Granted Dennis Lussier (Civilian name of Deke Richards) had almost nothing to do with Rare Earth, but he WAS a part of The Hitsville Family, working with Chris Clark, Martha & The VanDellas, & of course, The Jackson 5ive..
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/deke-richards-motown-songsmith-dead-at-68-20130326
This year isn't even one-quarter through yet, and already we've lost 3 Hitsville alumni, as well as the spouse of one of our esteemed..and now this.
I observe 5 minutes of silence with head bowed in honour of his memory.