Fred Ordway
Frederick I. Ordway III – Obituary
“Through a meeting with his good friend Arthur C. Clarke, the noted science fiction author, Ordway was contacted by film director Stanley Kubrick and spent three years working as Kubrick’s technical advisor on the landmark film 2001: A Space Odyssey.”
Fred was a true gentleman and an absolute treasure. He was also one of the true pioneers of space development. I’m a better person having known him and am glad to have been able to call him my friend.
Ad Astra Fred
Fred was a unique history-maker and chronicler of space exploration, and one of the most honorable and kind souls I’ve ever known. We worked together in NSS eons ago and he was always bubbling over with new ideas and projects. I hope his children and grandchildren know how much our nation and indeed species owes Fred.
James many thanks to you for your kind comment, and to the many others at this and other sites for so many supportive words. Fred had many good friends. Yes, we certainly do appreciate how lucky we all have been. In the words of Fred’s daughter, my wife, Marisol: “with all he achieved, and his constant travel and work, he always had time for his family and was the best and most loving father, grandfather to his grandchildren, and husband to my mother that anyone could ask
for.”
I knew Fred for nearly 40 years, including my tenure as general manager of the National Space Institute. He was a personal mentor and a source of great inspiration for so many of us. And, of course, his writings on the history of space travel – among many other topics – leave a tremendous legacy for future generations. During my legal troubles, Fred, in typical fashion, reached out and proved to be an “all weather friend.” He was the essence of a mensch. A true class act. In a world not exactly overpopulated with such people, Fred will be dearly missed.
Fred was a member of the NSS awards committee for many years. He first suggested the idea of a von Braun memorial award to me about 1992. The first award was presented to Dr. Ernst Stuhlinger the very next year. 10 von Braun awards have now been presented. Fred donated copies of his excellent books as part of a number of the von Braun award events. He was also an active member of the NSS Board of Governors. He was one of the most helpful and kind people I have known.