Wednesday, June 25, 2008

CRYSTA CASEY

May 27, 1952 - June 24, 2008

Our lovely Crysta died yesterday at 6:01 a.m., probably earlier. Her dear friends George, Irene, Deborah, Cody, Sherry, Monica & others stood vigil through the last weeks. Irene was with her until the end.

Crysta helped define Seattle's literary landscape and we will miss her. Her first book, Heart Clinic, was published by Bellowing Ark Press in 1993. She had been reading for It's About Time since 1992. July's reading will be dedicated to her.

Crysta waged a fifteen year battle against cancer, all the while managing her schizophrenia. She was one of the most courageous people I've known. She died at the VA hospital in Seattle. May her memory be for a blessing.