My dear, close friend, Bill Scheffel, took his life two days ago. This is tragic and beyond understanding. He was the kindest, gentlest and gifted human being I’ve known - incredibly caring, especially for those suffering from depression and manic states. Bill’s willingness to explore his own experiences of extreme states of mind and his honesty and generosity to share his insights and vulnerabilities was immensely helpful to many people. He was a rare jewel, now lost. This is unbearably sad for those of us who cherished his life and work.