Obituaries for 2019

[mountaineer]

Re: Laurel Griggs. NYPost/Page Six reporting cause of death:

Young Broadway actress Laurel Griggs suffered a fatal asthma attack while doing homework in her family’s Manhattan apartment — calling out to her father that she didn’t “feel so good,” kin said Sunday. ...

“She said, ‘I don’t think I feel so good,’ which immediately set off all the alarms in my head,” her father, Andy Griggs, told The Post on Sunday. “She would never normally say something like that.”

Laurel was born with asthma and took medication for the condition, he said. The teen previously suffered a similar serious attack three years ago, and both of her parents closely monitored her afterward, the dad said. ...

https://pagesix.com/2019/11/10/13-year-old-broadway-star-laurel-griggs-cause-of-death-revealed/

[mountaineer]

Speaking of causes of death of actors (we mentioned his death in July on this thread):

“Seinfeld” actor Charles Levin died from an accidental fall, a report revealed Sunday — four months after the gruesome discovery of his vulture-picked body in a remote section of Oregon. ...

Police discovered Levin’s body at the bottom of a ravine, where they believe he fell trying to get help. He was naked without “external genitalia present” and had been partially-consumed by vultures.

“There were signs of animal scavenging likely in the form of turkey vultures as there was evidence of bird feces on and around the body,” the report stated.

Levin — who played the Mohel in the 1993 “Seinfeld” episode “The Bris” — was best known for portraying Elliot Novak in the CBS sitcom “Alice.”

Full story

[Applewood]

Watched Ed Sullivan every Sunday night from the time I was a little mite.  As a kid, Topo Gigio was one of my favorite segments.  Even stiff old Ed seemed to enjoy the little mouse.  Rest in peace, Miss Perego.

Terrible story about Mr. Levin.  May he rest in peace too.

[verga]

Pearl Harbor survivor George Hursey dies in Brockton at 98

Pearl Harbor survivor George Hursey dies in Brockton at 98.

The state’s last known survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor died of natural causes on Tuesday, leaving Massachusetts without a living veteran of one of the deadliest foreign attacks to ever take place on American soil.

Born on Oct. 14, 1921, George Hursey grew up with nine siblings on a farm near Durham, North Carolina. They lived in a log cabin and ate homegrown vegetables and livestock raised by their parents, he later told his children

https://www.thestuffnews.com/2019/11/10/pearl-harbor-survivor-george-hursey-dies-in-brockton-at-98/

RIP and thank you for your service and sacrifice.

[Elderberry]

CNN by Fernando Alfonso III 11/9/2019

The rancher and philanthropist best known for playing the original "Marlboro Man" has died after a life spent not smoking.

Robert 'Bob' Norris died in the care of Pikes Peak Hospice in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Nov. 3, according to a statement released by Tee Cross Ranches, which he founded. Norris was 90.

"If any man could be described in three words, for Bob they would be 'the real deal.' His solid authenticity, whether astride a horse, sitting in a board room, mentoring a child or sharing a moment with a friend, was his personal and professional brand. No doubt it was these qualities -- along with his tall, ruggedly handsome, lanky good looks -- that landed him the unexpected role of the first 'Marlboro Man' on television," the statement on the ranch's website said.

More: https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/09/us/robert-norris-marlboro-man-death-trnd/index.html

[thackney]

...Almost 40 years ago, Colorado rancher Bob Norris was hand-picked as the first Marlboro Man – with no audition or even a chance encounter with a scout. Norris had a contract with the tobacco company to photograph his horses and T-Cross Ranch for the initial Marlboro Man campaign.

But shortly after the crew showed up, they unexpectedly replaced their professional model with “the real McCoy” – Norris.

With a wry smile, Norris claims they lit on him because, as they were stomping on the model’s clothes to make them look authentic, they noticed Norris “was already dirty.”

The fact he was tall, lean and ruggedly handsome couldn’t have hurt.

Dressed in his everyday gear, Norris was lacking only two accessories, according to the ad agency executive in charge: a felt cowboy hat – he was wearing his summer straw – and a cigarette.

Norris found his winter hat, and they stuck a cigarette in his mouth.

Though they then proceeded to take a couple of thousand shots of him kneeling in front of his horse, Buck, he was skeptical they would waste all that film on him and wondered if the cameras were actually empty....

https://www.shrineofremembrance.com/robert-c-norris/

[Mod1]

Merged Norris thread into Obits.

[jmyrlefuller]

Here's a weird one out of Russia:

Timur
Goat who befriended a lion dies, age unknown



In 2015, Timur was fed alive to a lion named Amur. The goat managed to fend off the lion, which led to a brief friendship between the two. Amur eventually got sick of Timur, and as hostilities escalated, the zoo officials separated them in 2016 instead of letting Amur eat the goat as originally promised. Timur died November 5, 2019.

Obituary from The Moscow Times

Wikipedia

[TomSea]

The eternal second of the Tour de France is dead
November 13, 2019



The cycling wears mourning, the Grande Nation is telling one of its great idols "Au revoir" one last time: Raymond Poulidor, the eternal second in the Tour de France, will arrive at his home in Saint-Leonard-de-Ville at 2:00 am on Wednesday night. Noblat near Limoges died. This confirmed his wife Gisele the news agency AFP. Poulidor was 83 years old.

At the beginning of October, he was hospitalized because of "great fatigue", his condition worsened, he could not leave the clinic. "He left us this morning," Gisele Poulidor said.

When the tidy news spread on Wednesday morning, it triggered a wave of sympathy. "It's a big loss, I lose a big friend," said Belgium cycling legend Eddy Merckx and spoke of "great sadness".

Read more at: https://www.en24.news/news/2019/11/13/the-eternal-second-of-the-tour-de-france-is-dead.html

We Love Raymond Poulidor Because He Was the Tour's Greatest Loser
He made eight Tour de France podiums, but never once wore the yellow jersey. For that, he was more beloved than any rival who won.
By Patrick Redford   
Nov 13, 2019
https://www.bicycling.com/racing/a29785327/raymond-poulidor-tour-de-france-loser/

wikipedia

[Gefn]

Here's a weird one out of Russia:

Timur
Goat who befriended a lion dies, age unknown



In 2015, Timur was fed alive to a lion named Amur. The goat managed to fend off the lion, which led to a brief friendship between the two. Amur eventually got sick of Timur, and as hostilities escalated, the zoo officials separated them in 2016 instead of letting Amur eat the goat as originally promised. Timur died November 5, 2019.

Obituary from The Moscow Times

Wikipedia

Weird. But kind of nice too.

[TomSea]

Last survivor of the Hindenburg disaster dies at age 90
Kathy Mccormack, Associated Press Updated 5:05 pm PST, Friday, November 15, 2019


    FILE - In this May 6, 1937 file photo, the German dirigible Hindenburg crashes to earth in flames after exploding at the U.S. Naval Station in Lakehurst, N.J. Werner Gustav Doehner, the last survivor of the disaster, died Nov. 8, 2019 at age 90 in Laconia, N.H. Doehner was 8-years old when he boarded the zeppelin in Germany with his parents and older siblings to return from a vacation. Photo: Murray Becker, AP / Copyright 1937, 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — The last remaining survivor of the Hindenburg disaster, Werner Gustav Doehner, who suffered severe burns to his face, arms and legs before his mother managed to toss him and his brother from the burning airship, has died.

Doehner, the last among 62 passengers and crew who escaped the May 6, 1937 fire, was 90. The fire killed his father, sister and 34 others. He was just 8 years old at the time of the crash.

“He did not talk about it,” his son Bernie Doehner, said, adding that his father took him to visit the naval station years later, but not the Hindenburg memorial, itself. “It was definitely a repressed memory. He lost his sister, he lost his dad.”

Read more at: https://www.sfgate.com/news/us/article/Last-survivor-of-the-Hindenburg-disaster-dies-at-14838893.php

[mountaineer]

Vera Clemente, wife of former Pirates star outfielder, dies
Bill Hartlep | Saturday, November 16, 2019 8:10 p.m.

Vera Clemente, the widow of former Pirates outfielder Roberto Clemente, died Saturday at age 78.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Vera Clemente, the widow of the great Roberto Clemente and a cherished member of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Major League Baseball family,” Pirates chairman of the board Bob Nutting said in a statement.

“Vera epitomized grace, dignity and strength in the wake of heartbreaking tragedy and loss. Following Roberto’s passing, Vera raised their three sons into outstanding young men, while also working tirelessly to ensure her and her husband’s vision of compassion, service and love of others lived on forever.”   ...



More at Pittsburgh Tribune Review

[EasyAce]

Vera Clemente, wife of former Pirates star outfielder, dies
Bill Hartlep | Saturday, November 16, 2019 8:10 p.m.

Vera Clemente, the widow of former Pirates outfielder Roberto Clemente, died Saturday at age 78.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Vera Clemente, the widow of the great Roberto Clemente and a cherished member of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Major League Baseball family,” Pirates chairman of the board Bob Nutting said in a statement.

“Vera epitomized grace, dignity and strength in the wake of heartbreaking tragedy and loss. Following Roberto’s passing, Vera raised their three sons into outstanding young men, while also working tirelessly to ensure her and her husband’s vision of compassion, service and love of others lived on forever.”   ...



More at Pittsburgh Tribune Review

@mountaineer

The lady had as much class as her husband did. And that was class enough for three lifetimes.

RIP Dona Vera. Happy reunion with your beloved Roberto.

[Gefn]

@mountaineer

The lady had as much class as her husband did. And that was class enough for three lifetimes.

RIP Dona Vera. Happy reunion with your beloved Roberto.

Beautifully said @EasyAce may they be resting in peace together

[mountaineer]

Indeed, @EasyAce . Well said.

[Applewood]

Rest in peace, Mrs. Clemente.  I met her once.  Gracious lady. 

[TomSea]

Woman injured in Las Vegas mass shooting dies 2 years later
Published 22 hours ago
on November 18, 2019
By BNO News


Kim Gervais is seen in a photo before the shooting (Credit: GoFundMe)

A woman who was paralyzed in the shooting that killed nearly 60 people at a music festival in Las Vegas in 2017 has died in California, officials and relatives said on Monday. It was not immediately clear if her death will be ruled a homicide.

Kimberly Gervais, 57, and two of her friends were attending the Route 91 Harvest music festival on the Las Vegas Strip on October 1, 2017, when a 64-year-old man opened fire from a nearby hotel. One of her friends was killed instantly, while Gervais was shot in the back and became paralyzed.

The San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office said on Monday that Gervais was convalescing at a nursing facility in Redlands, California, when she was brought to Redlands Community Hospital on Friday. She was pronounced dead at 4:51 p.m. PT.

Read more at: https://bnonews.com/index.php/2019/11/woman-injured-in-las-vegas-mass-shooting-dies-2-years-later/

So very sad, the poor woman. I hope she has gone to her heavenly home after suffering such a devastating event having been inflicted on her.

[TomSea]

Thich Tri Quang, 95, Galvanizing Monk in South Vietnam, Dies

An orator with “eyes of a tiger,” he helped bring down American-backed governments in Saigon during the Vietnam War and pressed for democratic reforms.

By Richard C. Paddock

    Nov. 20, 2019, 5:21 p.m. ET

Thich Tri Quang, a charismatic Buddhist monk who helped bring down United States-backed governments in South Vietnam during the war-torn 1960s and pushed for a democratic nation with freedom of religion, died on Nov. 8 in the city of Hue. He was 95.

His death was announced by the Tu Dam Pagoda in Hue, where he had lived quietly for decades after the end of the Vietnam War, occupying himself by translating Buddhist texts into Vietnamese.

Mr. Tri Quang was a powerful orator who galvanized Buddhists to demand a greater role in public affairs at a time when Roman Catholics dominated the South Vietnamese government.

Read more at: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/20/world/asia/thich-tri-quang-dead.html

Not to be confused with   Thich Nhat Hanh , lives in Paris, a very influential Buddhist Temple. The two names are similar but a lot of people may be familiar with Thich Nhat Hanh. I think I read something by him.

[PeteS in CA]

https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2019/11/david-gibson-owner-of-gibsons-bakery-in-oberlin-dies-after-fight-with-pancreatic-cancer.html

OBERLIN, Ohio – David Gibson, the owner of Gibson’s Bakery of Oberlin, died Saturday at his home after a months-long fight with pancreatic cancer.

The news of his death was shared on the family business Facebook page Saturday.

“Today we lost a great man husband and father. David Gibson passed away this morning at home surrounded by his family,” the post says.

[verga]

https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2019/11/david-gibson-owner-of-gibsons-bakery-in-oberlin-dies-after-fight-with-pancreatic-cancer.html

RIP, you fight a good fight against evil.

[mountaineer]

Michael J Pollard, ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ and ‘House of 1000 Corpses’ Actor, Dies at 80
“I have always loved his work and his truly unique on screen presence,” director Rob Zombie says of Oscar nominee
Brian Welk | November 22, 2019 @ 9:30 AM
Last Updated: November 22, 2019 @ 11:41 AM

Michael J. Pollard, an Oscar-nominated actor who starred in “Bonnie and Clyde” and in Rob Zombie’s horror film “House of 1000 Corpses,” has died. He was 80.

Zombie broke the news on his Facebook page Friday morning. A representative for Pollard did not immediately respond to TheWrap for comment. Dawn Walker, a longtime friend of Pollard, told The New York Times that he died of cardiac arrest on Thursday at a hospital in Los Angeles. ...


Story at The Wrap

[berdie]

I like MJP. Especially in Bonnie and Clyde. I absolutely had know idea that he was that old. Not that it is...don't get me wrong. I just remember him in B&C.

[Applewood]

I like MJP. Especially in Bonnie and Clyde. I absolutely had know idea that he was that old. Not that it is...don't get me wrong. I just remember him in B&C.

It's funny, but I too have a hard time thinking of actors from years ago as being old.  Have to slap myself and realize that the movie Bonnie & Clyde is about 50 or so years old.  I remember seeing it at the local movie house when I was a teenager, much to Mom's disapproval.  She thought it was too violent for a youngster like me.  LOL

Anyway, rest in peace, Mr. Pollard. 

[Cyber Liberty]

I don't know why, but I thought Pollard died years and years ago. 

[sneakypete]

Not to be confused with   Thich Nhat Hanh , lives in Paris, a very influential Buddhist Temple. The two names are similar but a lot of people may be familiar with Thich Nhat Hanh. I think I read something by him.

@TomSea

Good riddance to Communist scum. He should have died decades ago.