An uncommon, common man.

This is an historic issue of MODERN CASTING. Unfortunately, history can often have a disheartening and somber face.

This is the first issue of MODERN CASTING in 41 years that has not been produced by the learned and capable hand of our Production Manager, Dick Reynolds. After a lengthy illness and a truly courageous and inspiring battle, Dick passed away on August 5th.

If you crossed paths with Dick Reynolds you are very lucky. If you got to know the man at all, you are truly blessed. I worked with Dick for more than 16 years. Technically the last ten months, he worked for me, but that was always kind of a joke between us. We had worked so closely together over the years that this latest configuration was merely a formality. We both knew better. Plus, Dick was not the kind of guy who really worked for anyone. He always worked with everyone.

Publishing a magazine like MODERN CASTING each month is no small task. Our world is all about deadlines, and the deadlines are all centered on our production scheduling and subsequently the scheduling of our printer. This was Dick's craft, and he had mastered it. Plus, Dick sold and maintained our classified advertising section and served as our West Coast advertising representative. And, he also managed our buyer's guides and directories ... the published mothers-in-law of all production managers.

Over the past ten years, we have enjoyed a great deal of success with MODERN CASTING. The magazine has certainly been bigger, but it has never been better. While this success always has been the result of a total team effort--editorial, sales, marketing, circulation, graphic design--all working together, the nucleus of this team--the heart and soul--was always Dick Reynolds. We all knew that. We understood that. We trusted that. And most important, we all respected that. Dick was truly amazing. His work ethic, professionalism and dedication are truly legend in these parts.

I would liken Dick's importance to our team to that of the offensive line of a football team. You don't see those guys dancing and celebrating in the end zone after a touchdown catch. After the game, it's not likely that reporters are crowded around their lockers for interviews. But without those guys doing what they do, there would be no touchdowns to celebrate. It simply does not get done without those guys up front, doing what they do. Dick was always our upfront guy.

This quiet, unassuming gentleman with the sloped shoulders and warm demeanor carried us all for so many years. Editors could concentrate on writing and editing, sales people could sell and designers could design. His efforts allowed each of us to be the best at what we each do best. And the most beautiful thing about this most beautiful man, is that I'm quite sure he never realized how much he did for us and how important he was to us. It was just Dick Reynolds getting it done the way it should be done.

Having worked so closely with Dick over the years, I know that I am much better at my job because of all the things he taught me. And I can assure you there are a lot of magazine people who have passed through these doors at MODERN CASTING over the years that are better at their jobs and understand the essence of the magazine business because of him. As I know I've said hundreds of times over the last sixteen years ..." Thanks Dick". You were a wonderful man, a true professional and a very special friend to all of us. You will be missed.