Interesting, overlooked, and significant obituaries from around the world, as they happen, emphasizing the positive achievements of those who have died. Member, Society of Professional Obituary Writers.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Keith Elam, aka Guru
Influential rapper -- via the L.A. Times
Guru - Lifesaver
Uploaded by rikma. - See the latest featured music videos.
Dorothy Height
Civil rights leader -- via the Washington Post. Her fight against racial prejudice and for women's rights began in 1937. "If the times aren't ripe, you have to ripen the times," she said.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Tom Fleming
Scottish actor and broadcaster -- via the Times of London. His mellifluous voice made him the go-to commentator at British occasions of state
Judith Bumpus
British radio arts producer -- via the Independent. Note: I am a radio enthusiast. In England, it is still a vibrant medium for narrative work and artistic experimentation. Please read about her projects -- this is the kind of work I dream of doing! And she focused on subjects typically thought of as too highbrow or specialized to provoke interest. A fascinating and inspiring life.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Allen Swift, aka Ira Stadlen
Allen Swift in character as "Captain Allen," host of the Popeye cartoons on WPIX-TV.
Voice actor and kids' TV show host -- via News from Me. He was the voice of Howdy Doody for a year after host Buffalo Bob suffered a heart attack in September 1954. He went on to voice a multitude of characters in Rankin/Bass animated projects. Most memorably for me, he voiced the evil Baron Barracuda and others in the syndicated "Diver Dan":
Never trust a fish with a German accent and a monocle.
And he played Simon Bar Sinister in "Underdog":
UPDATE ON APRIL 27: Here's the belated New York Times obituary --
Virginia Kuzman
A happy, positive person. Not anyone "special" or "important," but obviously someone who had a good attitude and lots of love to share with the world. Via the Daily Breeze
Dede Allen
One of the best film editors of all time -- her innovations were revolutionary -- via the L.A. Times
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Bob Cuff
Matte painter and visuals effects expert for films such as "The Guns of Navarone," "The Princess Bride" and "The Adventures of Baron Munchausen" (above) -- via the Guardian
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Anna Walentynowicz
Shipyard worker and union activist whose termination triggered the Gdansk strikes, and eventual overthrow of Communism in Poland -- via the Washington Post
John Agnew
World War II veteran was part of rough-and-tumble "Filthy Thirteen" unit -- via the Philadelphia Inquirer
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