MIAMI – In an age of constant bad news, it’s easy to become inured to the pain present in the daily media cycle. But there are still moments which land like gut punch, drilling past the cynicism and hardening of one’s heart and mind, drawing out tears perhaps you’d forgotten you could shed.

For me, the news that Harlan Yaffe – the widely beloved co-founder of Pride Studios – has died was one of those moments.

“The family of Harlan Blaine Yaffe is saddened to share with the world Harlan passed away peacefully on Monday, February 4th. 56 years young,” Harlan’s brother Hal wrote. “Harlan had been stoic and not discussing his health in public. He had very recently been diagnosed with lung cancer and was supposed to get the test results of a biopsy on 2/7. Unfortunately, his illness had already spread through his body and he is now at peace and with our parents.”

Hal wrote that more details about “a celebration of life for his friends and family” would be forthcoming soon.

“Harlan was a gift to this world and treasure to humanity,” Hal’s post concludes. “RIP Big Brother.”

I can’t claim to have known Harlan well, and I can only begin to imagine the heartbreak of his passing for those who did.

What I do know is every time I saw him at a tradeshow or other adult industry event, my spirits would lift. Even in a crowded room filled with smiling faces of people with whom I was closer friends, it was Harlan’s which would make me involuntarily smile in return.

Looking through the comments on Facebook in response to Hal’s post, it’s clear how much affection Harlan inspired from many others within the adult industry, as well.

“Heartbreaking,” industry veteran Jeff Dillon wrote. “One of the nicest guys I’ve ever met.”

Marketing specialist Rainey Stricklin, who worked with and for Harlan at PrideBucks, referred to him as “the Lucy to my Desi” and wrote that she was “at a loss for words.”

“Harlan was family to me,” Stricklin wrote in another comment. “I loved him dearly.”

One friend (who to my knowledge is not part of the adult industry, so I’m not going to name her here) wrote how Harlan “touched many lives with beauty and simplicity… and love.”

While such comments are not uncommon to hear in response to the passing of any person, people throughout the adult industry said the same kinds of things about Harlan over the years prior to his untimely passing, as well.

What else can be said in response to such sad news? Hal already said it best. All I can do is echo his sentiments.

RIP Harlan. You are already greatly missed.

Image via HarlanYaffe.com