The bestselling author of over thirty novels, Rick Hautala, died suddenly on March 21, 2013. He rose to prominence in the 1980's with his million-copy bestseller NIGHTSTONE, as well as LITTLE BROTHERS, WINTER WAKE, and THE MOUNTAIN KING.      Born in 1949 in Rockport, MA, Rick attended the University of Maine in Orono, where he earned an MA in English Literature. He was classmates with Stephen King, which led to Rick often being called "the other horror writer from Maine." In addition to writing, he taught English Lit and Comp at Westbrook High School and at Southern Maine Community College.      Self-effacing and approachable, he mentored many young writers and students. He combined a Maine work ethic with a passion for writing and for the horror genre, with sensibilities shaped by Shakespeare and Hawthorne. Politically liberal, he stood up for the poor and disenfranchised almost as passionately as he did for his writing. He was kind and generous to all, giving all that he could and sometimes more.     He is survived by his wife, Holly Newstein Hautala, his sons Aaron, Jesse and Matti Hautala, and his stepsons Colin and Andrew Newstein. At Rick's request, there will be no funeral. A celebration of his life will be held later in the spring.     Donations in his memory can be made to Meals on Wheels 426 Bridge St. Westbrook, ME 04092. To express online condolences please go to www.blaisandhayfuneralhome.com