This was brought to my attention by a reader:
Yes, I gave Ahern a lot of ribbing about his books but..I read them, which means that even though I thought they were predictable, formulaic, pulp it was fun and entertaining pulp. And, in all seriousness, those books probably influenced me a bit.
I like to think this means he died the perfect survivalists death – well-prepared and never needed any of it.
ETA: Obit
I saw this mentioned on Donald Green’s blog ( http://www.ifithitsthefan.com/ ) last night. I’d wondered what was up when he didn’t have an article in the latest Blue Press.
And you’re right, having prepared for bad times (of various sorts) and never really needing it is a comforting way to be.
Steelheart
I never really connected up with any of his writings. My interest in post apocalyptia came from Maleville and Lucifer’s Hammer.
I was very sad to learn of Mr. Ahern passing. I read a lot of books and while his books were not award winning they were good for a guy like me who, at times, needed to get away from the complex novels and enjoy simple escapism. Like William W. Johnston, Mr. Ahern’s books were a modern recreation of the old “penny dreadful.” I will miss him.
Also of importance, the Dem Nazis are at it again.
Hi-Capacity Magazine Ban Sneak Attempt
http://thedorkfishexpress.blogspot.com/2012/07/resistor-in-rockies-hi-capacity.html
(I have no relation to this particular blog but I am putting the word on the streets (Blues Bros))
What a shock to hear of his death – and not only because he was only a few years older than me. He wrote the “Gun leather” column for Handguns Magazine for years, and also operated a small holster manufacturing company. I called to place an order for a pocket holster for a Beretta Jetfire 950 (a rather tiny pistol in .25ACP) and was surprised when he answered my call. On learning of my order, he engaged me in an interesting conversation about the holster and Jetfire. He rather liked the latter (not excusing the pathetic cartridge but for use in deep concealment) and mentioned a column he had written on it. BTW, the holster was excellent – the best pocket holster I owned. Unfortunately I sold it when I sold the Jetfire. I’ve often wished it was still offered, for pistols like the Ruger LCP.
Sorry to hear about this, I receive his Blue Press when it is published. I also read all of those books when I was a young man and could relate to the hero and his bikes and his cave.
Friend of mine texted me about his death this morning, what a shock it was. His Survivalist Series kept me occupied for many a late night & was one of the greats that got me into preparedness/survivalism. In remembrance I am carrying a original stainless Detonics Combat Master from Seattle Washington this weekend. Boy, what a shame.