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The passing of a mentor: Chester D. Cuthbert
It is with heavy heart that I write these words. I regret to inform the Canadian book collectors and publishing community that Chester D. Cuthbert has passed on. He died today, March 20, 2009, at the age of 97.
Chester was my mentor. He was the librarian and archivist of the Winnipeg Science Fiction Society. He had the largest private collection of science fiction and fantasy materials in Western Canada (and possibly all of Canada). He was a member of First Fandom, the very early fans of science fiction, many of whom later became writers of note. Chester was a friend of Forrest Ackerman, noted horror fan and media personality, who passed away just a few months ago.
A few years ago, with failing health and a desire to make his vast collection available to others, he donated the entire thing to the University of Alberta. His philanthropy made teh CBC news. The link is: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/edmonton/story/2007/10/04/sci-fi-collection.html
I met Chester in the mid-1970s, when I was following up leads on UFO-related science fiction books and magazines. At that time, the Winnipeg Science Fiction Society was meeting in his living room on Saturday afternoons. Many of the old group (or gang) have gone on to become literary professions, archivists, librarians and writers, but all are collectors.
I spent many afternoons talking with Chester, listening to him talk about books, writing and science fiction. He was an expert on Arkham House, on Lovecraft, on Canadian literature, on sf and fantasy… and books. Books of all kinds, books piled in every room, wall to wall and floor to ceiling in his basement, to the point where fire marshals refused to even bother citing regulations to him.
Chester, we were honoured to know you. Decadent Winnipeg Fandom is less festive with your passing.
About the author
Chris Rutkowski is a science writer with degrees in astronomy and education. Since the mid-1970s, he has been devoting much of his time to investigating and studying reports of UFOs, writing about case investigations and offering his insights into the broad UFO phenomenon
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4 comments for “The passing of a mentor: Chester D. Cuthbert”
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Thanks for this, Chris. Indeed those of us in DWF are less festive today, but also consider how blessed we remain to this day because of how generous Chester was to all of us with his friendship, mentoring, hospitality and guidance. All of us are better because we knew him for so long.
-Randy
I met Chester many years ago, before he donated his amazing collection. He took me and my then-husband down to his basement and showed us his racks upon racks of books.
I found Chester a funny and interesting man. I have a great appreciation for his philanthropy and in particular for his enthusiasm. I am pleased that he lived long enough to find a good home for his beloved collection.
Blessed be, Chester.
Thank you Chris for this tribute to our father. He will be fondly remembered by many and greatly missed.
[...] Chester in its upcoming issue. Chris Rutkowski, a friend and fellow collector from Winnipeg, wrote a fitting tribute to Chester following his passing. Chester was a friend, a mentor, a guide, an inspiration. During his last [...]