I just received this email from the folks at The Button Box, the company Rich started in Amherst, Massachusetts, over 20 years ago that makes and sells the Morse Concertinas he designed.

"As many of you know, 14 years ago Rich Morse was diagnosed with melanoma. In the years that he successfully avoided the progression of the disease, he accomplished many of the things he wanted. Sadly, the melanoma recently returned and spread rapidly; treatments couldn't keep up, and last night, Rich passed away. The end was quiet and peaceful, for which we are all grateful.

Our last printed catalogue gave Rich's job description as "Guiding Light," and so he was. We will carry on, but we will miss him very much."

It took passion, vision and stick-to-itivness for Rich to succeed with a business that is so far removed from the mainstream. I've yet to meet a squeezebox player in the US who hasn't heard of The Button Box, thanks to the tireless efforts of Rich and his dedicated crew.

Comprimere in aeternum, Rich.

Jerry