Hello Brothers and Sisters:
It is my sad duty to inform everyone in the snuff community that Daniel Richard, respected chef, culinary expert, brilliant tobacco alchemist, and internationally recognized and lauded creator of Old Mill Artisan Snuff, passed away last Sunday night following a heart attack at his home near Nashville, TN, USA.
Not only was Daniel a lifelong friend of fifty years to me personally, he was obviously an important voice and creator in the world of nasal snuff. He was also the holder of the most encyclopedic knowledge of all things tobacco whom I’ve ever met. I know that he has MANY friends here on Snuffhouse.com, and I was asked by his family to pass this news along to everyone.
This is obviously a major loss to the snuff world, as well as to, frankly, the human family generally. We have lost a true creative mastermind, a good man, and a fine husband, father, brother, and friend.
Daniel’s family will hold a small private memorial followed by cremation. I will attempt to field questions about the status of Old Mill, the disposition of pending orders, pending decisions about his remaining snuff inventory, and so on. Understandably, the family is not yet ready to delve into the snuff part of things at this moment, but I will post information about Old Mill as it becomes available to me. I’ll be monitoring this site daily and providing all relevant information as it emerges. I’ll do my best to respond to inquiries from any Snuffhouse.com members. This may take some time to sort out, but I know that Daniel would be able to rest easy knowing that all of you will be patient and understanding about the situation as we all move forward.
For now, I’m sure the chef’s family would simply appreciate your positive thoughts and good vibes as they deal with this devastating loss.
With Best Regards,
Dr. Bob Van Sickel (Louisville, KY, USA) (BenZion to Snuffhouse.com members)