The Passing of a Master Tea Blender

I had just finished my tin of Harney & Sons' Earl Grey when I read the sad news that is making its way through the American tea industry.  John Harney, the founder of Harney & Sons, has passed away.  Mr. Harney was a master tea blender and businessman who began his company in 1983, a time when tea was much less popular in the American market than it is today.  His success is attributed to his appreciation of fine loose leaf teas and his efforts to teach the art of tea to restaurateurs and consumers.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/27/business/john-harney-missionary-who-spread-the-gospel-of-tea-dies-at-83.html