Jackie, I just spotted your post - I hadn't heard. I've read Dick Francis for decades, and have always felt that he was a friend. When you say, "I took SO much from his characters as a very good way of being... " I presume you mean his protagonists, 'cause his bad guys are really evil!

I recommend Dick Francis to anyone who likes mystery, suspense, and wonderful writing. "...meticulously researched..." is no understatement. I, too, will miss him.