The 'Waste' Law | Pynchon's genealogical influences

[Monte Davis]

> When one of your best friends is blown away and 
> you've got a bit of knowledge about power and how it gets 
> used [particularly in the golden age of spycraft and 
> assassination], you can reach some really scary conclusions. 
> 
> Gravity's Rainbow, after all, is dedicated to Richard Farina.

Is there a connection intended -- that Farina was "blown away"?

If so, do tell.