1/2/2005 – This morning at 4:45am pst, Frank Kelly Freas passed away in his sleep. I got the word from Laura yesterday that things were not looking well for him. So, keep him and Laura and his family in your thoughts, all. Kelly was like my dad in science fiction and both Laura and Kelly are extended family to me.
– Bob Eggleton – Providence, Rhode Island
I first knew of Kelly’s art in the pages of MAD, in issues discovered in my dad’s office when I was just a kid. I then saw his science fiction and fantasy art, and shortly after embarking on that kind of art myself, met the man and learned much from him. I still need to work on his most important lesson, people are nothing more than soft machines. Faces and figures seemed to come to him so easily, whether they be comical mischief-makers in MAD or hard-bitten spacehounds. Kelly was a remarkable man and has left us an equally remarkable body of work to remember him by.
– Rick Sternbach FIAAA – Valley Village, California
Oh my. This morning I find myself at something of a loss for words. Our sympathies go out to Laura and her family that they may find peace and comfort in this difficult time. Kelly is a giant who will be missed by a great many but he will never really leave us. He lives in our memories and hearts and through his art. Would that we all could do in our lives a tenth of that which he has accomplished.
– B.E. Johnson FIAAA – Carmel Valley, California
