Rachael Wise R.I.P.

As most Keenedom forum members already know, Rachael Wise, wife of author Bryan Smith, passed away last night after a decade-long battle with cancer. There is a thread on The Keenedom where you can offer your condolences, and Bryan has created a memorial page on Facebook. I consider myself very lucky to have known Rachael. She was always full of energy and laughter, and anyone who has ever attended Hypericon can attest, she knew how to throw one hell of a party. More importantly, she loved and supported her husband. My favorite memory of her is, incidentally, the last time I saw her, when she helped myself and several other authors arrange to purchase the original cover art for Bryan's first limited edition hardcover novel as a surprise for him. All authors should be so lucky to have as supportive a partner as Rachael was.