TV, films, books

Bryce Courtenay dies aged 79

Friday, November 23, 2012
Bryce Courtenay dies aged 79
We love him so much. I’m, the luckiest girl in the world to be married to him and I know he will love in our hearts forever.
 
Australian best-selling author Bryce Courtenay has died at his Canberra home aged 79.

The father of three was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away yesterday (Thursday), following a short battle with stomach cancer.

Christine Courtenay has thanked her husband’s many fans for their support and made a request for privacy.

"We would like to thank all of Bryce's family and friends and his fans around the world for their love and support as he wrote the final chapter of his extraordinary life," Christine said.

"May we make the request for privacy as we cherish his memory."

In a recent A Current Affair interview, done after his diagnosis, Bryce revealed he was “ready to die”, saying he had lived a “very full and extraordinary life”.

Christine also spoke in the interview about her love and admiration for her husband.

“It [the diagnosis] was devastating but we feel immense gratitude for the love that we have from our family and friends and Bryce’s wonderful readers,” she said.

“We love him so much. I’m the luckiest girl in the world to be married to him and I know he will live in our hearts forever.”

Courtenay, who was originally from South Africa and immigrated to Australia in the 1950s, wrote a number of best-sellers including The Power of One which was made into a film starring Morgan Freeman. This book alone sold more than 8 million copies around the world.

Leave your tributes to Bryce and his family below.



Related video: Bryce Courtenay 'ready to die'.

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User comments
I read "April Fools Day" and was stunned. My eyes were red, my nose was red. I couldn't understand how this man was able to capture his family's story so beautifully on paper. It is still an absolute stand-out book for me. As a fantastic author he will be remembered by us, the public. As a father, husband and friend he will live in the hearts of those who truly knew him. Thank you for letting us into your heart for just a little while.
I met you on several occasions and I found you to be one of the nicest gentlemen that I have ever met. You have made so much accomplishments, from the original Louey the Fly drawing on the back of a napkin to all of you novels that you have written. My sincere condolances to your wife and family at this sad time.
12 years ago I picked up "The Power of One" and instantly became obsessed with Bryce's writing style. I was only 11 at the time but I was well above my years in literacy. As I grew older each book I read held a larger place in my heart than any others. I read everything I could also on this talented author whom I thought was way more awesome because he had a similar name to me Reading Bryce Courtenay's books not only nurtured but increase my thirst for reading. Each word held me captivated and there were many 2am bed times because of this. Thank you Mr. Courtenay for gifting not just me but the world with the amazing words you wrote. Forever in my heart
My deepest sympathy to the Courtenay family, friends and everyone else who feels the deep loss from the death of Bryce Courtenay. My Grandmother has a large collection of Bryce's books and told me earlier that she wont' be getting to read any new Bryce Courtenay books. It is a very sad loss, but as Bryce said he was ready and had a long and fulfilling life, although that still doesn't ease the burden of losing a loved one. May his writings and the memory of his life live on forever! R.I.P Bryce Courtenay
My very sincerest wishes go out to the Courtney Family. He was a brilliant man and an awesome writer. I just recieved my copy of Jack of Diamonds in the mail yesterday. I will be treasuring this one a little more than the others as its the last one I'm ever going to read. He will live on in or memeories so never forgotten.
Bryce Courtenay! What a legendary man! You made us all think about and be challenged to be more understanding and accepting of others. Thank-you for many years of wonderful books that we have laughed and cried through!!! What will my husband buy me for Christmas next year with no new Courtenay books. They will be missed!!! Reunited with Damon! Gods Blessings and Prayers for your family.
I never failed to be totally inspired by this wonderful man. Brilliant writer and even greater humanitarian. He is one of those people the of rest aspire to be. There are so many people he touched directly and indirectly. Rest in peace and know your memory will live on in your books and your deeds.
Brilliant author and, I'm sure, a wonderful man. Will be sadly missed.
So sad to lose such a talented man. He gave so much in his writings and was himself a survivor. He will be sadly missed Much sympathy o his family & friends
My heartfelt condolences to the Courtenay. Today the literary world has suffered a great loss. Bryce wrote the most wonderful books, Jessica being one of my absolute favourites. Thank you Bryce.

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