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)

Shocking and sad news. Although I never met him personally, I’ve exchanged a lot of e-mails with him, picked his brain for snuff-making wisdom, as well as other topics such as food, cocktails, and the culinary profession. I was always holding out hope I might someday get an opportunity to meet him. I’ve got a nice collection of his snuffs, which I’ll continue to enjoy, and tonight I’ll select a fine bourbon to raise a toast to his life well lived. People with his creativity and vitality, knowing how short our transit on this planet can be, hope to leave a legacy of artistic gifts, lives improved, even a little, by their presence. And I think he accomplished that and more.

although I dont sign in as much anymore. I still check this page out almost daily.  this is such sad news. prayers for the family to get them through such troubling times. ive exchanged emails with him as well and can tell you the world lost a great man. I will join you in that toast and raise my glass to him too.

Oh man, that sucks. My thoughts go out to his family. Rest in peace.

This is really devastating. I don’t have many words to say. I’m really sorry for his Family and send a lot of love to them.

I am so sorry to hear this. This is devastating news. My most sincere condolences to his family. I will miss him.

I too only knew Daniel through emails but I could tell he was a fine man and a creative genius. I am saddened by his sudden passing and my prayers go out to his family and loved ones. 

Very sad news.

I always enjoyed his contributions here and this news feels like losing a family member.

My deepest sympathies to his family and my prayers for him.

Rest in peace, old bear. May you find the most delicate snuffs where youre t now.

Daniel was a class act and a genius when it came to snuff. He treated me very well these past few years and I always enjoy my communications with him. I pray for his family and loved ones.

A horrendous loss to the snuff community

May he RIP.

RIP Chef

Gone but never forgotten.

Very unexpected and sad news. Only ever shared a few PM’s with Daniel but always enjoyed reading his witty and informative posts. He came across as a true gentleman in every respect. A great loss to the community indeed. RIP Sir.

I am sorry to hear this. Unfortunately, I was never able to order any of his snuff. However, reading this site, it is easy to see what a stellar reputation he has.

Wow, this is heavy. As you said, Daniel is a loss for all mankind.  Prayers and good vibes heading to his family.

@BenZion Thanks and respect to you for helping his family in the aftermath of such a devastating loss.  You’re a good friend.  I’m curious if Chef Daniel kept a recipe book in some fashion.  I would hate for future snuffers to lose the possibility to experience Old Mill snuffs.

I’m at a complete loss for words.  I never met him personally, but we spoke through email and over the phone every few weeks.  This is devastating.

R.I.P Chef, such a great man. Very sad loss.

Rest in peace Chef. Condolences to his family. We will all miss you, have we met or not.

What a shame, he always was top notch the few times I spoke with him, and his knowledge will be missed. RIP Chef.

RIP Chef. Words fail me. I raise a glass of 15yr Ben Nevis

I can’t believe it.  So sad.  We’ll miss you Chef Daniel.  RIP.  Thanks for keeping us informed @BenZion.  I only knew Daniel via emails, but that’s all that was needed to know what kind of guy he is.  He once sent me a tin of his beloved discontinued Redcrest, and offered to do so for free, just because he was a nice guy.  

Today is a sad day for me, my condolence for his family a his friends

Here is his obituary:
http://www.gallatinnews.com/daniel-richard-cms-17703

WTF

I know we should celebrate his life , and I do, but I’m still in shock over his sudden passing. He was our friend. I’m convinced that the comraderie was more important than the snuff to him. At least that’s how I feel about him.

Hi Again, Snuff Friends and Neighbors:

@SHbickel: You are not the only one wondering about Daniel’s snuff recipes. I don’t expect to be able to seriously crawl into his computer or “snuff lab” for a week or more, but you can bet that is one computer folder I will be looking for. On the other hand, he used to say," Whether it’s food or snuff, I don’t know what the hell I’m doing. I just follow the muse until it tastes good." Another favorite quip of his was, “Tobacco or food. Get your hands on the best ingredients possible and try not to f*#@+k them up.” So I don’t really expect to find a meticulous written record, but I know that any archival materials will be of considerable interest the snuff community. I will, of course, share them in accordance with his family’s wishes.

SeanOCDPx: Regarding Daniel’s snuff generosity, I’m sure I’m not the only one who heard him say that, if he wanted money, he wouldn’t have founded Old Mill. He was simply an incurable tinkerer, and absolutely loved the whole weird, tight-knit, underground, obsessive pleasure of snuff and the snuff world (and especially the people who inhabit it). He just really dug being a sort of evangelist for our chosen pleasure substance. Many are aware that the chef was almost as passionate about food, wine, cigars, and spirits, and I’ll bet some of you who inhabit those worlds have been discussing him there as well.

I will be passing along all of the wonderful thoughts and condolences here as they come in. I know that the family will be deeply touched and very grateful.

More information as it becomes available. As they used to say in the newspaper trade, “Watch this space!”

BenZion in Louisville

Such a big loss to this world and the snuff community. He was truely a special man. I only began snuffing a few months ago, but I made at least 10 orders from him and was such a class act. Be will sorely be missed. RIP @chefdan

THIS IS A LOSS TO MANKIND. My condolences to those most close to him,( familly and world).! Will comment again when I have accepted this loss., :(( :-<

Sad news of course, Daniel had at one point lived in San Francisco thus we had another point of commonality to email about 

Very sad news… i will honour him tonight by using his fantastic snuffs.

This is the worst possible news. I only ever tried Bananas Foster, but had planned on sampling Old Mill’s current range next month. Even if the company is no more, I’m glad I got to experience at least one of the fantastic snuffs Chef produced, and am even more pleased to have known his such as I did, for however brief a time.

This is such a devastating news. Such a loss. My sincerest condolences to the family.

The world just got a little more boring. You’ll be missed, Chef.

Very sad news to know, my condolences to the family & friends.

I never exchanged mails with him or tried one of his snuffs, but just to read his posts here, full of anecdotes, jokes, wisdom about snuff or just life brightened my pass through snuffhouse.

For sure he is now in heaven wondering how to make some delicious celestial cloud snuff with Chloe by his side.

He will be missed.

I loved his snuffs and enjoyed his posts and the occasional private conversations I had with him. Sad to hear that he’s gone.

My thoughts and condolences to Chef Daniels family and loved ones. This was very unexpected and after reading the headline yesterday i couldn’t even bring myself to read the thread. I’ve spent the last day thinking about the Chef, his passions, his business, and his legacy. This weekend my nose will be filled with nothing but OM in honor of the man himself. 

Rest in peace dear Sir, you will be remembered!

I’ve gotten many laughs and learned many things reading Daniel’s posts. The snuff community is much richer thanks to the time he was able to spend with us.

My condolences to his family.

RIP Chef

Well Chef  you and  Chloe, The Maine Coon Guard Kitty forever in my memories. I sending positive thought for your family . 

You claimed to be a reprobate. And I am sure you shook a few trees. But you have touched the lives of many and provided pleasure of the sacred leaf to those fortune enough.  

Rest in peace my Snuffhouse brother.

I also just shared this with our Facebook snuff group friends to help spread this tragic news woth other snuffers

@Justin

“The world just got a little more boring.”

What a perfect sentence.  Says it all about Daniel.  He would have had quite a chuckle reading that.

BenZion in Louisville

I’m in shock. Over the past few years he was generous enough to trade with me, as well as send extra samples of his work. I’ll miss his comments and his overall presence here.

786  Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’oon.  My condolences and prayers go out to his family and loved ones.  He was a great asset to this forum, to American snuff culture, and to the world of snuff at large.  I will miss his knowledge and appreciation of fine tobacco as well as his finely-tuned sense of humor.  I had hoped to enjoy his presence in this sublunar realm for some years to come.  This is indeed tragic news.

I can’t put to words the way I feel reading this news this evening. I’ll do my best to let the words flow. Dan was a great man, a great chef and in his own way a class A philanthropist. You made some wonderful products my friend. I look forward to meeting you in Valhalla brother. Until that day, look down on us from the skies and continue blessing those around you. In your honor I will try and revive Gadsden Mill soon and dedicate a blend in your honor. Keep the faith friends.

I have only just become aware of this deeply saddening news.

Daniel and I exchanged frequent emails back in early 2014, when he was kind enough to say that my humble efforts with Sir walter Scott snuffs, was the inspiration for the creative genius of Old Mill.

A very generous and big hearted man full of wisdom and joie de vivre, whom I had hoped to meet one day.

The last time I checked in, Daniel had just posted that there was a family issue that had arisen.  I had no idea that it was his own health that was failing.  My deepest and sincerest condolences to his family and friends.  We only shared a few e-mails but Daniel was a class act and will be missed.  

I’m devastated I have had many conversations and emails with him he is an extraordinary man and I am so sad. A generous and kind man. I will always remember you Daniel. Very very kind man! Love ya’ my brother

This is a shock. I, too, knew him only from here and a few emails. My condolences to his family.

and this is why all you better take care of yourselves!

@bob Agreed

Damn never even got to try any Old mills. From all of the post I have read he was an excellent person and his snuff was a work of art. Got the email list to order but never had the money. Was saving my order for Christmas time. Never questioned that i would have ended so soon. R.I.P. and thanks for all the contributions to the snuff community. You will be missed

Terribly tragic news. A true gentleman and scholar. Seemed to put his heart into everything. I consider The Chefs Old Mill Puro Dominicana toast the greatest snuff ever. A true genius. He pushed the creative envelope of snuff to a masterly level. Speaking with him in emails and on this site was always as enjoyable as a pinch of his shipments. He will be missed. I am saddened. What a loss.

A huge loss for our community!

I was in the middle of a trade with the Chef. Was wondering why he wasn’t returning my emails. Unfortunately now I know, and I am deeply sadden. My thoughts and prayers to the Chef and his family.

A real loss. Condolences to family and friends.

sad news indeed, condolences, Thots & Prayers, * ,  to Family & Friends…

thx for passin’ this on Doc (ben)… am sure was with a heavy heart.

i had welcomed him around my fire here in yogiland and will think of him…

all, enjoy yo Old mill product in good health… RIP Chef, u’ll be missed !!

1sweetbriar

Sad day again missing conversing with Chef Daniel one of A Kind brother man!.. great Snuffs as well… I’m trying to go easy on the Old Mills…

I only knew Daniel through a few trades, but did admire his knowledge and talents as evidenced by his posts and the turnout in this thread. I hope his family finds peace. Thanks Chef, RIP.

RIP

RIP fellow snuffmaker

Any word on what will happen with his creations? Any chance at someone keeping a few recipes going?

I was wondering the same thing also.I thought @BenZion was gonna sell what Chef had left.He said he’ll keep us posted.Hopefully it’s soon.I wanted to try the newest Limoncello blend.I already paid Chef a long while ago before he passed on.Only time will tell. [-O<

I hope so too. I was about to put in a big order with Chef when I heard the news.

He will be missed. I had several great exchanges with him, where I sent him some of my very rare, vintage snuffs, and he reciprocated by sending me a bunch of his OM snuffs. He was a few years younger than me, and we discussed our memories of snuff in the 1960s and 1970s. A true gentleman, one of the best writers on all things snuff, and life related. I am glad to say he was my friend, even though we only knew one another through emails and this site. I wish him peace in the great beyond.

I have been absent for sometime so ignorance, in this case was certainly bliss. I am sadden by the news that a good man was lost to this world, but am hopeful that in the next there will be plenty of Dreamcatcher. My thoughts and prayers to Chefs family!

I’ve not been on the board for a while, either. Just horrible news. Exchanged many email with him. Just this morning was dipping into some of the Dream Cather he swapped me for one of my custom snuff tubes. RIP.

After some years to log in snuffhouse, thats a very stressful and sad news, still owe him some basma leafs, last time we speak he was send me chattanooga chew. What a wonderful man, truly unstinting full on pure feelings a true Artist soul. My respect and my love to his family !

Nikolaos

Your friend from Greece

Y’know I was away for quite awhile and when I came back I saw this thread and was just dumbfounded. I have typed, deleted and retyped so many things since I started this post. It’s like being back in the Navy and being part of a tight-knit crew and losing a senior shipmate. Nothing really fills that billet. I never acquired any OM snuff due to financial reasons and now I’m seriously regretting that. But what I’m really regretting is taking such a long break and missing the chance to have a few more conversations with such an amazing shipmate. Fair winds and following seas Chef Daniel Richard, may you find the rest among our honored dead that you surely deserve.

Been a long time away from the House to come back on and see the sad news.  My prayers go out to his family.

Oh crap. I have been gone a long time and just today found out about the Snuffworlds incredible loss. There is no way to adequately state what a loss it is!!! Thankfully I was able to have good interaction with him. traded dozens of cigars, swapped lies and he created a literal small wooden keg of wonderful custom snuff he named ‘Taylor’s Pride’. I will cherish it even more now. I gave him 2 tumblers that he used in making his magic snuffs. Am so glad to have been able to play a small role (I get it, very small role). So, to celebrate his gift to our world, a wee dram of Talisker Storm, a wonderful J Pepin Garcia cigar and a snoot of Taylor’s pride followed by one of Calypso!!! Goodbye good Chef - and may the memory of your magic live on!!!

@stogie - didn’t know that you were the one who set him on to using tumblers. I know he got frustrated using electric flour mills and complained about their “jet engine” sound. This is an important detail to our collective snuffer memories of Daniel Richard.

@stogie what were the tumblers exactly? Curious what he used.

@CaptShipwreck - I may be able to explain, as I’ve been using the tumblers too for the past few years. 

You can mill tobacco to an extreme degree of fineness using a conventional rock tumbler and a selection of different size stainless steel ball bearings. Lortone is a popular tumbler brand used for tobacco (I think Chef used these), and half-inch and quarter-inch ball-bearings can be gotten on Amazon. 

First you need the tobacco to be very dry. Toast it in a Crock Pot slow cooker (as it dries keep breaking it up and stirring it). When the aroma develops a sweet toasty character (rather than the grassiness of raw tobacco), throw a few scoops into the tumbler, along with few pinches sodium carbonate, and a mix of bearings, not to exceed 5 pounds or so. Let it run for several hours, then sieve it out with a fine mesh dry sieve. Any larger chunks or stems go back in the tumbler until they are properly pulverized. Don’t add scents or toppings of any kind at the tumbler stage, or your tumbler will be permanently scented. Just tobacco and sodium carbonate (if you want, a pinch of salt as well). You can rehydrate after tumbling if you want a moister snuff.

Sorry for the delay @CaptShipwreck but I get diverted at times. as @cpmcdill stated, yes, was a large dual drum rock tumbler - easy to forget specifics, but I believe was a dual drum Lortone. He told me he never had any issues with it. Varied between stainless steel and ceramic bearings. Ad you may know, he was always experimenting, not only in recipes but also techniques for sieving, packaging and of course flavoring. A Renaissance man of snuff…

Finally found suitable vessels for tobacco to be refined into powder to obtain a good consistency of my homegrown tobacco into snuff. Homemade mill with 5/16 stainless steel variety shapes should do the job. Micro sieves for flower is what I’m still needing to source.