Oliver Saari

(March 22, 1918 – January 25, 2000)

Oliver E. “Ollie” Saari was a Finland-born, Midwestern fan and SF writer of the 1930s-1940s. He published in most of the early prozines, including Astounding.

He was one of the founders (and first Director) of the Minneapolis SFL in 1936 and was later one of the leaders of the Minneapolis Fantasy Society. His automobile was named the Sfnash.

While living in Flint, Michigan (he worked for General Motors), he was part of the group who hung out at the Slan Shack. He attended several SF conventions in the 1940s and ’50s (including the 1943 and ’44 Michiconferences, Centracon and Midwestcon, and Worldcons). He was a member of FAPA and of the would-be shadowy Order of Dagon.

He was on the concom of Chicon II.

In mundane life, he was a mechanical engineer who designed some important gears.

Links:

• Bibliography at ISFDB.
• “A Quick Nod to Oliver Saari, Godfather of Spiroid.”
• Photo, center, at St. Louiscon, 1969, with Bob Madle, left, and Jim Young.

Fanzines and Apazines:

• STF Comment [1944] (for FAPA)
• So Saari [1944] (for FAPA)

Awards, Honors and GoHships:

• 2011 -- First Fandom Hall of Fame (Posthumous)

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Person

1918—2000

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