I was an avid reader and at the second to last book released. I was also echoing EVERY thought Strolen verbalized here. I was informed that Jordan knew he was dying, as what he died of was a slower killer.

He was diagnosed with primary amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy, (cardiac amyloidosis) for which they estimated four years.
But that means that as I understand it, he passed his understandings notes and plans on to someone competent to finish it. The epic will be finished (Stupid Conan The Barbarian books, taking away from the story that was worth telling!) with the Twelfth (odd word) and final book-
A Memory of Light, a working title at best.
See the wikipedia (
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Jordan) post for a quick overview.
My heart sank when I found out. His talent will be sorely missed.
