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.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Geoffrey Crawley
Photographic scientist -- via the New York Times. He was also a skilled pianist, linguist, editor, chemist and inventor. His claim to fame was debunking the "Cottingley fairies mystery" of 1917-1920, in which faked photographs purported to show fairy creatures. Crawley almost hated to tell the world his findings; he understood the human need to believe in the mythic.
Shirley Verrett
Amazing mezzo and soprano of the opera and concert hall -- via the New York Times. Another glorious singer who could actually ACT! Her Lady Macbeth is justly renowned, as was her Norma, Aida, Tosca and Dido. One of my touchstone recordings, and one I play when I am trying to convince others how exciting and beautiful opera is, is her 1975 live concert recording of "La Favorita" with Alfredo Kraus, Pablo Elvira, Barabara Hendricks and James Morris, under the baton of Eve Queler. I urge all to learn more about her work: below is her exquisite rendition of Mozart's "Exultate Julbilate."
Friday, November 5, 2010
Jill Clayburgh
Actress on stage, film and television -- via the New York Times. Intelligent, funny, beautiful, vivacious, compelling -- I loved her! "Silver Streak," "An Unmarried Woman," "Starting Over," "Running with Scissors" -- on Broadway in "Pippin," "Jumpers," "The Rothschilds." A consummate performer; what a wonderful voice.
Charles "Charley" McDowell, Jr.
Reporter and columnist -- via the Washington Post. He was seen frequently as a commentator on "Washington Week in Review" on PBS; his rich and expressive voice was heard on the Ken Burns' documentaries "The Civil War" and "Baseball."
Hotep Idris Galeta
Jazz pianist and educator -- via www.channel24.co.za. In addition to his massive talents, he had the most beautiful name I have ever heard!
James Freud
Vocalist and bassist for the Australian band Models -- via Gibson.com. He wrote extensively about his struggle for sobriety.
Olga Nardone
Olga Nardone is the middle of the three Lullabye League dancers.
One of the last surviving Munchkin portrayers from "The Wizard of Oz" -- via Tributes.com.
One of the last surviving Munchkin portrayers from "The Wizard of Oz" -- via Tributes.com.
Georg Straka
Double bassist with the Vienna Philharmonic -- via ABC News. He died while climbing Mount Fuji in Japan -- he was 41.
Jule M. Sugarman
Public administrator who founded the Head Start program, which helped impoverished children to get a decent education -- via the Washington Post.
Rudolph Barshai
Conductor and violist -- via the Telegraph. He was a supreme interpreter of Shostakovich; Soviet oppression caused him to seek asylum in the West in 1977.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
George Lee "Sparky" Anderson
Hall of Fame baseball manager -- via the Associated Press. What can I say? I cried a little when I heard this. He was a genius:
Here's his bio from the Baseball Hall of Fame website: "Known for his jovial disposition, George 'Sparky' Anderson was the first manager in history to win World Series championships in both the American and National Leagues. His career totals include 2,194 victories, the third most in Major League history, two Manager of the Year Awards, five league pennants and three World Series crowns. His heavy use of the bullpen staff earned him the nickname 'Captain Hook,' but this practice has now become the standard for Major League Baseball."
He was not only a brilliant leader, he had a great attitude about people and life, and taught me much about the game I love and inspired me when things got me down. Here's a link to his Hall of Fame induction speech -- read it, it says it all. If you don't have time to read the whole thing, here's a very important quote from it for you:
" . . . what my father said, when I was 11 years old. My father never got past the third grade, but there ain’t a guy that ever went to Harvard smart as my Daddy. My Daddy said this. He said, 'I’m gonna give you a gift, it’s the greatest gift to take all the way through your life. And if you live with this gift, everything will work perfect,' and he said, 'Son, I’m gonna give you a gift that will never cost a dime, and that gift is this, if every day of your life, and every person you meet, you will just be nice to that person, and treat that person like they are someone.'”
God bless you, Sparky.
Here's his bio from the Baseball Hall of Fame website: "Known for his jovial disposition, George 'Sparky' Anderson was the first manager in history to win World Series championships in both the American and National Leagues. His career totals include 2,194 victories, the third most in Major League history, two Manager of the Year Awards, five league pennants and three World Series crowns. His heavy use of the bullpen staff earned him the nickname 'Captain Hook,' but this practice has now become the standard for Major League Baseball."
He was not only a brilliant leader, he had a great attitude about people and life, and taught me much about the game I love and inspired me when things got me down. Here's a link to his Hall of Fame induction speech -- read it, it says it all. If you don't have time to read the whole thing, here's a very important quote from it for you:
" . . . what my father said, when I was 11 years old. My father never got past the third grade, but there ain’t a guy that ever went to Harvard smart as my Daddy. My Daddy said this. He said, 'I’m gonna give you a gift, it’s the greatest gift to take all the way through your life. And if you live with this gift, everything will work perfect,' and he said, 'Son, I’m gonna give you a gift that will never cost a dime, and that gift is this, if every day of your life, and every person you meet, you will just be nice to that person, and treat that person like they are someone.'”
God bless you, Sparky.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Bernard Musson
Actor - via next.liberation.fr. He was ever-present in so many significant French and Hollywood films: "Gigi," "Lola Montes," "Forbidden Games," and several works with Bunuel -- "Diary of a Chambermaid," "Belle de Jour," "The Phantom of Liberty," "That Obscure Object of Desire."
David/Sonia Burgess
Immigration lawyer who specialized in assisting asylum seekers -- via the Guardian. He was also transgendered; this may have motivated his murderer. UPDATE: A special Jan. 9 report from the Guardian on this person's extraordinary life --
Dec. 12, 2011 -- Sad update. It turns out that Sonia was killed by a mentally ill client she was trying to help. Here are details from the Telegraph --
Dec. 12, 2011 -- Sad update. It turns out that Sonia was killed by a mentally ill client she was trying to help. Here are details from the Telegraph --
Robert Ellenstein
Actor in film and television, and prominent regional theatre director -- via the L.A. Times.
John Waterlow
Professor of pathophysiology and nutrition -- via the Telegraph. His efforts helped to save thousands of children's lives.
Jerry (Jerrold) Bock
Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer for musicals -- via Broadway World. He will be best remembered for writing the music for "Fiddler on the Roof," but "Fiorello!," "The Apple Tree" and "Mr. Wonderful" were hits as well. His collaboration with Sheldon Harnick was prolific, and to date has not been examined and celebrated as it should. Plus, he wrote one of my favorite up-tempo ballads, "Too Close for Comfort."
For some reason, I performed in more Bock and Harnick shows than any others. I certainly enjoyed singing his great songs. Thank you, Mr. Bock!
For some reason, I performed in more Bock and Harnick shows than any others. I certainly enjoyed singing his great songs. Thank you, Mr. Bock!
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."
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