Life long science fiction fan, Mark Schulzinger passed away from an extremely fast working cancer in Phoenix, AZ on February 9, 2000. He had been quietly battling cancer for over a year. His funeral was on Friday, February 11.

Mark Schulzinger at Archon in 1995

First Fandom’s John Coker says of Mark, "He accomplished a number of important things during his tenure as Secretary/Treasurer of First Fandom. He personally ensured that the organization's newsletter was published on a regular basis. He organized yearly regional First Fandom reunions, where sufficient time was made available for presentation of First Fandom's Lifetime Achievement Award. He helped to establish several new annual awards, including in 1994 the First Fandom Posthumous Hall of Fame Award, and in 1998, the Sam Moskowitz Award (given for outstanding achievement in the field of Science Fiction Collecting)."

In 1998, Mark provided the following regarding his involvement in science fiction, "I was reading STF as soon as I learned to read. My dad, who was a fan since Hugo Gernsback started Amazing Stories, had a subscription to Astounding Science Fiction, and there were copies of magazines all over the house."

"Early friends in fandom included the Cincinnati Fantasy Group (Don Ford, Lou Tabakow, Ray Beam, Charlie Tanner, Dale Tarr, and a host of camp followers). I bought Startling Stories, and the first convention I attended was Chicon II. Favorite authors and artists include Doc Smith, Will F. Jenkins, Stanley Weinbaum, Hubert Rogers, and Edd Cartier. Favorite stories and films include The Lensman series, A Martian Odyssey, A Spectre is Haunting Texas, Outland. Space travel and nuclear power are some of the Science Fiction marvels that I have seen developed in my lifetime. The sense of wonder is a feeling that is experienced when one is presented with something which boggles the mind with its immensity or conception."

Mr. Schulzinger published at least one short story, "Sigh," in Analog in 1986. He was 61.

Posted February-14-2000

Photo copyright by John L. Coker, III. Used with permission.