We have an author down. 
 
He left us on 9/2 at the age of 93.  I spent many hours reading his books.  It's funny that the one I remember most featured a character who outlived his body as a computer program.

Well, at least with authors, they usually leave us something to remember them by (as long as they finish that dang eight book trilogy before they kick it!!!).

craigb
Well, at least with authors, they usually leave us something to remember them by (as long as they finish that dang eight book trilogy before they kick it!!!).

I'm looking at you George R. R. Martin.

Frank Herbert (Dune series) and David Gerrold (still alive, but no where's near finishing his Chtorr series) come to mind.

Next you'll tell me that Isaac Asimov, Arthur C Clark and Philip K Dick are all gone, too! There goes half my childhood...or...was it all just a dream/computer simulation?
 
BTW, since anybody responding to this thread is probably a science fiction fan -- anybody else really looking forward to the release of the movie version of Ender's Game this fall? 

bitflipper
Next you'll tell me that Isaac Asimov, Arthur C Clark and Philip K Dick are all gone, too! There goes half my childhood...or...was it all just a dream/computer simulation?
 
BTW, since anybody responding to this thread is probably a science fiction fan -- anybody else really looking forward to the release of the movie version of Ender's Game this fall? 

At least the guys you mention didn't start a multiple book series then die before finishing them.

I've been looking forward to that movie for years, Bitflipper.  I don't know if it can live up to expectations, but I'm sure hoping it will.

bapu

craigb
Well, at least with authors, they usually leave us something to remember them by (as long as they finish that dang eight book trilogy before they kick it!!!).

I'm looking at you George R. R. Martin.

Yes indeed!  George and I are almost the same age ... mid 60s.  I worry about two things: 1) that he's going to die before finishing Fire and Ice or 2) that I am.

Since we're waxing nostalgic about classic SF, what about Jack Vance who died just a couple of months ago at the age of 90-something?  When I was young, I read Vance (he was probably my favorite SF writer from the "golden age") for the exciting, imaginative stories he told.  Decades later, I reread these books and appreciate what a realy fine wordsmith he was.

If you like Vance, I'd recommend Matthew Hughes [http://www.matthewhughes.org/].
 
To OP, regarding one take on living on as a computer program, check out Surface Detail by Iain M. Banks.