Ray Bradbury passed away peacefully in his sleep last night at the age of 91.

Born August 22, 1920, he was the most prolific writer of the 20th and 21st century writing in every genre and every format taking us to worlds that have been and that were yet to come.

In the 19th Century, it was Herman Melville who was the most important writer of his time. Mark Twain followed him from the 19th to 20th Century. Now, Ray Bradbury has that title from the 20th to 21st century.

Ironically, it was Ray who wrote the screenplay for Moby Dick which was written by Melville influenced by reading Mark Twain’s works as a child inspiring him to write and create his own works.

Full circle.

He was this writer’s personal friend, mentor and father figure for 35 years. The world will miss him.

Myself and Ray Bradbury, 2011