Well, he lived to a grand old age. 90 years old is nothing to sneeze at. I think I was ten the first time I saw 2001: A Space Odyssey. It was my Dad’s favorite movie at the time, so we rented it quite a few times. HAL’s voice still creeps me out. It is so emblematically Kubrik as well. So clean.
I read the book at 12, and the sequel, which I didn’t like quite as much. But he really gave my 12 year old brain a lot of heavy concepts to chew on. I also really enjoyed “Arthur C. Clarke’s Mysterious World,” as I’m a big fan of paranormal research, be it ghosts, cryptozoology or UFOs.
There really isn’t a lot here to say, that probably isn’t being said a million times over all over the place. Raise a glass on high to one of the greats.
Geek Girls Rule!!! 
I read 2061 at my dad’s house when I was 11 or so, and grew up watching 2001 and 2010. I loved reading his take on space exploration, going to the moon, and the possibility of life on other planets – and all scientifically possible! None of the cheesy sci-fi “space adventure” tripe that I’m seeing so often these days.
I totally agree – a glass should be raised. May his dreams of man going to the stars never die.
I was said to see him go, as well. He was always something of a hero for me. He had the mind of an engineer but applied himself to writing. Very nice model to follow.
I hear that they may be making a movie out of “Rendezvous with Rama” … that would be very interesting!