Frank Ryerson passed away in 2017 after a battle with cancer. The obituary link goes to his Facebook page and a letter he wrote to his students prior to his death. Another letter is posted here. An excerpt:

Dying is not a tragedy!

At the end of last April, I was diagnosed with a terminal case of bone cancer. Have to admit I was deeply rattled for nearly a month, but soon enough moved into a state of peace and acceptance. I attribute this to my practice of meditation, my study of Buddhism and psychology, and…well, as an ol’ hippie to the end, I attribute it to LOVE, every kind of the overwhelming love and affection that has come my way over the years. Sure, much of it comes out of my more recent career in teaching and the seemingly endless stream of loving students and colleagues, but when I reflect on all the good things that have come to me from friends and family…Well, I have had a life long on gifts and short on complaints.

https://www.facebook.com/notes/10158627502432719/