Science-fiction and fantasy author Vonda N. McIntyre succumbed to pancreatic cancer on April 1, 2019 at the age of 70, just weeks after her diagnosis. She died at her home in Seattle, Washington. The Nebula Award and Hugo Award winner wrote and edited numerous books and short stories, including the Star Trek tales The Entropy Effect and Enterprise: The First Adventure, as well as the novelizations for Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Star Trek III: The Search for Spock and Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. She gave George Takei's character, Mr. Sulu, the first name 'Hikaru,' which later became canon.
Born in Louisville, Kentucky, McIntyre grew up mostly in Seattle before attending the University of Washington, and later founding the Clarion West Writers Workshop in Seattle. Her short stories, novelettes and novels included Breaking Point, Of Mist, and Grass, and Sand, Dreamsnake, Superluminal, the Starfarer series, Star Wars: The Crystal Star, A Modest Proposal, and LADeDeDa. She also wrote poetry and essays, and was a fan favorite at conventions.
According to the entry on McIntyre's CaringBridge page, a memorial service will be arranged in Seattle. McIntyre requested that in lieu of flowers, people make donations to one of their own personal favorite charities. Please join us in offering condolences to McIntyre's family, friends, colleagues and many fans.
