John M. Porter

We are deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the sudden death of our colleague Dr. John Porter on Tuesday, June 7. Details are still quite sketchy, but we refer you to an announcement posted by his institution at http://www.astro.livjm.ac.uk/.

John was a frequent contributor to the Be Star Newsletter and wrote an excellent invited review article entitled "The Structure and Continuum Emission of Viscous Discs" (Be star Newsletter, Issue No. 36, p. 6, 2003). He is well-known for an important contemporary review article on Classical Be Stars, recently written with Thomas Rivinius (PASP, 115, 1153, 2003), that has already been frequently cited. John was elected to the Scientific Organizing Committee for the Working Group on Active B Stars in August 2000 for a 6-year term that ends with the conclusion of the IAU GA in Prague. It has been a pleasure to correspond with John and we will truly miss the e-mails from "John Porter!".

We would like to compile a list of condolences and statements that convey just how well-respected and liked John was in the active star community to present to his family. Please send us your input at the familiar benews@mucen.usc.edu within the next week and we will forward it to a colleague of John's at Liverpool John Moores University and also post it on our website.

Gerrie Peters
David McDavid
Doug Gies