'Don't Sweat Small Stuff' author (Richard Carlson) dies at 45

[Kadie]

RICHARD CARLSON: 1961-2006
'Don't Sweat Small Stuff' author dies at 45
Rick DelVecchio, Chronicle Staff Writer

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Richard Carlson, a Bay Area psychotherapist who became the world-famous writer of "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" and 30 other motivational books stressing love, gratitude and kindness above all other values, collapsed and died Wednesday on a flight from San Francisco to New York.

Carlson, 45, lived in Walnut Creek and was scheduled to make two TV appearances to promote his latest book, "Don't Get Scrooged: How to Thrive in a World Full of Obnoxious, Incompetent, Arrogant and Downright Mean-Spirited People."

A family spokesman said he apparently died of cardiac arrest.

" 'Don't Get Scrooged' was a book he'd been wanting to write for a long time," said Susan Miller, Carlson's executive assistant. "He felt like this one was really going to take off."

snip...
Breitman said Carlson donated much of his book profits to charity and encouraged his associates to drive a hard bargain with his publishers.

"He always reasoned that the corporations aren't going to use that money for the same good you and I are, so let's get more," Breitman said. "It was so delightful to work for someone who really cared about the world in his own heart rather than his own greed."

more...
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/12/16/BAGI9N0MOA1.DTL

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. Sad loss

but a great legacy.

[Pachamama]

5. Richard was a friend of mine.....

We met back in 1992, before he was known for his books...He was such a great man and friend and all the things that he put into books that helped so many is truly how he lived his life and how he always was. He helped put me on the path I chose and I'm forever grateful to him.

I just found out on Friday and I've been devastated by this loss and shocked...I'm going to his memorial this week and will find out more about what happened.

45 is so young....I still can't believe it. I was lying down and closed my eyes thinking about Richard and then thought about what his last moments must have been like, collapsing on a plane and looking up at all the strangers there trying to save his life. I always knew that he'd be among the Angels, just not so soon.

:cry:

[Dastard Stepchild]

2. Oh no!

My good friend loved this guy. I wonder if he knows. His messages, though simple, did seem quite nice.

[NVMojo]

3. sad but his was a life to respect ...

[judaspriestess]

4. wow only 45 RIP

my condolences to his family.