I was a big fan (had been since I first saw the images for Alien as an 11 year old in the UK), however my wife (who is Swiss and knew his son, apparently) is less of a fan of him as a person. I'll spare the details (since, in the interest of fairness I cannot remember the whole story accurately and would not want to mis-represent it in this forum) but yes.. like most people he had his less than perfect moments.

But this should come as no surprise to anyone who's lived a bit. One can be well respected for ones art, but be less respected (in some quarters) for how one acts.

Regardless, I am saddened by the news. It is a great loss IMO.