Gary Strater 1953 - 2004

[Joel]

It is with great sadness that I announce the death of Starcastle bassist Gary Strater. Gary has been fighting liver/pancreatic cancer for some time. A benefit guitar raffle was held at Rosfest in 2004, with the guitar being passed on to Nearfest, as well as a few other prog festivals this summer, to raise money for Gary's medical bills. Gary lost his battle with cancer yesterday, September 20. More information will follow later at www.starcastlemusic.com.

In celebration of Gary's life, the music of Starcastle will be featured on Interstellar Overdrive tomorrow, September 22. I will not be on live as I have a wake to go to, but I'm recording my show as I type this. Please keep Gary's family in your prayers, and if you feel like donating to the Gary Strater fund, send donations to:

Gary Strater Benefit Fund
c/o Bank of Illinois (217-351-6500)
100 West University Avenue
Champaign, IL 61820

[The_Lurker]

Sad news, indeed, Joel. I lost my stepfather to the same illness about a year and a half ago. I was just beginning to get into Starcastle's music and it's a big loss to the prog community. I'm still amazed at your generosity in donating that guitar back after you won it at ROSfest. Not too many people I know would have done the same thing. I'm sure Gary's family appreciates your gesture.