“Sir Arthur’s positive vision of the future excited generations about space exploration, and inspired millions to pursue scientific careers,” Apollo 11 moonwalker Buzz Aldrin said after hearing the news of Clarke’s death.

Arthur C. Clarke, 16 December 1917 – 19 March 2008

An inspiring eulogy:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23697230/

Just the facts, ma’am:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_C._Clarke