Showing posts with label In Memoriam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label In Memoriam. Show all posts
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
RIP Dick Francis
I didn't hear this sad news until Entertainment Weekly arrived today (click to enlarge):
I love his wonderful stories which often have a horse-racing connection and always have interesting characters and excellent plots. I'm glad his son Felix will continue writing but I will always miss his unique writing style. I like to think Dick's in Heaven now with his beloved Mary, chatting with the Queen Mum about horses.
Links:
Dick Francis on Stop You're Killing Me!
Dick Francis author web site
I love his wonderful stories which often have a horse-racing connection and always have interesting characters and excellent plots. I'm glad his son Felix will continue writing but I will always miss his unique writing style. I like to think Dick's in Heaven now with his beloved Mary, chatting with the Queen Mum about horses.
Links:
Dick Francis on Stop You're Killing Me!
Dick Francis author web site
Thursday, February 04, 2010
RIP Mia
Mia Keeler
1992-2010
Rest in peace, fiesty girl. You were my first (surrogate) cat and the reason I love kitties. I miss you already and I always will.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Good-Bye, Dear Little Friend
Our precious little Saffron died in her sleep the day after Thanksgiving, just two days after my last post. She was sleeping peacefully in one of her favorite beds under the Christmas tree and seemed to know Roger and I were both with her. She coughed very delicately a few times and just slipped away peacefully. I’m thankful for her peaceful passing and so glad she was home with us. I know we did all we could to give her a wonderful life but I miss my sweet little girl already and always will. I like to think she’s already in heaven with Sable.
Thank you for all your love and support during her illness, from all of us.
Cathy and Roger (and Sophie the oblivious cat who nevertheless howled at the moment of Saffron’s death)
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Remember in the Fitz
November is flying by so quickly I just realized that for the first time in many years, I didn't the about the Edmund Fitzgerald on the anniversary of her sinking. Listen to the song and remember a good ship and 29 men who just wanted to get home.
Does anyone know where the love of God goes
When the waves turn the minutes to hours?
"The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald" by Gordon Lightfoot
Does anyone know where the love of God goes
When the waves turn the minutes to hours?
"The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald" by Gordon Lightfoot
Monday, October 26, 2009
RIP, Milvina
A memorial service was held Saturday for Millvina Dean, the last Titanic survivor. She was 97. The BBC story includes a short video with highlights from the service and her partner Bruno Nordmanis scattering her ashes "from a small launch on the water of berth 43/44 at Southampton Docks, the terminal from which the ship set sail."God bless you, dear lady. I pray you are with your parents now and this time you all complete your voyage together. Rest in Peace.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
RIP Sister Carol Anne
I just learned that one of my favorite authors, Sister Carol Anne O'Marie who wrote the Sister Mary Helen mysteries, died in May from Parkinson's disease. After seeing a death date on her Stop You're Killing Me page, I found her obituary and a nice article in the online Catholic Voice about her homeless shelter: "Nuns continue ministry to homeless women in Oakland."I found this picture and a nice remembrance of her on Stephen Danko's web site. There's another nice tribute on Janet Randolph's blog.
I'm so sorry to hear of her death and to learn that she suffered from Parkinson's disease. Apparently she didn't let it slow down her writing or her ministry! God bless you, Sister. I wish I could have met you in person but am glad to know you indirectly through your books. Rest in peace.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Holy Crap! Michael Crichton Dies
Holy crap! This was not the news I was expecting to see on CNN today: 'Jurassic Park' author, 'ER' creator Crichton dies.
I've pasted the story here in case the link disappears.
'Jurassic Park' author, 'ER' creator Crichton dies
LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Michael Crichton, who helped create the TV show "ER" and wrote the best-sellers "Jurassic Park," "The Andromeda Strain," "Sphere" and "Rising Sun," has died in Los Angeles, his public relations firm said in a news release.
Michael Crichton, here in 2005, was a director and best-selling author. He co-created the TV series "ER."
Crichton died unexpectedly Tuesday "after a courageous and private battle against cancer," the release said.
He was 66.
Crichton, a medical doctor, was attracted to cautionary science tales.
"Jurassic Park" -- perhaps his best-known work -- concerned capturing the DNA of dinosaurs and bringing them to life on a modern island, where they soon run amok; "The Andromeda Strain," his first major fiction success, involves an alien microorganism that's studied in a special military compound after causing death in a nearby community.
Crichton also invited controversy with some of his scientific views. He was an avowed skeptic of global climate change, giving lectures warning against "consensus science." He later took on global warming and the theories surrounding it in his 2004 novel, "State of Fear," which attracted attacks in its own right from scientists, including NASA climatologist James Hansen.
Crichton was a distinctive figure in the entertainment business, a trained physician whose interests included writing, filmmaking and television. (He was physically distinctive as well, standing 6 feet 9 inches.)
He published "The Andromeda Strain" while he was still a medical student at Harvard Medical School. He wrote a story about a 19th-century train robbery, called "The Great Train Robbery," and then directed the 1979 film version.
He also directed several other films, including "Westworld" (1973), "Coma" (1978), "Looker" (1981) and "Runaway" (1984).
In 1993, while working on the film version of "Jurassic Park" with Steven Spielberg, he teamed with the director to create "ER." The NBC series set in a Chicago emergency room debuted in 1994 and became a huge hit, making a star of George Clooney. Crichton originally wrote the script for the pilot in 1974.
"Michael's talent out-scaled even his own dinosaurs of 'Jurassic Park,' " said Spielberg, a friend of Crichton's for 40 years, according to The Associated Press. "He was the greatest at blending science with big theatrical concepts, which is what gave credibility to dinosaurs again walking the Earth. ... Michael was a gentle soul who reserved his flamboyant side for his novels. There is no one in the wings that will ever take his place."
Crichton was "an extraordinary man. Brilliant, funny, erudite, gracious, exceptionally inquisitive and always thoughtful," "ER" executive producer John Wells told the AP. "No lunch with Michael lasted less than three hours and no subject was too prosaic or obscure to attract his interest. Sexual politics, medical and scientific ethics, anthropology, archaeology, economics, astronomy, astrology, quantum physics, and molecular biology were all regular topics of conversation."
Michael Crichton was born in Chicago in 1942 and grew up in New York's suburbs. His father was a journalist and Michael loved the writing profession. He went to medical school partly out of a concern he wouldn't be able to make writing a career, but the success of "The Andromeda Strain" in 1969 -- the book was chosen by the Book-of-the-Month Club and optioned by Hollywood -- made him change his mind, though he still had an M.D.
Though most of Crichton's books were major best-sellers involving science, he could ruffle feathers when he took on social issues. "Rising Sun" (1992) came out during a time when Americans feared Japanese ascendance, particularly when it came to technology. "Disclosure" (1994) was about a sexual harassment case.
Crichton won an Emmy, a Peabody, a Writers Guild of America Award for "ER," and won other awards as well.
"Through his books, Michael Crichton served as an inspiration to students of all ages, challenged scientists in many fields, and illuminated the mysteries of the world in a way we could all understand," the news release said.
Crichton was married five times and had one child.
A private funeral service is expected.
I am stunned, sad, and speechless.
I've pasted the story here in case the link disappears.
'Jurassic Park' author, 'ER' creator Crichton dies
LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Michael Crichton, who helped create the TV show "ER" and wrote the best-sellers "Jurassic Park," "The Andromeda Strain," "Sphere" and "Rising Sun," has died in Los Angeles, his public relations firm said in a news release.
Michael Crichton, here in 2005, was a director and best-selling author. He co-created the TV series "ER."
Crichton died unexpectedly Tuesday "after a courageous and private battle against cancer," the release said.
He was 66.
Crichton, a medical doctor, was attracted to cautionary science tales.
"Jurassic Park" -- perhaps his best-known work -- concerned capturing the DNA of dinosaurs and bringing them to life on a modern island, where they soon run amok; "The Andromeda Strain," his first major fiction success, involves an alien microorganism that's studied in a special military compound after causing death in a nearby community.
Crichton also invited controversy with some of his scientific views. He was an avowed skeptic of global climate change, giving lectures warning against "consensus science." He later took on global warming and the theories surrounding it in his 2004 novel, "State of Fear," which attracted attacks in its own right from scientists, including NASA climatologist James Hansen.
Crichton was a distinctive figure in the entertainment business, a trained physician whose interests included writing, filmmaking and television. (He was physically distinctive as well, standing 6 feet 9 inches.)
He published "The Andromeda Strain" while he was still a medical student at Harvard Medical School. He wrote a story about a 19th-century train robbery, called "The Great Train Robbery," and then directed the 1979 film version.
He also directed several other films, including "Westworld" (1973), "Coma" (1978), "Looker" (1981) and "Runaway" (1984).
In 1993, while working on the film version of "Jurassic Park" with Steven Spielberg, he teamed with the director to create "ER." The NBC series set in a Chicago emergency room debuted in 1994 and became a huge hit, making a star of George Clooney. Crichton originally wrote the script for the pilot in 1974.
"Michael's talent out-scaled even his own dinosaurs of 'Jurassic Park,' " said Spielberg, a friend of Crichton's for 40 years, according to The Associated Press. "He was the greatest at blending science with big theatrical concepts, which is what gave credibility to dinosaurs again walking the Earth. ... Michael was a gentle soul who reserved his flamboyant side for his novels. There is no one in the wings that will ever take his place."
Crichton was "an extraordinary man. Brilliant, funny, erudite, gracious, exceptionally inquisitive and always thoughtful," "ER" executive producer John Wells told the AP. "No lunch with Michael lasted less than three hours and no subject was too prosaic or obscure to attract his interest. Sexual politics, medical and scientific ethics, anthropology, archaeology, economics, astronomy, astrology, quantum physics, and molecular biology were all regular topics of conversation."
Michael Crichton was born in Chicago in 1942 and grew up in New York's suburbs. His father was a journalist and Michael loved the writing profession. He went to medical school partly out of a concern he wouldn't be able to make writing a career, but the success of "The Andromeda Strain" in 1969 -- the book was chosen by the Book-of-the-Month Club and optioned by Hollywood -- made him change his mind, though he still had an M.D.
Though most of Crichton's books were major best-sellers involving science, he could ruffle feathers when he took on social issues. "Rising Sun" (1992) came out during a time when Americans feared Japanese ascendance, particularly when it came to technology. "Disclosure" (1994) was about a sexual harassment case.
Crichton won an Emmy, a Peabody, a Writers Guild of America Award for "ER," and won other awards as well.
"Through his books, Michael Crichton served as an inspiration to students of all ages, challenged scientists in many fields, and illuminated the mysteries of the world in a way we could all understand," the news release said.
Crichton was married five times and had one child.
A private funeral service is expected.
I am stunned, sad, and speechless.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
RIP Tony Hillerman
Tony Hillerman, 1925-2008.Obituaries at NY Times and Omnivoracious
Bibliography * Unofficial Web Site
Photo courtesy of the NY Times.
Friday, July 25, 2008
RIP Randy Pausch
Today's sad news: 'Last Lecture' professor dies at 47.Randy Pausch's The Last Lecture is one of the most uplifting books I've ever read. The theme of the book and his famous video lecture is achieving your childhood dreams. Most "last lectures" are by professors who are much older and ready to retire. Randy wrote his for his children when he learned he was dying of pancreatic cancer. He inspired millions around the world when his book and lecture were published outside of academia.
Needless to say, Carnegie Mellon's Last Lecture page and Randy Pausch's web site are overwhelmed by traffic today by people who want to pay their respects to this brave, modest, funny, and inspiring man who lived every day to its fullest and enjoyed life to its early end.
Rest in peace, Randy. I'm sorry you had to leave your family so soon. Thank you for inspiring us with every day of your life since your diagnosis. You will continue to inspire us through the loving legacy you left for your children, which you were kind enough to share with the rest of the world. The readers/viewers who have never met you mourn with your family, friends, and colleagues because you made such a difference in their lives. Godspeed, professor.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Godspeed, Tony Snow
Tony Snow1955 - 2008
Bio * Photos * Video
Tony Snow, Former White House Press Secretary and FOX News Anchor, Dies at 53.
This news made me so sad. I always enjoyed watching Tony on Fox News and as Press Secretary. He was an inspiring man who personified integrity, honesty, and politeness. It's sad to lose such a good person any time but his relative youth makes his death tragic. I truly hoped that he would beat the odds and overcome his cancer.
I love this photo of him leaving the White House after resigning as Press Secretary:
This is not a man beaten by cancer. Despite the signs of his illness and chemotherapy, this is a man still believing and fighting. Notice, too, his yellow Live Strong bracelet.Godspeed, Tony. God bless your family, colleagues, and admirers. We'll miss your courage, integrity, and grace.
Photos courtesy of Fox News. The first is from May 12, 2006, his first press briefing as Press Secretary. The second is from Sept. 14, 2007, his last day at the White House.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Always a Marine
In memory of my cousin, Gene, who died unexpectedly this week of heart failure at age 57. He was one of my favorite cousins, and one of the nicest guys I've ever known. We hadn't been close for years, but I will miss him and I am proud of his service as a Marine -- and he was one of the best.
I love you, big Gene. Semper Fi and rest and peace.
Marines' Hymn
From the halls of Montezuma, to the shores of Tripoli,
We fight our country's battles in the air, on land and sea.
First to fight for right and freedom, and to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title of United States Marine.
Our Flag's unfurled to every breeze from dawn to setting sun.
We have fought in every clime and place, where we could take a gun.
In the snow of far off northern lands and in sunny tropic scenes,
You will find us always on the job, the United States Marines.
Here's health to you and to our Corps, which we are proud to serve.
In many a strife we've fought for life and never lost our nerve.
If the Army and the Navy ever look on heaven's scenes,
they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines.
Taps
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.
From the halls of Montezuma, to the shores of Tripoli,
We fight our country's battles in the air, on land and sea.
First to fight for right and freedom, and to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title of United States Marine.
Our Flag's unfurled to every breeze from dawn to setting sun.
We have fought in every clime and place, where we could take a gun.
In the snow of far off northern lands and in sunny tropic scenes,
You will find us always on the job, the United States Marines.
Here's health to you and to our Corps, which we are proud to serve.
In many a strife we've fought for life and never lost our nerve.
If the Army and the Navy ever look on heaven's scenes,
they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines.
Taps
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.
Fading light, dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright.
From afar, drawing nigh, falls the night.
Thanks and praise, for our days,
'Neath the sun, 'neath the stars, neath the sky;
As we go, this we know, God is nigh.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
And Then There Was One...
Barbara West Daintin, one of the two remaining Titanic survivors, died on Oct. 16 and her funeral was held this past Monday. Apparently her family did not want news of her death released immediately; it was mentioned only briefly in the Mirror yesterday. Barbara was only a year old when Titanic sank and had no recollection of the disaster. She always refused to discuss it saying she wanted "nothing to do with the Titanic people." That's understandable since she lost her father in the disaster and her mother was devastated.
Millvina Dean, 95, who was just nine weeks old when Titanic sank, is the last survivor. She barely spoke about her family's Titanic experience until she was in her 70s. She has been a popular guest at many Titanic events since then.
May Barbara rest in peace and may Millvina have many more happy, healthy years.
UPDATE Nov. 13: Don Lynch found this description of the ringing of bells at Truro Cathedral for Barbara West Dainton.
Millvina Dean, 95, who was just nine weeks old when Titanic sank, is the last survivor. She barely spoke about her family's Titanic experience until she was in her 70s. She has been a popular guest at many Titanic events since then.
May Barbara rest in peace and may Millvina have many more happy, healthy years.
UPDATE Nov. 13: Don Lynch found this description of the ringing of bells at Truro Cathedral for Barbara West Dainton.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
RIP Mr. G
Apparently I am going to have to stop reading/watching the news. I was already sad about Mozart when I read that Robert Goulet died Tues. from a rare lung disorder while awaiting a lung transplant.
Although I never got to see him play Sir Lancelot in Camelot, I love his songs in the album by the original Broadway cast.
In a fitting tribute, the lights on Broadway (and theatres everywhere) were dimmed in his memory Tues. night.
Rest in Peace, Mr. G. You'll always be Sir Lancelot to me.
Although I never got to see him play Sir Lancelot in Camelot, I love his songs in the album by the original Broadway cast.
In a fitting tribute, the lights on Broadway (and theatres everywhere) were dimmed in his memory Tues. night.
Rest in Peace, Mr. G. You'll always be Sir Lancelot to me.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Never Forget
Take a moment to look at the memorials, photo essay, and videos on Fox News today and remember 9/11/01.
My university is having a memorial today including a Walk of Remembrance from the University Center, where there will be 3,0000 miniature flags (one for each victim), to the Patriot’s Grove, a collection of trees that represent historical locations and events from our nation’s history. The interim chancellor and students will join in planting a Sweet Gum tree (the same trees have been planted at the 9/11 Memorial site in New York City). Follow the link for pictures and the text of the Chancellor's address.
My university is having a memorial today including a Walk of Remembrance from the University Center, where there will be 3,0000 miniature flags (one for each victim), to the Patriot’s Grove, a collection of trees that represent historical locations and events from our nation’s history. The interim chancellor and students will join in planting a Sweet Gum tree (the same trees have been planted at the 9/11 Memorial site in New York City). Follow the link for pictures and the text of the Chancellor's address.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
RIP Madeleine L'Engle
In yesterday's news: 'A Wrinkle in Time' author L'Engle dies.Now I feel really sad. I loved her books when I was a kid. I didn't realize how much A Wrinkle in Time impressed my husband until he blogged about it yesterday. Now I want to read all the books in that series again, including the "new" 4th book which I've never read. (Yes, when I was young this series only had three books.)
UPDATE: Oct. 3. I just visited her official web site and found that there are five books in the Wrinkle in Time series!
The News section of her website includes this memorial info:
The memorial service for Madeleine will be held on November 28th at 4pm at The Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. That is the day before her 89th Birthday--come help us celebrate Madeleine!
NPR Features a tribute to Madeleine and the tesseract here!
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Good-Bye, Luciano
Today on FoxNews: World-Famous Tenor Luciano Pavarotti Dies at Age 71.
I'm not into opera but feel so sad after hearing this news, like a great light has gone out.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Bo Schembechler 1929-2006
Bo Schembechler1929-2006
Obit * Coaching Record
He was the "winningest" coach Michigan ever had. "He will always be both a Buckeye and a Wolverine and our thoughts are with all who grieve his loss," said Ohio State coach Jim Tressel.
Bo loved the U of M vs. Ohio State game. He no longer traveled to out of state games, so he wouldn't have been in Columbus tomorrow anyway, but I'm sure it will be a hell of a game. Both teams will play harder than usual, wanting to win for Bo -- and I'm sure Bo will be watching from the best seat in the house.
Rest in Peace, Bo. We'll always miss you at U of M.
UPDATE: Sun. Nov. 19
OSU 42, Michigan 39. When my time comes, I'm sure I will die from heart failure during the last two minutes of a Michigan game. It was SO close!
Bo's funeral is today. According to the Ann Arbor News the public is invited to attend a viewing at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Ann Arbor, 12-3, today.
Tuesday "A Celebration of Bo's Life" will take place at 1:oo p.m. in at Michigan Stadium. (How appropriate!)
Memorial gifts can be made to support the Michigan Cardiovascular Center - Bo Schembechler Heart of a Champion Fund. Send contributions to:
UM Cardiovascular Center
300 N. Ingalls, #8B02
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Good-Bye, Mate
Today on CNN: Thousands mourn 'Crocodile Hunter.' The memorial included eulogies by Steve Irwin's father, Bob, and his eight-year-old daughter, Bindi. Read more on Discovery News and watch the service tonight at 9:00 p.m. on Animal Planet.
UPDATE: The memorial was not shown on Animal Planet at 9:00 p.m.; the message on the AP web site about it disappeared sometime yesterday afternoon/evening. Hopefully they will show it soon so folks outside of Australia can say good-bye to Steve. The few clips I saw on the CNN were very moving, a fitting tribute at his zoo with thousands of people attending.
UPDATE Sept. 27: Widow: 'Croc Hunter' death film won't be shown. Thank God! I hoped this would be the case but feared it might leak out on the Internet or something. Terri and the kids don't need that!
UPDATE: The memorial was not shown on Animal Planet at 9:00 p.m.; the message on the AP web site about it disappeared sometime yesterday afternoon/evening. Hopefully they will show it soon so folks outside of Australia can say good-bye to Steve. The few clips I saw on the CNN were very moving, a fitting tribute at his zoo with thousands of people attending.
UPDATE Sept. 27: Widow: 'Croc Hunter' death film won't be shown. Thank God! I hoped this would be the case but feared it might leak out on the Internet or something. Terri and the kids don't need that!
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