touch. I haven’t talked to them in a couple of weeks, but my mother has. I need to call them anyway. I will e-mail you to let you know I spoke to them. I don’t know what the problem is, but I will find out.

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Fran Keegan (Geller) says:

November 10, 2009 at 10:15 am

Thanks, Dave! I should just keep calling until I get them.

It’s really great to be in touch with you, BTW!

Fran

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Marinade Dave says:

November 10, 2009 at 10:30 am

Hi, Fran – I know Uncle Dave was visiting Kerry last week, but I think he is home now. I will try to call him later. You know, it is great to keep in touch with you, too. I will make sure he knows once again, that you have been trying to reach them.

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Joe Markee says:

December 8, 2009 at 10:31 pm

I hope I am not intruding here. My name is Joe Markee and I am a member of Alphadrome a website of toy robot collectors (http://danefield.com). Recently we have been trying to trace the history of a Japanese toy robot named Atomic Robot Man that has a stamp on the back that says Souvenir of the New York Science Fiction Conference. We have been searching the internet and believe that David Kyle attended this conference in July 1950. Pictures from the conference appeared in Life Magazine May 21, 1951. We don’t know if these robots were sold at the conference or were SWAG that was handed out to writers and fans. Is there any way you could pass this question on to David or tell me how to reach him. Very few of these stamped toy robots have survived and we are trying to trace their geneology so to speak. Thanks

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Marinade Dave says:

December 8, 2009 at 10:38 pm

Hi, Joe – I can give my Uncle Dave a call tomorrow or sometime over the weekend and ask him about this particular robot. I remember when I was young, he had quite a number of those collectibles, but I have no idea how many are left. I have your e-mail address now, so I will let you know as soon as I find out.

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Fran Keegan Geller says:

January 4, 2010 at 4:17 pm

Hi Dave,

I just had a grand long conversation with David and Ruth. I called to wish Ruth a happy birthday. Next time I am in NY I shall try to drive up there to visit them. Now I must remember to call again on David’s birthday, which will be February 14.

BTW, I have met your mother, Dave, a very long time ago.

All the best to you,

Fran

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Marinade Dave says:

January 4, 2010 at 5:08 pm

Hi, Fran – I’m glad you finally talked to Aunt Ruthie and Uncle David. I need to call them tonight. Yup, if you met my mother, it would have been a long time ago. My guess would be in the early 70s. My father was working as the ad manager (I think) for WPDM for a couple of years and they lived there. Was it 1972-73?

All the best to you, too, and I’m glad you finally got through. I mentioned that you had called to Uncle Dave a number of times.

Dave

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Fran Keegan Geller says:

January 4, 2010 at 5:13 pm

Actually, it would have been before then that I met your mother. My husband died and I remarried (Dick Wilson) and I moved to Syracuse in 1967. So it would have been between 1960 and 1967.

Thanks for the quick reply! I’ll bet you spend as much time on the computer as I do, or more! 

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Marinade Dave says:

January 4, 2010 at 5:42 pm

I mentioned your name and Dick’s to my parents and, of course, they remember you both. I will mention you when I call Aunt Ruthie tonight, too. Usually, I spend a few minutes talking to her and an hour or so talking to him. They wanted me to come up this past summer, but health problems with my parents and me put a damper on those plans. My father was in the hospital twice and my ticker was really giving me problems. I am more stable now, but there’s no way I would fly to upstate NY this time of year.

Usually, I do spend a lot of time on the computer and online, but today I had doctor appointments. Same thing tomorrow and Wednesday. Getting old sure is a lot of fun.

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Fran Keegan Geller says:

January 4, 2010 at 6:22 pm

Dave, you are too young to have an ornery ticker! I am hoping to visit them this summer too, although I don’t know now when I will be in NY. I have been flying in and out of Syracuse several times a year for five years now, but I’ve been lucky. No one knows when a storm may strike in the wintertime. But I have not seen Dave and Ruth for quite a number of years and I really would like to make it this year.

Good luck with those appointments!

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Marinade Dave says:

January 4, 2010 at 6:42 pm

Thanks, Fran. I think I was a diabetic for many more years than I was aware of and I smoked cigarettes for almost 40 years, but I did quit 26 months ago. Diabetes took its toll on my heart, I guess. This is a somewhat recent event, but the damage is done. I have other problems, but hey, I plan on sticking around and making the best of it.

Hopefully, I can make it up this spring. None of us are getting any younger and they used to fly me up every summer on Mohawk Airlines. DC-3s.

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Fran Keegan Geller says:

January 4, 2010 at 6:49 pm

Mohawk? Where did you land then? Potsdam? I’ve never landed there, but I guess small planes do come in with passengers. I’m sure they love to have you visit.

Bummer about the diabetes, but I expect you can control that. Take it easy–

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Marinade Dave says:

January 4, 2010 at 6:56 pm

I used to fly into Massena. From Newark to Westchester to Syracuse to Watertown to Massena. This was in the 60s. I went to Expo 67 with them and went back a year later when it was Man & His World, so 68 was the last time I flew up there until I drove up with my girlfriend’s parents in the early 70s. We explored the St. Lawrence Seaway. I spent time with my folks then, when they lived there.

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Fran Keegan Geller says:

January 4, 2010 at 7:23 pm

Wow! We used to have a cottage at Higley Flow and a friend from NYC flew up there to Massena. She announced that she would never do it again. I guess it must have been a bumpy flight. No more small planes for her! We went to Expo 67 too. I always enjoyed the St. Lawrence Seaway area. It’s great country up there, but as David pointed out today, Spring is short, summer is good, but Autumn is often short too, and the winters are long.

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Al Sirois says:

January 30, 2010 at 10:48 am

Thank heaven for the internet. I can do more research in one morning on the net than I could in a whole day back when the only way to do it was in a library or via snail-mail.

I came to this article via Fred Pohl’s blog, while doing research for a YA book set in Brooklyn in the mid-1930s. My lead character is a young kid who gets involved with sf fandom and the Greenwood Lake rocket-plane flights in 2/36. I’m trying to locate other former Futurians with whom I can talk about living in NYC in those days and being involved with sf fandom. One of my main characters is Willy Ley, who worked on those Greenwood Lake flights (I have old POathe newsreel footage of them — and a couple of clips can be found on YouTube). I’d love to talk to your uncle about those days — does he have e-mail? Thanks!

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Marinade Dave says:

January 30, 2010 at 11:15 am

Hi, Al – I will try to call my uncle later today. My aunt suffered a stroke and he is in and out of their home and not always near the phone. I will definitely let you know, though. Interestingly, we talked about Frederick Pohl last week and how few of the NYC Futurians are left these days. By the way, Uncle David will be 91 on Valentine’s Day and he is still going strong. Thanks for contacting me. I’ll let you know here or at your site.

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Al Sirois says:

January 30, 2010 at 1:07 pm

Thanks, Dave. A mutual fan-friend living near Potsdam gave me your uncle’s address and phone, but I will certainly wait to hear from you. I’m more than fine with writing as opposed to phoning, too, so no worries there.

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Marinade Dave says:

January 30, 2010 at 1:27 pm

Al – My mother talked to Uncle David this morning. I will try to call him tonight to get a better idea of his schedule. He’s not opposed to talking to people, that’s for sure, so if you two could connect that way, I think you both would enjoy each other tremendously.

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Fran Keegan Geller says:

January 30, 2010 at 2:37 pm

Dave! Ruth suffered a stroke? I didn’t know. I am so glad I talked with them recently. How is she? In hospital? At home? Prognosis?

For Al Sirois–yes, David has email, but from my experience he doesn’t check it very often–possibly not at all now.

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Marinade Dave says:

January 30, 2010 at 2:43 pm

Yes, Fran, she did. It wasn’t a very damaging stroke, and she was in the Potsdam-Canton hospital, but she has since been moved to a care facility in Odgensburg. Her speech is a little slurred, but she’s OK. You can try to call Uncle David, but he’s going to see her today and I don’t know when he will be home. I am going to call tonight.

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Fran Keegan Geller says:

January 30, 2010 at 7:09 pm

I’ve called twice and not been able to reach David. I’m sure he is with Ruth. I’ll get him eventually. I am really saddened to hear this news.

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Marinade Dave says:

January 30, 2010 at 7:16 pm

She should be alright, Fran. This was almost, if not, a blessing in disguise. She will be getting much better care than she had been getting at home prior to her stroke. They will put her on a restricted diet and keep her diabetes in check. She was not taking care of herself.

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Fran Keegan Geller says:

January 30, 2010 at 7:23 pm

I know what you mean, but I hope it won’t be for too long. David is going to be lost there without Ruth.

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Marinade Dave says:

January 30, 2010 at 8:09 pm

I was on the phone with one of my “reliable sources” pertaining to something else, and now I’m watching COPS, but after that, I’ll give him a call. He does go to church on Sundays, so I will try to find out his schedule if you still haven’t gotten through.

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Fran Keegan Geller says:

January 30, 2010 at 9:08 pm

Hi again Dave,

I just had a nice long talk with David. He sounds in good spirits. He wanted to know how I found out about Ruth and I told him it was through your website.

For Al Sirois: I told David someone was interested in talking with him — didn’t have your name in front of me at the time — and he is very interested in hearing from you. David likes to talk and reminisce and he has a vast amount of information.

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Marinade Dave says:

January 30, 2010 at 9:36 pm

I just spoke to him briefly, but he is getting ready to eat his dinner, so he will call me back in a while.

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Al Sirois says:

January 31, 2010 at 10:37 am

Thank you so much, Dave and Fran… I’ll contact him this week.

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Marinade Dave says:

January 31, 2010 at 11:02 am

My pleasure, Al. I am calling him again this afternoon to help set up a new e-mail account. I will forward that on to you at your Web site. I did talk to him about you last night and we’ll probably go through a few more things later on.

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Fran Keegan Geller says:

January 31, 2010 at 4:54 pm

You will like David, Al, and I know he will be delighted to talk.

Dave, would you send me David’s email addess too, please. The last email I had from him was one announcing the birth of Kerry’s son. I’ve written him a couple of times, but no reply. I’m sure he just didn’t read it. He may do more now that Ruth is not at home.

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Marinade Dave says:

January 31, 2010 at 4:58 pm

I will, Fran. I meant to call him earlier, but I will do it after dinner. I am going to help him set up a new e-mail.

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A.L. Sirois says:

March 30, 2010 at 12:49 pm

Well, life has intervened, as usual! I wasn’t able to call your uncle when I said I would, but as soon as I type this little entry I’ll be dialing my phone in hopes of reaching him.

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Fran Keegan says:

May 3, 2010 at 7:59 pm

Hi Dave,

Once again I’ve been calling David and not reaching him–trying different times of the day. I’m wondering how he and Ruth are. I guess Ruth is not back home. You got any ideas?

Fran

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Marinade Dave says:

May 3, 2010 at 9:20 pm

Hi, Fran, I usually watch House on Monday nights, so I’m sorry I didn’t see your comment until now. I don’t know why he isn’t answering his phone. I’m fairly certain he goes to see her every other day, and I know he’s had friends look in on him, take him out, and he does drive down to visit Kerry on some weekends. For a 91-year-old, he sure keeps himself busy. As far as I know, Aunt Ruthie should be coming home in the near future, but I don’t know what will happen. Kerry wants them closer to her. The only thing I can recommend is that you keep on trying. I will call him this week, when I know he will be home. I will probably call her because I need to do that. As soon as I find something out, I will e-mail you. Keep trying, though. You’re bound to catch him.

Dave

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Fran Keegan says:

May 3, 2010 at 9:52 pm

I only just wrote the post. I think you answered really fast.

I have talked with him several times but not just recently.

I know he intended to eat one meal a day in town and that’s good.

I’ll keep trying.

Thanks!

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Marinade Dave says:

May 3, 2010 at 9:58 pm

It’s certainly my pleasure, Fran. And I will definitely let him know.

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Al Sirois says:

June 2, 2010 at 11:35 am

Just a quick note to let folks know I had a wonderful chat with Dave on May 22. Delightful guy.

Thanks for that update, Al. It’s hard to believe he’s 91 because he sounds and acts like a man in his 50s. His mind is quite sharp. I’m so happy you had that opportunity.

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Brian says:

July 20, 2010 at 3:18 pm

Dave,

I click-stumbled on to your blog while trying to find a way to say “hi” to Kerry Kyle after 25+ years. I recently found a mix-tape (Top Ten of 1760) that Kerry made me, when I was recovering from an auto accident. Would you forward my address? I’d be most appreciative. Thanks, Brian

And thank you too for the French Beef Au Gratin. My boys and I will be eating well tonight!

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Marinade Dave says:

July 20, 2010 at 4:21 pm

Hi, Brian – I’m glad you stumbled upon my blog. I haven’t seen Kerry in a long time, but we do keep in touch. I have many, many great memories of my summers spent in upstate New York. My Uncle David is now 91 years old and going strong. My Aunt Ruth had a strong several months ago but is on the mend. She is already living near Kerry and Uncle David will soon follow, where they will move to a condo in Westchester County. Without them, Potsdam and the St. Lawrence area will never be the same. Thank you for contacting me. Yes, I will talk to her and let her know how to contact you. If you send me your phone number, I will give that to her, too.

marinadedave (at) yahoo (dot) com

Let me know what you think of the recipe.

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Feathers says:

July 20, 2010 at 4:25 pm

Ah! It’s from May. Science Fiction Writer. You had my head spinning for a minute there. lol

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Marinade Dave says:

July 20, 2010 at 4:34 pm

Yes, Feathers, that’s a story I wrote about my uncle.

Comments

[gizmo]

Friend of mine thought you might like some pix I took at the Super Hero convention in Orlando...

[Dave Knechel]

Sure, I'm interested in seeing them.