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Science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke was an inspirational but approachable man who was quick to talk about his books, according to a New Zealander who met him.
Mr Clarke, the author of more than 100 books including 2001: A Space Odyssey, died today at the age of 90.
Peter Escher, who owns digital television company Satlink, visited Mr Clarke his adopted home of Sri Lanka in June of 2001.
Mr Escher said Mr Clarke inspired him in his work and the two spoke of satellites and UFOs.
"He was quiet but he was really quick to start talking about his books, especially 2001: A Space Odyssey," Mr Escher said.
He said Mr Clarke related a story of how when he was with 2001 film director Stanley Kubrick, the pair saw a mysterious light fly through the sky and later found out it was a Sputnik satellite.
"He started talking away about that and my armpits were sweating. I was just completely off my nut, it was amazing," Mr Escher said.
He said Mr Clarke was approachable and a mean table tennis player who was fond of dogs.
"In his books he inter-twined science and technology in with a science-fiction type story. He was very concerned about the kids in Sri Lanka," Mr Escher said.
He said he asked Mr Clarke why he didn't patent the idea of satellites that featured strongly in Mr Clarke's fictional writing on geo-stations.
"He said: patenting an idea is just a licence to be sued," Mr Escher said.
The two kept in touch through writing letters after the meeting.
Mr Escher said he was having a glass of chardonnay in memory of the great sci-fi writer.
