It is with great sadness that I must announce the death of the publisher and co-founder of Empire Burlesque, Richard Kastelein.
Rich passed away last Friday at the age of 53. I saw the news this morning in a brief on-line notice from his family. If there is any information forthcoming about memorials and remembrances, I will pass it on.
Rich was one of few people who could with real justice be described as a force of nature: a man of immense talent, ranging over many fields, with a passion for life at every level that inspired and invigorated all who knew him. He played a very important role in my life, and I feel the loss of my friend most keenly.
I might write more of Rich’s remarkable life at some point in the future; I don’t have the heart to do it at the moment.
Goodbye, my friend. Sail far, sail free.