Robert (Bob) A. Madle passed on October 8th 2022. He was 102 years old, and a long time science fiction fan. I met Bob just a few years ago, in 2016, when he came to a room party that I hosted at Philcon. We both grew up in the Kensington neighborhood in Philadelphia (more than a few years apart).

He was the last surviving attendee of the first science fiction convention (Philcon 1936).

80th anniversary of the first Philcon in 1936.
Bob Madle, Philcon 2013 GoH
Collected Letters, 1935-1937
Bob Madle was avid contributor to the letters section of science fiction magazines, some of which I’ve gleaned from Weird Tales, Astounding, and Amazing Stories. What I love about these letters is that they become a snapshot of early science fiction fandom.





In the March issue of Weird Tales (v27n03 p.136), Julius Hopkins had petitioned for the creation of a “Weird Tales” fan club, complete with a sample organizational constitution. One of the restrictions was that members be 18 and over. This was Bob’s response (he was 15 at the time):







![Another de Grandin Tale Robert A. Madle of Philadelphia, writes: "Necromancy in Naat was a good story, beautifully illustrated by Virgil Finlay: His fantastic drawings are in fitting wich the magazine-they are weird. Without a shadow of a doubt Virgil Finlay is your best interior artist. De Lay, your re. cent addition, is also good. Robert E. Howard's latest Conan adventure takes first place. I have yet to be displeased by Howard, and I hope he never stops writing for WEIRD TALES. Second place goes to that unusual yarn, The Unborn. This story presents a decidedly weird plot excellently written. It is a great improvement over Ronal Kayser's previous contributions. The other tales were very good, especially Lost Paradise by C. L. Moore. Moore never fails to please me with those beautiful tales of Northwest Smith. Do you realize that there hasn't been a Jules de Grandin story in the last six issues and next month's forecast doesn't boast of one either? You had better rectify the situation and secure one soon." [Cheer up, Mr. Madle, for two new tales of Jules de Grandin will appear soon, with cover designs by Margaret Brundage.-THE EDITOR.]](https://journal.lilly.art/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/1936-10_Weird_Tales_Bob_Madle-638x1024.webp)







In Thrilling Wonder Stories (v09n01 p.116) an article ran about The Science Fiction League that gave a brief account of the proceedings of Philadelphia chapter. This was the organization that was eventually to become The Philadelphia Science Fiction Society.






Robert was the last member of that first fandom/first Philcon. But he remained active in fandom until his passing.
May he rest in peace.
May his legacy endure.