The Laughing Wolf

Into The Light: Jim Baen

David Drake has a post you should read. Over the years Jim has given me encouragement, a couple of swift kicks, and been kind enough to tell me when my writing sucked. Directly or indirectly he has bought me dinner and drinks. What makes him truly special is that he did it for so many, and in the process has made the universe of fiction a far richer and more wonderful place. Jim has helped blaze a profitable and rewarding trail into this new electronics age, showing how it should be done. He rescued military science fiction and helped it thrive, and never forgot those who served in reality -- not surprising, nor is the fact that he served in the Army.

My thoughts go out to Jessica, Katherine, Toni, and the rest of the family; to Marla and those in the office; and, to all those in the much larger Baen Family of authors, readers, and leaders. Please keep them all in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you Jim, for all of it. You will be missed, but your legacy lives on and thanks to your foresight will shine on for some time to come.

LW

UPDATE: From the Baen site:

Toni Weisskopf and Dave suggest that people who wish to make a memorial donation purchase copies of THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN and donate them to libraries or teenagers of their acquaintance.

crossposted at Blackfive

Acid Arrangements

Just going to blockquote what Dave put up on the site:

This is Dave, Rob's brother. I just wanted to let somebody know that the arrangements have finally been made. If somebody has the ability to get the word out, please go for it. There will be a memorial service for Rob at 4 pm on Thursday, June 29th, at Fox & Weeks on Hodgson Memorial Drive in Savannah, followed by an after-service celebration (can't be a wake if it's after the Memorial) at our parents' house. Pickers will bring instruments, everybody else bring voices and any Rob stories you can tell for everybody else to hear while they lift a glass to him. I'm going to miss my big brother, but I'll do my best to send him off in style! There'll be directions to the place at the service, or you can email me: dsmith [at] brannenlaw [dot] com. Thanks, everybody!

There is more here and elsewhere. I wish I could be there, but will try to take part online if I can (and if that part gets worked out).

LW

Into The Light: Charlise Farrior Teal

Instapundit has lost his grandmother. He has often blogged of her, and from his posts it is clear she had a long and good life. May the light shine welcome her home, and shine on those left behind.

LW

Into The Light: "Col." Robert L. Scott

Brigadier General Robert L. Scott, who wrote the famous book God Is My Co-Pilot has passed away. General Scott was one of several local aviation legends, and was an influence on a number of future pilots, including myself. His determination to fly, and to fight, and the unique way in which he reached his dream, were an inspiration indeed. One of the first plane models I ever built was a P-40.

One of the best things that came from taking an unexpected year to stay with my Dad (other than time with Dad) was that I finally got to meet the man behind the legend. He worked at the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins, and cheerfully met with all the visitors he could. He wasn't what I would call shy about himself and what he had done (which was more than most know), but he preferred to talk of others, in particular his hero: Lt. General Claire L. Chennault. I had hoped he would be there the day Tammi and I went, but alas that was not to be. A fond memory of mine was to receive an invitation to his 90th birthday party at the museum, and it was quite the party.

He was positively gleeful in telling of his breaking away from most official Communist Chinese handlers years back, and not only walking most of the route of the Great Wall, but in returning to AVG country and putting in place a plaque honoring General Chennault at a special spot.

His was a story of perseverance, of striving to do well, and doing what he felt most strongly was right. Thank you "Colonel" for the inspiration, for being yourself for so many, and for keeping the history alive.

Rest in the light, and know that you will be missed.

LW

Into The Light: Andreas Katsulas

Speaking of Babylon 5, from my friend Waldo I learn that Andreas Katsulas who played Ambassador G'Kar has passed away from lung cancer. His was a well known "face" through many roles in science fiction and fantasy, and from playing the "One Armed Man" in the recent movie version of The Fugitive. He seemed to have a lot of fun with his work and from some stories I've heard he seemed to get along very well with is coworkers. He will be missed. May the light welcome him home, and shine on those he leaves behind.

LW

Into The Light: William Martin Grant

From Christina comes the news that blogger Jack Grant of Random Fate has lost his father this morning. May the light shine on Jack and his family, and guide them in the days ahead.

LW

Thoughts And Prayers Needed

Lex's sister passed into the light yesterday. Go let him and his family know that good thoughts come their way, and that love surrounds them during this time.

LW

Into The Light: Ginger The Barn/Feral Cat

It has been far too interesting a week on many levels. I just had to put Ginger down. I had found her yesterday on a quick trip home, obviously with a problem, but she had moved off when I came back out of the house. I got home again around 0230 and found her again, but made the decision to do nothing as it was late and I could not consult with the neighbor who owned her (if anyone could claim such) and did not want to fire a gun then. She was still there this morning, curled up, twitching, not really responsive, and cold. I got my neighbor and we checked her out. There was nothing that could be done, except keep her from suffering, so I dug a grave and gave her the final gift: a round in the back of the head and a round in the ear. May the light welcome her home, warm her, and may her next be much better than this.

LW

Into The Light: Momma Bear/Church Mouse/Heather

It is with heavy heart that I report that Momma Bear, also known as Church Mouse, and who will always be my Bonnie, Bonnie Heather died shortly after noon today. I am glad that she is released from the suffering caused by her cancer, and indescribably sad at the loss of a friend. May the light welcome one of its own home, and shine its warmth on her sons and other family now and in the days ahead.

Graymonk's requiem is good, but I would add to it for there were so many facets to this wonderful woman.

Make no mistake about it, she was a warrior. She busted more than a few glass ceilings over the years, along with several stereotypes, in pursuing her chosen profession. Some she smashed simply by doing, finding them unworthy of acknowledgement, while others she bypassed and took out from above. That she also picked up additional skills including a formidable knowledge of coding along the way should surprise no one who knew her. She loved to learn and try new things.

One of the things I will regret is that we did not get the chance to go shooting together. She was looking forward to demonstrating her favorite .50 caliber pistol, along with a few other "toys." I would have pitied the fool that had referred to them as "big boy toys" in her presence. The plans were made, but...

I ask that you keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers this day and in the days ahead. Shades, know that this day a warrior walks among you. The howl is raised and I go to sing her song.

LW

A list of memorials is here.

Into The Light: Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks has died. She expressed frustration a time or two with so many wanting to reduce her life to that one moment, but all I can say for that act is Thank You. May the light welcome you home.

LW

Into The Light

The lady I call my step-mom has suffered the worst loss a parent can face, the death of one of her two sons. D had a massive heart attack Tuesday morning and died. Please keep Miss L and two little girls who no longer have a father in your thoughts today. May the light shine on them all, and guide them and warm them in the days ahead

LW

Into The Light: Don Adams

Would you believe... Don Adams has passed away. I grew up on Tennessee Tuxedo and enjoyed Get Smart for many years, both for the comedy and for 99. I also enjoyed Inspector Gadget because of his participation. May the light shine on him and his family, and welcome him home. Thanks for the laughs Mr. Adams.

LW

Into The Light: Simon Wiesenthal

This blog is dedicated to the power of the individual, and Simon Wiesenthal was one of the greatest living examples of the true power of the individual. As an individual, he refused to die. It was a simple as that. As an individual, he educated, he tracked, and he made sure that justice was served. Now, his legacy will serve the world as an example of the power of the individual. Go read Blackfive and follow the link. May the light take him and enfold him, and welcome him home. May the light continue to shine on the darkness that Simon Wiesenthal lit with his lamp, and serve as a reminder to us all.

LW

Condolences To A Friend

My friend G has lost a four-legged member of her family. This is never easy, and has to hurt even more as they had been apart for a while. My thoughts go out to G on her loss.

LW

Into The Light: Peter Jennings

Peter Jennings has lost his brief fight against lung cancer. I may not have liked him or what he did to journalism, but no one should die that way. Keep his family in your thoughts and prayers, and may the light welcome him home, and shine on those left behind.

LW

A Toast

A nice 16-year-old single malt seems right.

To Absent Friends
To Lance Corporal Eric Freeman
To Smokey
To The 21
To Steven Vincent

To The Living
Happy First Birthday Pinkfive. May your long life be filled with light, joy, health, happiness, and prosperity.

The glass is raised, and goodnight to Chesty, wherever you are

LW

Farewell James Doohan

James "Scotty" Doohan has returned to the light. He was a veteran of D-Day who hid the loss of his finger on screen for years, and a talented character actor. Unlike so many, he was secure enough in himself to share, to encourage others, and help them grow professionally. My original thoughts still hold true. Thanks for the help, the fun, and the entertainment. You will be missed.

LW

A Sad Day

MommaBear of On The Third Hand has lost her beloved PoppaBear. Please send your thoughts and prayers for both of them, and for the family.

LW

Into The Light: Tommy Young

My cousin Tommy Young, the relative I mentioned here, passed into the light Saturday night. He was in many ways the last link to my Dad's generation, and was the person responsible for getting my Dad to fess up to some tales. Without Tommy, many of those might have never been remembered or passed along. He leaves behind a wife, a daughter, grandchildren, and many cousins and friends. May the light shine on them all this day as they gather to celebrate his life.

LW

And I Shall Renounce The Crown Of St. Peter

I would have given good money to have seen the looks on faces within the Kremlin when that missive arrived, especially when they read his sincere promise to man the barricades in person. If you don't know what I am talking about, take some time to go read some of the many excellent tributes to the late Pope. Though I disagreed with him on many things, I had tremendous respect for both his beliefs and his determination. He was a major factor in the fall of the Soviet empire, and his actions both public and private were pivotal. May the light shine on him and all those who form his larger family.

LW

Into The Light: Andre Norton

Andre Norton, described yesterday by the man behind LibertyCon as "A Great and Noble Lady" has passed into the light. Hers has been a long fight, but one she waged with spirit and verve. Her writings have enriched the world, and she will be missed.

LW

Into The Light: Elva L. Smith

Elva L. Smith, mother of Rob Smith, passed into the light yesterday morning. Rob has asked that in lieu of flowers, that any donations go to things that will do good. May the light guide those left behind, and bring them warmth in the days ahead.

LW

Into The Light: Guillermo Cabrera Infante

I am late posting this, but Val has a good post here on the Cuban-born writer's death. Others can and will address his literary mark, but I will simply add to it that it is a shame that he did not live long enough to see his homeland free. He also has this post up with the words of Andy Garcia, a Cuban-American whom you might want to get to know better. May the light shine on those he left behind, and may the light Infante shown upon the world around him -- and the spotlight he put on fidel -- continue on.

LW

Into The Light: Hunter S. Thompson

Fear and Loathing In The Afterlife

You know, a part of me wishes he could write it and send it back, for it would be one heck of a read. Tim Blair has a good roundup here and more is sure to come (link courtesy Instapundit). Thompson was probably more of an influence on some of my early writing and journalism than I care to admit. He was nuts, pure and simple, but he was also a damned good writer. His early works are incredible, and shaped and re-shaped the writing landscape. While I ended up less than impressed with his later work, the comparisons of later to his earlier works are not necessarily fair in some respects. His writing, and his urging writers -- be they journalists or other -- to go out and learn about what they were covering, to get into the middle of it and get their hands dirty, are quite a legacy, and I thank him for both. Forget that movie, go buy some of his early works and read them if you have not done so.

LW

Into The Light: Kiddo McFiddo

Go over and read the tale, and share condolences with Val. Val, Kiddo did not deserve better than you and the Mrs. As Dave so aptly notes in the comments, you did your job. To the utmost, for only a true friend who really loves someone can do what you and the Mrs. had the strength and courage to do. Kiddo chose wisely in selecting you for a family. May the light shine on you all.

LW

Into The Light: Wild Bill

It is with regret that I report that Wild Bill the Coyote passed into the light last Saturday. He had been in the puppy room at Wolf Park since his trip the vet the previous Saturday and holding his own, but Friday night saw him go down. The vet was called in, and Bill passed Saturday afternoon. I've waited to post this in hopes that all of the Wolf Park Family could be notified. His was a long life, 17 human years (119 dog years), and much longer than his wild cousins. In lieu of flowers, allow me to suggest instead a donation in his memory to Wolf Park. Bill, thanks for coming up to meet me when I first started as a volunteer, for I am glad I had the chance to meet you and know that I will never look at a coyote the same way ever again.

LW

Into The Light: Johnny Carson

A legend made real has passed. I can remember the delight when I was finally old enough to formally stay up (as opposed to sneak out) to watch Johnny. His monologues were fantastic, and were worth the price of admission. His guests were good, crossed a broad spectrum, and almost always entertaining.

Extra laughs were in place one night when Blake Clark, who was someone I knew and who even taught at my high school for a short time, made his first appearance on the show. Blake had served in Vietnam, and his experiences there formed some of his earliest material. Johnny was stunned when Blake admitted that he was more scared coming on the Tonight Show than he had been in combat. He then all but collapsed in laughter when Blake came out, did his presentation, then all but fled the stage running.

Also, who can forget the night with Ed Ames? Ouch.

I could go on, for there are many from which to choose, Take your pick.

He showed class, sensitivity, and a sense of fairness that is sadly lacking today. He was a patriot, who served in the Navy in WWII, and was always kind to the men and women of our armed forces. No offense to those left behind, but none of them are fit to hold his coat, and he will always be the true host of the Tonight Show.

You have been missed for some time, but thank you for all the laughs and fun.

LW

Into The Light: Linda Roberson

Wife, sister-in-law, good person: free of the pain that cancer wrought. May the light enfold all those left behind, and its warmth augment the warmth of the
love she had for them all.

LW

Into The Light: Frank Kelly Freas

Noted artist Frank Kelly Freas passed into the light this morning. I've just spoken with his daughter, who was with him when he passed, and services are pending at Oakwood Memorial Park in/near Los Angeles. Best known for his award-winning science fiction art, his work covered many subjects and styles. May the light shine on his daughter, grandchildren, wife, and all those left behind.

LW

Into The Light: Crowell Stewart

Family friend, unofficial Godfather, husband, father. May the light shine on those left behind, guide them, and warm them in the days ahead. I can't use your ham callsign, but will say for you station out.

LW

Into The Light: Jerry Orbach

Backcountry Conservative has posted the news that Actor Jerry Orbach has died of prostate cancer. While not a fan of L&O, I did feel he was the best reason for watching any of it, and loved some of his earlier work. Prostate cancer was what finally finished my father off when it metastasized. For crying out loud, if you are over 40, or under and there is any history of it in your family, make a PSA part of your regular checkup. May the light shine on his family, and keep them all in your thoughts in the days ahead.

LW

Passing Into The Light

Teresa has lost her mother-in-law. While the death was not unexpected in one sense, it was not anticipated this close to Christmas. Please take a moment and extend your sympathies, and keep the family in your thoughts during this time.

Losing a loved one during the holidays can be rough, if not outright devastating. To my mind, however, I can’t think of a better time for a Christian to “return home.” Part of this comes from having my Mom die on Christmas Eve. She had waged a long, spirited fight against ovarian cancer, and in the process helped prove Taxol as a treatment. We knew the end was near, but she wanted to be home for Christmas. That was what she said, and per her wishes we had her at home.

Christmas was always one of her favorite times, and I suspect it was her favorite day of the year. It was a day of joy, of family, of giving, and of something special. She was very devout in her beliefs, and the birth and sacrifice represented by the holiday struck a chord in her.

The time drew near and we all were finally home. Not long after I arrived, she started her final journey, but it was clear that she was fighting. Sometime the morning of Christmas Eve, something changed and the fighting stopped. Not long after, so did she.

To be honest, I was relieved as much as anything, for she no longer suffered. I worried more about the children, how to explain it to them, but there was no need. They understood even before it could be said: she had gone home for Christmas. She had gone to what she felt was her true and ultimate home, and I tend to suspect that such may have been why she quit fighting.

No, it is never easy but maybe thinking about such loss in these terms can bring some comfort to all those who lose a loved one during the holidays.

LW

The Passing Of A Father

VW's father has returned to the light. Please go extend your sympathies and good wishes to her and her family, and support them in a difficult time.

LW

Arafat

I’ve done this once before, but Momma told me that if you can’t say anything nice not to say anything at all.
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Enough not said

LW

In Memoriam: Christopher Reeve

Actor/Director Christopher Reeve has returned to the light. His struggle against paralysis and for positive research has truly cast a large light into the world. I was fortunate enough to hear him speak at two BIO events, and he put a great deal of thought into his efforts and the ramifications of same. One of my strongest memories of him was his low-key arrival for one event, and of the effort it took for him to get out of the van and underway. Once out, he proceeded on in a determined way towards his objective and I think that sums up how he took on life. May the light shine on his family and friends, and guard and guide them in the days ahead.

LW

In Memoriam: Rodney Dangerfield

He earned the respect of millions, and paid back by nurturing and helping newer comics. He has passed and may the light shine on his family in the days ahead, and memories of his laughter lighten their load.

LW

In Memoriam: Gordon Cooper

Irony abounds in life, and in death. Gordon Cooper, one of the original Mercury Seven, passed into the light the day the X-Prize was won. He was a character, and a pioneer who left a number of legacies. Somehow, I suspect he is laughing his rear end off at the timing of his death. He will be missed. May the light shine on his family in the days ahead.

LW

In Memoriam: Carole S. Muir

Chris Muir, the talented creator of Day By Day, has lost a family member. Chris, know that you and your family are in my thoughts and that if you need anything, just ask and if I can, I will. May the Light shine on you all, enfold, guard, and guide you in the days ahead.

LW

Some More On Jack Hunter Daves

I find myself not knowing quite where to begin, or how much to say, about the man. How do I describe the rapier wit, the dry sense of humor (and pun), and a gifted storyteller? Of a man that was never published as much as he could have been, because he thought more of his stories and his art than of simply being published? Of a man who would call one of his good friends at odd hours of the night, so that he might sing the news to him? There is a brief listing of some of his stories here, There is an even better good bye here that will tell you more about him. Good bye Jack, and thanks for being even a small part of my life.

LW

Jack Hunter Daves

I have just gotten word that Jack Hunter Daves, writer and storyteller extraordinare, has passed away. The initial report is that he went to the doctor with what he thought was pinkeye, and a few days later was taken back with something far more serious. Right now, I am stunned and shocked, but as soon as I know more I will post it. This is a loss on several levels, and I mourn the loss of a friend. Please keep his family in your thoughts in the days ahead.

LW

Ray Charles, RIP

Thanks to you, Georgia will always be on my mind. Thank you Sir, for the gift you gave the world. Not just your music, but an example of perseverance and triumph over adversity. You will be missed, but you will also live on through your music.

LW

Ronald Wilson Reagan, An Epilogue

A giant has left us, and while he left us several years ago it is still hard to have it made final. Until now we could simply think him off on a visit, and that he would return. We knew it was not true, but it was a comforting lie none-the-less. For he was a giant, and we grew used to having him shepherd us through difficult times.

Ronald Wilson Reagan, RIP

So long for now Chief. May the light welcome you home, comfort your family and friends, and allow your reflection of that light to continue to shine upon the world. You have been, and will be, missed.

LW

Epilogue

Richard Biggs, RIP

I woke up this morning to an e-mail from a friend letting me know that actor Richard Biggs, who among other roles played Dr. Stephen Franklin on Babylon 5, passed into the light yesterday. Details are still a bit sketchy, but it has apparently been suggested that the cause of death was an aneurism or stroke because it happened very quickly. From all accounts he was a stand-up guy and a true professional with his work. May the light enfold him, and shine on his family and friends in the days ahead.

LW

UPDATE: Information on the memorial service can be found here. There is also a guest book that will be presented to the family, and you can find it at the bottom of this page.

Col. Robert Morgan, RIP

The commander of the famed Memphis Belle passed into the light last night as a result of complications from a fall. May the light enfold him, and shine on his family and friends in the days ahead.

LW

Farewell Aunt Eunice

The Huntsville area has lost a local legend: Aunt Eunice, more properly known as Eunice Merrell. She has been a fixture and goodwill ambassador for the region for many, many years and departed into the light Tuesday afternoon.

Aunt Eunice’s Country Kitchen has been a staple in the area for decades, and was the place you always took out of town visitors to get a Southern salt-lick country breakfast. That is to say, grits, country ham, red-eye gravy, and all the old-style sodium your system could stand. Rich, famous, poor, and unknown, it seemed that everyone ate at her place at least once.

A feature of the restaurant was the liar’s table/corner. Many a scientist and politician has eaten there, and many a politician has been sat there by Aunt Eunice. You never knew who you would see there early in the morning. Those in the know on local politics, or celebrity watching, would keep an eye out there because everyone who was anyone did come through those doors.

LW

Another Returns To The Light

Kelley at Suburban Blight has lost her grandfather. Please take a minute to go by and pay your respects to him and to her. Val Prieto has written a wonderful piece on this, that has tears in my eyes. May the light shine on you all in the days ahead, and know that he is looking down on you with love and pride.

LW

Farewell, Captain

The memories still bring a smile to my face, even with a tear to my eye. A beloved icon of my childhood has gone, and children’s television is the poorer for it. Bob Keeshan, Captain Kangaroo, had gone to the light.

I remember that show with a great deal of fondness, with Mr. Greenjeans and Mr. Moose, and most of all Bunny Rabbit. It was a gentle show that engaged on many levels. Music, art, science – the Captain brought them all alive in a relaxed manner that was engaging rather than offsetting. Guests came in, and you learned even as you had fun. It is sad that kids today have no memory of this show, and of the gifted man behind it.

Keeshan was a Marine, and I have heard that he served his country well. That service extends across many years, and in many ways. Farewell My Captain. Thank you for all that you gave us. Your light will be missed.

LW

There Really Is No Good Way

Yesterday, I had the unfortunate task of writing a friend about a loss they experienced. That is never easy, but complicating things is the fact that this loss was a soldier in Iraq, and that this person is very much against the war.

Platitudes never do that much for me, but I did use at least one in the process. For what I wanted to do was to reassure them that in their writing they had indeed brought that person to life for me, and that they did not die in vain.

Given our polar opposite status on the war and such, this was a difficult and dangerous task. Rather, the latter part of the equation was, at any rate. I pointed out all the good that had come from the war, from the stopping of the rapes and torture to the negative death count that now exists. I hit on areas that I knew would matter to my friend, and on things that were very easily verifiable from multiple sources.

The other part was easy, for my friend had in a few brief lines made the person real. From high school to college, after school to the marching band, snippets of life came forth that helped make them into a person rather than a statistic.

That really was the best gift my friend could have given, for in that they brought the person to life again in the minds of the readers. That is a fitting gift to give someone, someone who died so that others might live.

Suicide By Cop, Gone Awry

My connections to law enforcement go back a good ways. A number of members of the family have been involved in that profession over the years. My father was a cop for a while after WWII, at least one uncle did some official/unofficial work in the field, and a few cousins are in it I believe. I have friends and contacts in law enforcement and related areas, and I have met some damn good cops, a lot of average ones, and a few bad ones in my day.

Good cops are one of the best things about civilization. They are the ones who go the extra mile, make sure things get taken care of, and set the example for others to follow. You just can’t say enough positive about them. Some may be rough as cobs in some ways, but the light shines through in all they do.

George Plimpton, RIP

I just read at A Small Victory that George Plimpton has died. I can’t say that I was a huge fan of his, but neither did I dislike him. His body of work is impressive, and his style of participatory journalism gave hives to many people in The Media that I can’t stand. You see, he violated the sacred code of journalism by failing to worship the shibboleth of objectivity. He took part, got his hands dirty, looked at things from the inside as much as possible, and then wrote about it with a passion and quite a vocabulary. He was not objective, and made few pretenses about it. That I do respect, and if anyone truly got the imbeds, in full and at once, it was Plimpton.

What he did ties in to a post on journalism that I am trying to work on when I can, and the doors he opened are important for saving journalism. More than that, some of what he did set the stage for blogs and blogging, and all of us who write blogs and pursue journalism and writing owe him a large debt of gratitude for the foundation he laid.

I love the great April Fool’s joke he did, and appreciated the many things he buried in his stories. He will be missed on the journalistic and literary scene, and we are much the richer for his having been here.

LW

Edward Said Dead

Well, I was raised “proper” and my Momma told me that if you can’t say something nice about someone, don’t say anything at all.
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Enough not said.

LW

Edward Teller, Johnny Cash, John Ritter

I really had not planned on putting anything else up today, but these need to be noted. I am already late on Edward Teller, but that came up during the 9-11 cycle and I would post nothing else that day.

Warren Zevon

Well, he sleeps now but we are all the richer for the time he spent with us. Singer, songwriter, performer -- he changed music for the better. In the end, he elected to spend his remaining time with his family and finishing his last album. That may well be why he lasted a lot longer than the doctors said. I've already said some good things about him in the past, so all I will say now is May the light shine on him and guide him, and on his family now and in the days ahead.

LW

Charles Bronson

The epitome of cool, at least from my youth, has passed away. I was a fan of his long before Death Wish and his 70s U.S. hits. One of the earliest movies that I remember watching was an Air Force flick where he was a test pilot. Being one of the lower ranking members of the cast, he also died, but he died well. With that distinctive face and manner, my nickname for him was “Cool Dude.” What I also liked about him was the fact that he could play suave and debonair, and pull it off even though he was not a typical Hollywood handsome boy/man.

Gregory Hines 1946-2003

His dancing was legendary, and a true joy to watch. From dancing, he made the leap to acting and brought enjoyment to millions more. Gregory Hines has died of cancer at age 57. He was the greatest tap and jazz dancer of his generation, and has been compared to other great dancers including Fred Astaire. He and his talent will be missed.

LW

A Giant Has Passed

Bob Hope has passed away from pneumonia at 100. I said it before in this post, but here was a man who set a standard that many more in Hollywierd would be well advised to follow. He will be missed, but his work lives on in film, video, and the multitude of good works he quietly started or funded without fuss or recognition. May the light shine on you and your family.

LW