City family tribute for sci-fi icon Sir Arthur

Mar 22 2008 by Katie Norman, South Wales Echo

A FAMILY from South Wales have revealed extra special memories of renowned science fiction writer Sir Arthur C Clarke, who died this week.

The writer of 2001: A Space Odyssey died at the age of 90 in his adopted home of Sri Lanka.

The author met Julian Whale, 23, and his parents John and Maria, from Llanishen, Cardiff, after the family won a trip to Sri Lanka in a Discovery Channel television competition 12 years ago.

Ever since, John, 57, a customer services manager, kept in touch with Sir Arthur by e-mail, phone and fax.

He said: “He was a bright, wonderful, generous and intelligent man.

“I have never met anyone so animated, full of life and positive.

“His death wasn’t a surprise but this was the passing of someone great.”

Maria, 54, entered and won a competition to visit Sri Lanka to promote a Discovery Channel show 12 years ago.

The prize did not include meeting Sir Arthur, but John tracked down his office telephone number and asked if they could visit.

He agreed, asking the family to first meet his brother Fred, who lives in Taunton, and bring over some paperwork.

In Sri Lanka, Sir Arthur welcomed them into his home, showing them his telescopes and equipment.

John said: “He even invited us for dinner. It was a lovely meal and he never stopped talking – he was so bright and intelligent.

“He talked about the film, 2001: A Space Odyssey and told us how he helped with funding for Star Trek.

“He was one of the most engaging and generous people I’ve ever met.”

Sir Arthur asked the family to keep in touch.

During their visit, Sri Lanka was rife with civil war and tourists began fleeing the country.

At the airport, the Whales were told they could not travel on their scheduled flight home because of the demand.

But when John said they were guests of Sir Arthur, the family were immediately allowed to board the plane with an upgrade to business class.

On their return, John told Sir Arthur about the incident who in turn met with the Sri Lankan president about the matter.

The family received official apologies from the airline and Minister of Tourism.

Julian, who was 11 when he met Sir Arthur, still has fond memories of the trip.

He said: “I wanted to be an astronaut at the time so he told me which subjects I would need to take at school.

“I’ve grown up now and I’m a civil servant so it didn’t quite work!

“But it was really good. He really welcomed us.”

katie.norman@mediawales.co.uk