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.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Art Mahan
First baseman for the Phillies -- via the Philadelphia Inquirer. His more lasting claim to fame will be his excellent work as coach and athletic director at Villanova.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Dave Machander
Biochemist and drummer -- via Legacy.com. Here's a testimonial to his musical talent from blabbermouth.net.
Elizabeth Edwards aka Mary Elizabeth Aniana
Attorney and author -- via the Charlotte Observer. A moving summation of her life from the New York Times.
Hugues Cuenod
Tenor -- via Bieler Tagblatt. He was 109 at the time of his death. He made his stage debut in 1928 in Paris, in Krenek's "Johnny spielt auf." He was the oldest person to debut at the Metropolitan Opera -- in "Turandot" at the age of 84, in 1987. Total length of his performing career -- 71 years (he retired at the tender age of 99.)
Douglas Argent
TV producer and director -- via the Guardian. He worked on many important English sitcoms, including "'Til Death Do Us Part" (the inspiration for America's "All in the Family"), "Fawlty Towers" and "Steptoe and Son" (adapted in the U.S. as "Sanford and Son"). He also produced some of Spike Milligan's late work!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Maria Esther Gatti de Islas
Mariana Zaffaroni Islas, front left, stands next to her grandmother Maria Esther Gatti de Islas, while holding a sign with the picture of her mother during a demonstration against the 1986 law which prevents members of the military to be judged for crimes committed during Uruguay's 1973-1984 dictatorship in Montevideo, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009. Zaffaroni was given to an Argentine military officer as a newborn after being kidnapped in Buenos Aires and her Uruguayan parents killed.
Human rights activist -- via AP and the Washington Post.
Don Meredith, "Dandy Don"
Top college and NFL quarterback, broadcaster and performer -- via ESPN. A talented and personable fellow -- we'll miss him!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Victor "Vic" Thomas
R & B keyboardist and last surviving member of Junior Walker & the All Stars -- via the Battle Creek Enquirer.
Friday, December 3, 2010
From Obit Magazine: "A Death Notice for Obituaries?"
A lovely and thought-provoking piece by James M. Naughton on the art, business and significance of obituaries. I hope that The Obit Patrol contributes to the appreciation of this essential part of the journalism world.
Ron Santo
Iconic third baseman for the Chicago Cubs -- via ESPN. He later became a hugely popular broadcaster for the team, despite or because of his vociferous partiality.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Gene Polito
Cinematographer -- via Dignity Memorial. He did a lot of TV work, and helped create such memorable films as "Colossus: The Forbin Project," "Prime Cut" and Westworld."
Helen Strassburger Boatwright
Soprano -- via the Syracuse Post-Standard. She was a champion of new music, and was the first to record the songs of Charles Ives.
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