An "extremely aggressive form of esophageal cancer" took the life of Steely Dan co-founder Walter Becker on September 3rd.
Addressing her husband's fans, his widow Delia says, "For me personally, his death was a devastating blow, as I know it was for many of you. I am just beginning to emerge from its heartbreaking impact."
Becker was diagnosed with the disease in the spring and Delia says he underwent "an intense regimen of chemotherapy" as it "seemed to have come out of nowhere and had spread with terrifying speed." He died four months later in his New York City home "surrounded by his family, his music and a blustery rainstorm -- one of his favorite sounds -- blowing outside the window."
Delia says they weren't trying to hide his diagnosis. "It's important to me, as it was to Walter, that you all know he never intended to keep anyone in the dark about his condition. He just ran out of time much sooner than any of us thought possible.... The tsunami of tributes and remembrances that have followed Walter’s passing has been deeply moving. Even his 'Number 1 Fan' -- me -- would not have predicted anything close to the depth and breadth of public expressions from those whose lives were enriched by Walter -- by his talent, his kindness, and his skill at inspiring some wicked fun."
Becker was 67.