Dick Francis Dies at Age 89

Dick Francis, the former champion jockey who found fame and fortune as the author of scores of horse racing novels, died at his Caribbean home in Grand Cayman, according to a statement released by his publicist. He was 89 years old. According to the Telegraph obit, a small funeral is planned in Grand Cayman with a memorial service to follow in London at a later point. Francis was previously deceased by Mary, his wife of 53 years (and regular collaborator on his books) in 2000, and is survived by his sons Merrick and Felix, the latter whom was credited on Francis's novels these last few years, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

"My brother, Merrick, and I are, of course devastated by the loss of our father, but we rejoice in having been the sons of such an extraordinary man," Felix Francis said to the Telegraph. "We share in the joy that he brought to so many over such a long life. It is an honour for me to be able to continue his remarkable legacy through the new novels.”

There is one more Francis novel left to publish: Putnam will release the hardcover edition of CROSSFIRE on August 24 with the paperback of EVEN MONEY due out three weeks earlier, on August 3.

Obits and tributes are also in from:

• the BBC
• Longer Telegraph obit
• RTE
• The Daily Mail
• Sunday Times
• AFP
• Janet Reid
• Examiner (Marie Burton)
• Ireland.com
• CBC
• The Guardian
• Longer Guardian tribute
• Martin Edwards
• Jenny Davidson
• Janet Rudolph
• NQ-Online.de
• Independent on Sunday
• AP
• National Post
• Racing Post
• The Mirror
• Nicholas Clee
• Simon Barnes
• Alan Lee
• Thoroughbred Times
• Marilyn Stasio (NYT)
• Sue Montgomery
• Bill Crider
• Rhonda Lane

Comments

[David Cranmer]

I have read many, many of his books. A wonderful body of work. RIP.

[Marie Burton]

Examiner Obit: http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-20345-Dallas-Literature-Examiner~y2010m2d14-Dick-Francis-author-dies-at-age-89

[I.J.Parker]

I also am a fan, though I found him late. Dick Francis is among the handful of mystery writers who taught me something about the craft. I'm so sorry he's gone and so grateful for his gifts.

[Pepper Smith]

I'm a long-time fan. He had an enormous influence on the choices I made as a writer. I'm glad that we have one more novel to look forward to.

[Charles Finch]

Devastated. One of my very favorite handful of authors - in any genre. Try Banker for an underrated classic of his.

[Maroulla Savage]

Great writer, have read many of his books. He was favorite of the Queen Mother, both as a jockey and writer. Rest in Peace

[Kat Kan]

I've been a reader and fan since my high school days; a new Dick Francis novel was something I looked forward to every year for four decades. He's left us with a marvelous body of work that deserves re-reading.