You're probably wondering who Richard Kalin is. I, myself, wasn't even aware of his existence until a week ago. However his passing has hit me like a ton of bricks.

Richard Kalin was formerly the CEO of a small company called Micronetics that my father used to run back in the 80s. I have a few shares of stock in the company which I hadn't thought of in a long time until lately when shares of NOIZ (the company makes radar jamming equipment, amongst other things) started climbing precipitously.

I was reading one of their press releases and decided to write them to find out what they thought about the prospects for the company and the stock. It was only after I sent the email that I realized that the address on the release was for the Richard Kalin, the CEO of the company.

I didn't expect a response but I got one within the hour. I was shocked, but pleasantly. It's to own shares in a company that is so responsive. Here's the email:

Andrew,

RSK

This morning, when I checked my email, there was a note from my dad saying that Richard had been killed in car accident.

I didn't know this man. He had very little effect on my life. However, since I just corresponded with him last week, it seems crazy, even unreal, that he is gone.

It just shows you how quickly everything you have in world can all just vanish in an instant. It's enough to turn anyone into an existentialist.

Micronetics says CEO Kalin killed in car accident
Friday August 8, 12:31 pm ET

NEW YORK, Aug 8 (Reuters) - Micronetics Inc. (NasdaqSC:NOIZ - News), a maker of microwave and radio frequency components and subassemblies used in defense and aerospace, on Friday said Richard Kalin, its president and chief executive, was killed in a car accident on Thursday.

The Hudson, New Hampshire-based company, which also makes and designs equipment that tests signals used in communications equipment, said its board of directors appointed David Robbins interim CEO and a director. Robbins was recently senior vice president of Micronetics' defense electronics group.

Trading was halted in Micronetics shares prior to the company's announcement. The shares last traded on the Nasdaq at $5.14, down 77 cents, or 13 percent.