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, November 2, 2010
Andy Irons
Professional, world-champion surfer -- via ESPN. Update, 11/30: a controversial story in Outside magazine suggests that his death was drug-related. Like many of us, he may have had his problems with addiction; however, there are a few too many "maybe"s in this article to satisfy me. I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on this.
Monica Johnson
Comic writer for film and TV, and novelist -- via Deadline.com. She will be best remembered for her numerous brilliant collaborations with Albert Brooks -- "Real Life," "Lost in America," "Modern Romance" and more.
Shannon Tavarez
Actress -- via Broadway World. She was appearing as Young Nala in "The Lion King" when she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. She was 11 years old.
Harry "PopPop" Cooper
Internet celebrity and relationship adviser -- via the L.A. Times. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Barbara.
Joe Puryear
Alpinist, writer and photographer -- via CBS News. He died from a 1,500-foot fall on Tibetan mountain Labuche Kang.
Takargo - Summit from Joe Puryear on Vimeo.
Takargo - Summit from Joe Puryear on Vimeo.
Monday, November 1, 2010
G. William Oakley
Theatrical impresario -- via the Denver Post. He founded the Heritage Square Opera House in Golden, known for its comedic "mellerdrammers."
Anne McDonald
Author and disability-rights activist -- via The Age.com. Her story is amazing. Born with cerebral palsy, she was diagnosed with retardation, confined to an institution, and starved and abused. She established communication with therapist Rosemary Crossley, then had to sue her family and the state to escape her confines. Her book about her struggle, "Annie's Coming Out," is very difficult to find, unfortunately.
Ina Clare
British actress -- via Digital Spy. Best known for her role as flower vendor Ina Foot in "EastEnders." (Not to be confused with American stage and early Sound Era film actress Ina Claire.)
Artie Wilson
Baseball player for the Negro Leagues, Pacific Coast League and the majors (New York Giants) -- via MinorLeagueBaseball.com. He was the last player to hit .400 or over in a season for a professional team (the Birmingham Black Barons, in 1948). He mentored a promising young player named -- Willie Mays!
Gene Arlan "Suds" "Pops" Fodge
Former MLB pitcher for the Cubs -- via Bill Schenley, groups.google.com/group/alt.obituaries and Legacy.com.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
George Hickenlooper
Filmmaker -- via the Hollywood Reporter. He was in Denver to attend the International Film Festival there, promoting his new film "Casino Jack." He is best known for his documentary "Hearts of Darkness."
Friday, October 29, 2010
Liang Congjie
Environmental pioneer, historian and teacher -- via the New York Times. He founded China's first legally recognized environmental organization.
James Wall
Mr. Baxter on "Captain Kangaroo" -- via the New York Daily News. Though he will be best remembered for this role, he was an award-winning stage manager for CBS for decades as well. Here's the beginning of a multi-part interview with him:
Thursday, October 28, 2010
James MacArthur
Actor -- via the Hollywood Reporter. He worked extensively on stage, on radio, in TV and film; he will be indelibly identified with his role on "Hawaii Five-O" as Lt. Danny Williams, aka "Danno," as in the famous tag line, "Book 'em, Danno."
John Crawford aka Cleve Richardson
Film and television actor -- via the L.A. Times. This ubiquitous character actor can be seen in films such as "The Big Heat," "Exodus," "The Poseidon Adventure," "The Towering Inferno" and "Night Moves." His TV appearances include shows like "The Lone Ranger," "Hopalong Cassidy," "Commando Cody," "Wagon Train," "The Twilight Zone," "The Fugitive," "Star Trek," "Lost in Space," "Hogan's Heroes," "Gunsmoke," Mission: Impossible," "The Waltons," "Dynasty" -- it's a laundry list of TV history. What a life!
Richard T. Gill
An extraordinary person -- a Harvard economist and a Metropolitan Opera singer -- via the New York Times.
Walter Payton
Jazz bassist -- via the New Orleans Times-Picayune. He was a great part of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and the New Orleans musical community.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Rudolph "Rudy" Rufer
Shortstop for the New York Giants and long-time baseball scout -- via Bill Schenley and groups.google.com/group/alt.obituaries.
Mbah Maridjan aka Mas Penewu Suraksohargo
The spiritual gatekeeper of Mount Merapi -- via the Jakarta Globe. He died in prayer, attempting to mediate the wrath of the Indonesian volcano.
S. Neil Fujita
Graphic designer par excellence -- via the New York Times. He created some of the most memorable designs of the 20th century, including the cover for Truman Capote's book "In Cold Blood" and Dave Brubeck's album "Take Five."
Fernando Ruelas
Co-founder of Duke's So. Cal, the oldest continuous lowrider car club -- via the L.A. Times.
Lloyd Gross
TV director who worked on news shows, live events and game shows -- via Legacy.com and the Stamford Advocate.
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