John Gardner Obituary Author of 007 James Bond
John Gardner the thriller writer and the author who continued the James Bond book franchise has sadly passed away at the age of 80.
John Gardner Obituary
A thriller writer for many years he enjoyed considerable popularity amongst readers, especially for the Boysie Oakes series and his Sherlockian pastiches.
He came to even greater public attention when he was asked to write a series of officially endorsed James Bond novels.
These began in 1981 with Licence Renewed and continued until 1996 with Cold
It was around this time John Gardner fell ill with cancer. He was living in the United States at the time so did not have access to the free medical care he would have received if living in England. The resultant costs were a huge burden.
He moved back to the UK eventually which led to him reigniting a friendship with a former girlfriend from his university days.
He collapsed at his home on Friday 3rd August 2007 and died of a suspected heart attack
He will be fondly remembered by readers and collectors of classic English style thrillers and of course the legion of James Bond fans worldwide.
Rosie Powell said,
August 6, 2007 @ 5:35 pm
I was sorry to hear of Gardner’s death. I had read all of his Bond novels published in the 1980s and became a fan of a few of them. I hope that he is resting in peace.
Rod said,
August 6, 2007 @ 5:41 pm
Hi Rosie
thanks for the kind words. I too have read many of his books and have a lot of them in my collection.
He wrote thrillers in a classic 60s and 70s style which has now gone in favour of the standard Americanized modern style.
Regards
Rod
Alexis Walmsley said,
August 9, 2007 @ 1:27 pm
Thanks from myself, my brother and my sister for your kind words about my father - we’ve been amazed at the huge response including the obituaries in the press. Dad actually died whilst out doing one of the things he loved best - shopping! He collapsed and called me on his mobile, but then shortly afterwards lost consciousness. It was mercifully swift - he would not have appreciated being left incapacitated in any way. He had just completed his 3rd Moriarty book - long awaited after a gap of more than 20 years and at 80 had been working harder than ever - he was exhausted but positive about the work he had just completed. Because of it being a holiday period and family commitments his funeral will be in early September. He will be buried with our mother. Thank you to everyone. Alexis Walmsley
Rod said,
August 9, 2007 @ 1:45 pm
Dear Alexis
thank you for commenting and our thoughts go out to you all at this time.
Your father left a great legacy and many of his first editions, including signed copies, make up part of my own personal book collection.
I shall certainly buy the 3rd Moriarty novel as I have the first 2 in my collection and enjoyed them greatly.
Regards to you and your family at this sad time
All the best
Rod
Al Navis said,
August 23, 2007 @ 8:42 pm
To Alexis:
I was saddened to hear of your father’s passing today. Yesterday I read about fellow British mystery author Magdalene Nabb who died last weekend in Italy after a stroke.
I remember John and Margaret when they travelled up to Toronto in 1992 to attend my Bouchercon (The World Mystery Convention) and met up wil his old school friend, and my bookselling colleague, John Lord.
As chairman, I didn’t have much time to spend in the dealer’s room, but my staff told me that John sat at our booth and signed all our stock, as well as some others, for 45 minutes! All the time, chatting with fans, collectors and readers and just generally having himself a great time.
I remember all too clearly when I hear of Margaret’s passing and wrote to your Dad and received a very nice reply. I was also happy that he had renewed his friendship with Patricia Mountford and that he was back to writing again.
Please pass along my condolences to your brother and sister.
Al Navis
Al Navis, A.B.A.C., I.L.A.B.,
ALMARK & CO. - Booksellers,
James M Pickard said,
August 24, 2007 @ 10:20 am
Dear Alexis,
I was so sorry to learn of your father’s sad passing. I had got to know him pretty well over the last few years when he was kind enough to sign a large number of books for me and a colleague. He always made time for us and was an excellent host sharing with us his memories and discussing mutual friends. I was particularly happy that he was able to sell to me some of the wonderful publicity posters that Cape produced in the 1980’s to advertise his James Bond books. These now take pride of place on my wall and are a key part of my collection.
Please pass on my condolences to the rest of your family and to Patricia.
With my best wishes
James M Pickard (Rare Books)
21 Grenfell Road, Leicester, LE2 2PA
Mike Tovey said,
September 11, 2007 @ 9:52 pm
Alexis and family
I and my wife were lucky enough to meet him on 17th March of this year, he was an excellent host to us and signed lots of my collection, he was busy on the 3rd Moriarty book at the time and we really appreciated the time he spent with us.
I was away on holiday when John passed away and was shocked to learn of his death on our return.
Please pass on my condolences to the rest of your family and to Patricia.
Mike & Jill Tovey
42 Blackthorn Close
Bournville
B30 1SB
UK
Jeff Busby said,
September 18, 2007 @ 9:38 pm
Dear Alexis,
My tears for you, Simon, and Rebecca. I had NO idea Gardini had died on the 3rd of last month. When I had the message on my cell Sunday I was in the middle of Montana and just broke down. I am still recovering. Yes, you know about our long professional relationship and the many funny stories. Vicki is shattered too — I hadn’t contacted John simply because I knew he was at work on the last of the Moriarty trilogy and we both understood there were no disturbances as the writing fleshed out. His last letter asked if I wanted to be the “thug” in the latest. I’d drafted a reply “Thugee I be” then didn’t send. Long stories, but I was horrified after your call to my office, thinking “what if.” Then, John’s # didn’t answer, and yours came through totally mucked up (John dit that a lot, transposing digits … so do I.) The numbers were not in the UK … then not John’s # nor yours. I am quite sure the BT voice mail service had a very puzzled listener. Thank you so much for persevering — I thought I’d never hear again. It is a terrible loss for such an old friend. As Gardini said in an published interview, I don’t suffer fools gladly. He was no fool, but a wonderful man, your Dad. Your Mum too! Alexis, I will give a call and we can speak. Thank you so very much. As ever, Buzbeeni.
Alexis Walmsley said,
September 27, 2007 @ 6:24 pm
Thank you to everyone who has posted condolences - I haven’t had chance to visit this site since August and if I had done, I’d have seen these lovely notes from people for whom Dad clearly meant a lot. I am so sorry if I’ve not been able to contact you all individually - although I have now spoken to Mike and Jeff - as you can imagine, there has been and still is a huge amount to do following JG’s death and combining that with my own full time work and my family commitments has been challenging. I will be in touch with everyone who knew Dad in due course - so please be patient with me.
I know my brother joins me in thanking you for such thoughtful notes.
Alexis
Jason Cooper said,
May 3, 2008 @ 4:21 pm
Alexis,
I was very sad and disheartened to hear of your father passing. I met John through Simon in Virginia. Simon and I played music here in Charlottesville for a time. I had no idea who his father was until I picked up Simon one afternoon and was lucky enough to make his acquaintance. I had been reading his novels since I was ten years old,my father being a fan as well. How wonderful it was to meet him. He soon thereafter asked me to house-sit while he returned to England, of course I accepted. I had given up on writing at this point in my life. John changed that and it helped change my life. John asked me what I truly thought of Bond one afternoon and I said although I was a true fan not just of Bond but of the spy genre, I had always found dear james to be a bit of a pompous ass. He had a great smile and I do think he agreed with me although he never said for sure.
Simon was a good friend, always willing to lend a hand, an incredible artist and amazing drummer, still one of the best I worked with. I tried to help your brother with his dependencies as I was helped with mine. There were good days and bad days. I would love to catch up with him. Please pass on my information to him, or email me with his mailing address. This was the only way I figured out to get in touch with you. I do hope you still check this site from time to time. I was very blessed to have known John personally. I started a novel when I heard of your fathers passing, the antagonists middle initial is E for Edmond. My email is zenstring@aol.com. I send my prayers, peace and much love your way. Till then Jason
Ralph Hendler said,
October 19, 2008 @ 8:07 am
Am deeply upset at the passing away of my dear friend.Will always be remembered.
Condolences to the family.