Thu Sep 11, 2008 — by Martha Thomases

Gregory MacDonald: RIP

Author wrote 'Fletch' and 'Flynn'; fought the Klan

The Associated Press reports the sad news that author Gregory MacDonald died of cancer at his home in Tennessee.  Best known as the author of the Flynn books and Kevin Smith's favorite Fletch books, he wrote 26 books in all.  In addition, he served as president of the Mystery Writers of America, and won two Edgar awards.  He was 71 years old.

With the success of the Fletch books and the ensuing celebrity, MacDonald moved to a farm in Pulanski, Tennessee.  He is best known there for his work against the Ku Klux Klan, where he was a founding member of Giles Countians United.  According to his neighbors, he was a passionate advocate for tolerance:

“Greg Mcdonald was an intricate part of the effort to combat bigotry in the face of visits to Pulaski by the KKK and Aryan Nation,” said Bettye Higgins, another founding member of GCU. “He willingly lent his name, his energy and his enthusiasm as a founding member of Giles Countians United, and he was unwavering in his support.”

He is survived by his wife, Cheryle, and five children.  His last book, a revised edition of Souvenirs of a Blown World, was be published recently by Seven Stories Press.

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