Harold W. Rast, former director of Fortress Press, founding publisher of Trinity Press International, and publisher at Judson Press, died on October 13, 2004, at the age of 71, following a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was a graduate of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, where he received his Th.D. in 1971. After two years as a pastor, six years as a professor, and twelve years as an administrator in various capacities in the Lutheran Church, he turned to publishing. After his formal retirement, he continued to edit books and consult with the editors of Fortress Press.

He was a familiar figure at Annual Meetings for almost two decades, where many knew him as an energetic, enthusiastic, insightful, humorous, and warm colleague, friend, and mentor. He will perhaps best be remembered for the soirees that he hosted in the Fortress Press suite during his directorship from 1981 to 1989, where scholars gathered to discuss their work and their lives and where many a book vital to the Society's mission was generated and planned.

Hal is survived by his wife Jean and three children and ten grandchildren. Contributions in his honor may be made to Hope Lodge (American Cancer Society), 636 W. Lexington St., Baltimore, Md. 21201.

Citation: , " Hal Rast 1933-2004," SBL Forum , n.p. [cited Oct 2004]. Online:http://sbl-site.org/Article.aspx?ArticleID=328