I recently finished reading Magistra Barton's biography of Dr. LaVey, and I was filled with a profound sense of sorrow. I don't want to come off as sounding like and idiot, but somehow I feel that telling this to other people who may have known Dr. LaVey and interacted with him in life will understand how I feel.

I am deeply saddened that I will never have the chance to just talk to him, to sit down and pick his brain. He may never have even wanted to speak to me, but the fact is I'll never know. I'll never get to see him in person, or listen to him play his keyboards. The fact that I'll never see the infamous Black House, or the good Doctor perform a ritual, it's just, sad. He is the one person I admire the most, because he is the only person to ever reach me like he did, through his works, through his words. I owe him a debt of gratitude, one that I'll never be able to repay. I can never take him to the symphony to hear Wagner's "Ring" cycle, nor can I flash grill him a rare steak and sit around afterwords talking with him about politics and music.

I envy all of you fortunate enough to have known this man in real life, and to have spent time with him before his death. I sincerely hope that all who were this fortunate do not take for granted the time that you spent with him, and the things you learned from him. Those are experiences that I can never have, but I am far richer because of the legacy he left behind.

I raise my glass, then, to the great Doktor.....for he has fulfilled his dream, and as long as I and my line survive, he will never be forgotten.

Hail Anton Szandor LaVey!
Hail Satan!

I would agree with you, it would have been amazing to sit and talk with such a human as he. I have felt the same as you in wishing I had met him. He didn't just open doors, he kicked them open and yelled "Hooray!!"

Well I was among the few who were honored to meet Dr. LaVey and there are two sources of direct consolation you can turn to to your own benefit.

(1) His writings.

The Doktor graced us with his wisdom and wit in numerous books, magazine articles, interviews and in writings in "The Cloven Hoof" as well as "The Black Flame".

(2) Speak Of The Devil

A truly wonderful documentary which is precisely like having a visit to The Doktor's Black House including an organ recital. I would strongly suggest that you obtain this video.

Thus far his writings have been my only consolation, but after reading the description of that video, I know it's in my shopping cart next paycheck. Thanks for the kind reply, and the tip on the video.

You are most welcome.

I feel certain you will enjoy it very much as I have.

I've just finished reading the same bio, i felt the sadness too. I also felt cofusion i couldn't really place his personality,some times he came across as a really nice guy,the next really nasty and vindictive, i guess that's just human nature, and of course not being able to place him was exactly what he wanted.

I would have loved to have met him and i will always have him at a "Fantasy dinner party" lol But i don't think we would have got on! still it would have been fun to see for sure!!