I just checked and found out that nobody had mentioned noted song writer Roger Nichols passed away May 17 of this year.  In my memory he will always be noted as having written several songs for the Carpenters, along with his partner Paul Williams.  Even more meaningful, many years ago I read in a local paper that Roger was the owner/operator of a jewelry store in Bend, Oregon, about two hours away from where I live.  I decided to take a chance and drive over to Bend to see if I could find him.  Luckily I did and spent almost an hour visiting with him.  He told me some stories about Karen and Richard, emphasizing that Richard owned about half the buildings in downtown Los Angles.  He also mentioned that he had turned down a basketball scholarship offered by John Wooden, the legendary basketball coach at the then powerhouse U.C.L.A.  About a year later, I visited with him again and spent at least 45 minutes talking about the old times.
It's worth noting that he released some singles on A&M years ago and I do have one.  It's called "Snow Queen" and was written by Carole King!