Carl Macek founder of Streamline Pictures has passed away at the age of 58 from heart failure.
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-04-19/american-anime-producer-carl-macek-passes-away (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-04-19/american-anime-producer-carl-macek-passes-away)
Without Carl's efforts in the 1980's to bring series like Robotech for American television I don't think Anime would have been as widespread as it is now. Whether you agree with his methods or not, he was an important figure in bringing this art form to a wider audience.
That's a damn shame.. I had never heard of him, but anyone who put forth serious effort to bring about awareness of anime in the '80s did a great service to the industry. Nowadays many kids and adults all over the world enjoy anime.