posted 05-31-2010 10:19 AM               

Rex was a life long follower of human spaceflight and a world authority on the cosmonaut team. Rex had researched and discovered more about the Russian cosmonauts than some of them knew themselves, and I know that there are countless readers of this site that will have fond memories of his personality, humour, determination and work and his unselfish support of fellow researchers. The space community is a much sadder place without him and his like will not be seen again.

On a personal note, I have known Rex since 1980 in a friendship which can only be described 'as close as any family member.' To me, he was almost an older brother with whom I have shared many happy times with Lynn, fellow BIS members and Bert Vis, especially during a memorable visit to the Cosmonaut Training Centre in 2003 and in cooperative writing ventures for the BIS, Springer-Praxis as well as through Astro Info Service across many years.

This sad loss comes six months after the loss of Neville Kidger, another pioneering Soviet/Russian space sleuth. Rex, a former President of the British Interplanetary Society was a driving force in moving the BIS forward in recent years and was the regular chairman of the annual Soviet Technical Forum and in organising the appearance of many cosmonauts at the Autographica shows of the past 10 years.

Professionally, his work in education support initially in London, but more recently across the country, earned him a well deserved MBE in 2003 for which he remained very humbled, but very proud.

posted 05-31-2010 11:46 AM               

I first learned of Rex through his writings nearly two decades before we had the opportunity to meet in-person but by then it felt like I was greeting an old friend. I was extremely grateful for his expert guidance, correspondence and contributions to collectSPACE over the years.

posted 05-31-2010 11:56 AM               

I began corresponding with Rex in 1982... for the next twenty years I was the pleased recipient of parcels filled with clippings or "bits" of space arcana from a variety of publications and sources.... all topped with a note or even long letter in Rex's distinctive hand.

As the internet opened up other research venues, our trans-Atlantic postal exchanges dwindled, but we still stayed in touch. I had the great pleasure of finally meeting Rex (and Lynn) in London in April 2007... Rex treated my family and me to a memorable tour of the Southwark farmer's market and environs.

posted 05-31-2010 12:15 PM               

I had the pleasure to meet him on a regular basis at shows and book signings and he helped bridge the gap in space history by bring the Russian program into the main. He also was greatly to be praised for bring the Cosmonauts to the shows in the UK.

posted 05-31-2010 12:23 PM               

His enthusiasm for life was an inspiration and the world is a far poorer place for his passing.

posted 05-31-2010 12:30 PM               

It was through reading his writings in Spaceflight back in the early 80's that I became interested in Soviet manned spaceflight and soon started attending the BIS forums which he became synonymous with. Through this we became friends and I feel honoured to have travelled with him and Bert Vis to Star city on several occasions, to enjoy its rich history and fill in many gaps of missing space history. We must have met most of the flown and unflown cosmonauts alive. Many fond memories of those times shared.

Rex's legacy is the books and writings. He also loved to collect the space books, and signed photos and supported his writings with an amazing private library. He also had impeccable contacts and connections. I don't know where he found the time for it all with his work and private life. Our thoughts are with Lynn who supported him and his hobby tirelessly.

posted 05-31-2010 12:48 PM               

Spaceflight magazine, the BIS and the many people he helped to educate are richer for having had his guidance.

posted 05-31-2010 01:09 PM               

He was the "go to guy" for the Cosmonauts. There will be a great many collectors who met Rex firstly at the Autographica shows.... the work he did in getting the Cosmonauts over to attend the shows is something I will forever be thankful for.

posted 05-31-2010 03:17 PM               

Besides being extremely knowledgeable about the then Soviet and later Russian Space Program, Rex was very dedicated to educating the inner city children of London which earned him the MBE award (The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) from the Queen. He sent me photos of him receiving the medal from Prince Charles. You could see the deep honor in his eyes.

Rex was SO SO GOOD to my son and me for so long! He told me of his illness at that time my son Craig had cancer too. We exchanged reports about him and Craig. Then when I had my heart attack Rex and Lynn couldn't do enough. Lynn too is a WONDERFUL lady!!

One thing, Rex and Lynn never forgot my birthday or Christmas. They always sent the most beautiful and unusual cards from the Queens Collection of Fine Art.

Rex made this world a better place to live!! We really NEED MORE Rex Halls!