Obituaries for 2018

[Machiavelli]

Bill Loud, the Father of TV’s ‘An American Family,’ Dies at 97

Bill Loud was not the first person to play the role of a father on television. What made him a pioneer was that he was not acting — and that he was often not acting responsibly.

In 1973, when PBS broadcast “An American Family,” Mr. Loud, who died on Thursday in Los Angeles at 97, was the tan and philandering head of an affluent real-life household whose domestic dramas in Santa Barbara, Calif., were captured on camera for 300 hours and edited into 12 hourlong episodes now regarded as the genesis of reality television.

“An American Family” shocked American families. Aired with the imprimatur of public broadcasting, it was portrayed as sociological exploration, not exploitation, and although many people found it irresistible, it was also hard to watch.

More

An American Family

[jmyrlefuller]

Professional golfer Bruce Lietzke dies at 67

Lietzke was a member of the PGA Tour from 1977 to 1994, winning thirteen tournaments and finishing the 1991 US Open in second place. He netted an additional seven victories on the Champions Tour, including his only major win, the 2003 US Senior Open. A natural pro who seldom practiced so that he could spend more time with his family, Lietzke was known for being largely a part-time golfer, capable of finishing in the top 75 in earnings each year on the tour despite seldom playing more than 20 tournaments in a year.

Lietzke, who had previously been in relatively good health, died of complications from treatment to fight glioblastoma.

Obituary from Golf Digest

Wikipedia

PGA Tour profile

[EasyAce]

Former pitcher, Yanks coach Tony Cloninger dies at 77; once hit two grand slams in game



He was a 24-game winner for the 1965 Braves, but he's best remembered for hitting that pair of grand salamis during a 1966 Braves blowout of the Giants in San Francisco.

Cloninger's salamis were the first time any National League player hit a pair in one game, and he was the first pitcher ever, in either league, to turn that trick. His nine runs batted in on the day broke the record for pitchers set by Vic Raschi (seven) of the Yankees. That record still stands. Cloninger also busted a single-game RBI record---it had been five before his San Francisco mayhem, and he himself was one of the pitchers who'd done that, too.

RIP.

[Free Vulcan]

WWE Hall of Famer, legendary heel Nikolai Volkoff dies at age 70

Nikolai Volkoff, real name Josip Nikolai Peruzovic, passed away Sunday morning at age 70, WWE has confirmed.

Born in Croatia, Volkoff first worked for the New York territory -- then known as the World Wide Wrestling Federation -- under the direction of Vince McMahon Sr. beginning in 1968 under the moniker of Bepo Mongol. He departed the promotion in 1971 and returned in 1974 to feud with some of the territory's biggest stars such as Bruno Sammartino and Bob Backlund.

https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-hall-of-famer-legendary-heel-nikolai-volkoff-dies-at-age-70/

[TomSea]

Nikolai Volkoff RIP, he ran for public office a few years ago in the Baltimore area which his wikipedia bio confirms.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikolai_Volkoff#Personal_life

That was always a barrel of laughs, he and the Iron Shiek, who is still living.  Whenever I saw them, they were a team managed by Classy Freddie Blassie.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Sheik

The Iron Shiek actually had some real athletic prowess about him and videos that show it over at youtube, swinging those big clubs which they actually do in Iran, India and other countries.

[Free Vulcan]

Ron Dellums, Forceful Liberal in Congress for 27 Years, Dies at 82

Ron Dellums, the son of a longshoreman who became one of America’s best-known black congressmen, a California Democrat with a left-wing agenda that put civil rights and programs for people ahead of weapons systems and warfare, died early Monday at his home in Washington. He was 82.

His death was confirmed by Dan Lindheim, who was an aide to Mr. Dellums on Capitol Hill and was city manager of Oakland when Mr. Dellums was a one-term mayor there a decade ago. Mr. Dellums had cancer, he said.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/30/obituaries/ron-dellums-forceful-liberal-in-congress-for-27-years-dies-at-82.html

[mountaineer]

a California Democrat with a left-wing agenda that put civil rights and programs for people ahead of weapons systems and warfare

Leave it to the NYT to make that fool sound so noble. 

[TomSea]

Sheriff: Radio host Art Bell died of prescription overdose

LAS VEGAS — Authorities in Nevada say Art Bell, a syndicated radio host best known for nightly shows in the 1990s about paranormal themes and conspiracy theories, died of an accidental overdose of prescription drugs.

Nye County Sheriff Sharon Wehrly posted a brief Facebook announcement on Wednesday saying an autopsy determined the 72-year-old Bell died of "multiple drug intoxication from his own lawfully prescribed prescriptions."

More details at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/entertainment/news/sheriff-radio-host-art-bell-died-of-prescription-overdose/ar-BBLnuQ4?ocid=spartanntp

Rest In Peace Art Bell, I know he passed on a few months ago, a great entertainer.

[sneakypete]

Ron Dellums, Forceful Liberal in Congress for 27 Years, Dies at 82

 

Good riddance! One less communist oxygen thief.

[sneakypete]

Rest In Peace Art Bell, I know he passed on a few months ago, a great entertainer.


LAS VEGAS — Authorities in Nevada say Art Bell, a syndicated radio host best known for nightly shows in the 1990s about paranormal themes and conspiracy theories, died of an accidental overdose of prescription drugs

@TomSea

(Insert dramatic drum roll here) Or WAS it an accident and not someone trying to shut him up?  (Insert sound of rim shot)

[Free Vulcan]

@TomSea

(Insert dramatic drum roll here) Or WAS it an accident and not someone trying to shut him up?  (Insert sound of rim shot)

[endicom]

Andrea Rich

https://www.cato.org/blog/rip-andrea-rich

[TomSea]

Andrea Rich

https://www.cato.org/blog/rip-andrea-rich

A bit along the same lines, George HW Bush's assistant as VP, Mary Lewis has passed away.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/obituaries/bs-md-ob-mary-lewis-20180801-story.html
She also wrote political novels.

[EasyAce]

Andrea Rich

https://www.cato.org/blog/rip-andrea-rich

I was a regular customer of Laissez-Faire Books for a couple of decades, and Ms. Rich's writings in their monthly catalogs and elsewhere never failed to delight. She was an absolute champion of freedom, and we have lost something special in the world for her departure. Had it not been for her and her commitment to the literature of freedom, I would never have found such books as Frank Chodorov's Fugitive Essays, Friedrich Hayek's The Constitution of Liberty, John T. Flynn's The Roosevelt Myth, and Bastiat's The Law.

[endicom]

I was a regular customer of Laissez-Faire Books for a couple of decades, and Ms. Rich's writings in their monthly catalogs and elsewhere never failed to delight. She was an absolute champion of freedom, and we have lost something special in the world for her departure. Had it not been for her and her commitment to the literature of freedom, I would never have found such books as Frank Chodorov's Fugitive Essays, Friedrich Hayek's The Constitution of Liberty, John T. Flynn's The Roosevelt Myth, and Bastiat's The Law.

I knew of Laissez-Faire Books but don't recall ever taking the time to go there. I think it must have helped a good number of people, especially students, who would otherwise have known only the leftist pablum.

 

[sneakypete]

Andrea Rich

https://www.cato.org/blog/rip-andrea-rich

I am saddened to report that my dear friend Andrea Millen Rich died this morning at her home in Philadelphia at the age of 79 after a 19-year battle with lung cancer.

WOW! Nobody can ever say SHE was a quitter,can they? That was one tough cookie!

[EasyAce]

I knew of Laissez-Faire Books but don't recall ever taking the time to go there. I think it must have helped a good number of people, especially students, who would otherwise have known only the leftist pablum.

Ms. Rich ended Laissez Faire in 2005 and sold them to the International Society for Individual Liberty. In 2011 ISIL sold Laissez-Faire Books to Agora Financial. They maintain a Website with libertarian-leaning articles but don't sell books, at least for the time being.

[Suppressed]

Chuckle Brothers star Barry dies at 73
3 hours ago
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-45074955

Barry Chuckle, one half of the comedy duo the Chuckle Brothers, has died aged 73 after a short period of ill health.

The entertainer, whose real name was Barry Elliott, starred in ChuckleVision with his brother Paul on the BBC between 1987 and 2009.

Paul said: "I've not just lost my brother, I've lost my theatrical partner of many, many years and my very best friend."

[...]

[SZonian]

Charlotte Rae, 'The Facts of Life' and 'Diff'rent Strokes' star, dead at 92

http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2018/08/05/charlotte-rae-facts-life-and-diffrent-strokes-star-dead-at-92.html

[Suppressed]

Charlotte Rae, 'The Facts of Life' and 'Diff'rent Strokes' star, dead at 92

http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2018/08/05/charlotte-rae-facts-life-and-diffrent-strokes-star-dead-at-92.html

Pretty good run, surviving pancreatic cancer for 8 years!

[Machiavelli]

Paul Laxalt, Former Nevada Governor, Dies at 96

Paul Laxalt, the son of Basque immigrants who rose to political power as a Nevada governor, U.S. senator and close ally to Ronald Reagan, has died. He was 96.

Laxalt died Monday at a health care facility in Virginia, according to the public relations firm The Ferraro Group.

More

Wikipedia

[musiclady]

Paul Laxalt, Former Nevada Governor, Dies at 96

More

Wikipedia

Whoa............ now that's a name from the past!

[jmyrlefuller]

Stan Mikita, NHL Hall of Famer, dies at 78



Considered one of the greatest players to ever play professional hockey, Mikita, who emigrated from Czechoslovakia in his childhood to escape communism, played 21 seasons with the National Hockey League, all of them with the Chicago Blackhawks. He led the league in scoring in four of those seasons, was league MVP twice, and appeared in the all-star game eight times; to the present day, he ranks in the top 20 in points and assists in league history. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1983.

Mikita, who had icy relations with Blackhawks owner Bill Wirtz after his playing career, eventually reconciled with the Blackhawks in 2008. He was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2015 and died from complications of the disease August 7.

Obituary from the Chicago Tribune

Wikipedia

Career stats

[mountaineer]

Jarrod Lyle, Australian professional golfer, succumbs at age 36 to his third bout with acute myeloid leukemia.

Golf Channel:

Jarrod Lyle died on Wednesday night at home in Torquay, Australia, following his third bout with acute myeloid leukemia. He was 36.

Lyle, who played three full seasons on the PGA Tour, was placed in “palliative care” last week because “his body is no longer able to fight [leukemia],” and his wife, Briony, released a statement that said Lyle was with his family and friends when he passed away.

“Lusi, Jemma and I are filled with grief and now must confront our lives without the greatest husband and father we could ever have wished for,” Briony Lyle said in the statement. “At the same time, we have been blessed and overwhelmed with the messages and actions of support from around the world and feel comforted that Jarrod was able to happily impact so many people throughout his life.” ...

[Free Vulcan]

Aretha Franklin 'gravely ill' at 76: Queen of Soul surrounded by family in Detroit as they ask for prayers

Aretha Franklin is 'gravely ill' according to reports.

The Queen of Soul, 76, is surrounded by her family in Detroit, according to Showbiz 411.

They have asked for prayers and privacy for the the singing legend, who has battled health problems for the past number of years.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-6053735/Aretha-Franklin-gravely-ill-76-Queen-Soul-surrounded-family-Detroit.html

-----------------

Not to jump the gun, but she's a beloved legend. Guess we'll know soon if the rumors are true.

[Applewood]

Miss Franklin was supposed to perform at the New Orleans Jazz Fest this past spring.  A friend of mine goes every year and was disappointed when Miss Franklin canceled.  At the time it was said she was not in good health.  Sorry to hear this may be the end.  Her performances were always amazing.  May God take her gently.

[Suppressed]

Miss Franklin was supposed to perform at the New Orleans Jazz Fest this past spring.  A friend of mine goes every year and was disappointed when Miss Franklin canceled.  At the time it was said she was not in good health.  Sorry to hear this may be the end.  Her performances were always amazing.  May God take her gently.

http://www.showbiz411.com/2018/08/12/exclusive-aretha-franklin-queen-of-soul-gravely-ill-in-detroit-winner-of-18-grammy-awards

Originally diagnosed with cancer in 2010, Aretha, who turned 76 in March, bravely battled back and refused to be knocked out by illness. Her last performance as on November 2, 2017 for the Elton John AIDS Foundation in New York. Her final public performance was at Philadelphia’s Mann Center in August 2017. It was a miraculous show as Aretha was already then fighting exhaustion and dehydration.

[Cyber Liberty]

I like Aretha.  One of the all-time classic ladies.

[Sanguine]

I like Aretha.  One of the all-time classic ladies.

I do love her music. 

[mountaineer]

I guess we're kind of jumping the gun if Aretha is still with us, but there's no doubt her great talent will be missed when that sad day comes.

[Machiavelli]

Jim 'The Anvil' Neidhart dies (professional wrestler)

Monday morning, news broke that former WWF tag team champion Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart has died. He was 63 years old. WWE.com confirmed the news.

"It is with a sad heart, that I share with you the passing of a long time friend and colleague, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart. Your thoughts and prayers for the family are appreciated!" posted Cauliflower Alley Club president Brian Blair -- who often competed in the Killer Bees tag team against Neidhart and Bret "Hitman" Hart as the Hart Foundation.

More

Wikipedia

[Suppressed]

Aaron Cox, brother-in-law of Mike Trout and former Angels prospect, dies at 24
TOM SCHAD  |  USA TODAY
Updated 3 hours ago
 
Aaron Cox, the brother-in-law of Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout and a former minor-leaguer in the organization, died Wednesday morning, the team and his family announced. He was 24.

In a statement on behalf of their families that was released Wednesday, Mike and Jessica Trout called Cox "a phenomenal human being" who had "a deep love for his family, and a passionate dedication and commitment to his friends."

"As our families grieve together, we will also celebrate the memories, the laughter, and the love we each shared with Aaron in the short time we had him," the Trout and Cox families said in the statement. "We will rely on the love and strength of God first and foremost during this difficult and challenging time, as well as our dear family and friends. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers, and our Lord and Savior for His precious gift of Aaron Joseph."

[...]

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/angels/2018/08/15/aaron-cox-dies-angels-mike-trout/998043002/

[sneakypete]

Aaron Cox, brother-in-law of Mike Trout and former Angels prospect, dies at 24
TOM SCHAD  |  USA TODAY
Updated 3 hours ago
 
Aaron Cox, the brother-in-law of Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout and a former minor-leaguer in the organization, died Wednesday morning, the team and his family announced. He was 24.

In a statement on behalf of their families that was released Wednesday, Mike and Jessica Trout called Cox "a phenomenal human being" who had "a deep love for his family, and a passionate dedication and commitment to his friends."

"As our families grieve together, we will also celebrate the memories, the laughter, and the love we each shared with Aaron in the short time we had him," the Trout and Cox families said in the statement. "We will rely on the love and strength of God first and foremost during this difficult and challenging time, as well as our dear family and friends. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers, and our Lord and Savior for His precious gift of Aaron Joseph."

[...]

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/angels/2018/08/15/aaron-cox-dies-angels-mike-trout/998043002/

Looks like either accidental or (more likely) purposeful drug overdose/suicide.

[mountaineer]

The Associated Press
‏Verified account @AP

BREAKING: Publicist for Aretha Franklin says the Queen of Soul died Thursday at her home in Detroit.
9:57 AM - 16 Aug 2018

[Sanguine]

The Associated Press
‏Verified account @AP

BREAKING: Publicist for Aretha Franklin says the Queen of Soul died Thursday at her home in Detroit.
9:57 AM - 16 Aug 2018

May she rest in peace.

[Gefn]

RIP Aretha Franklin

 

RESPECT

[sneakypete]

May she rest in peace.

@Sanguine

One of the truly greats.

[ABX]

Aretha Franklin, the iconic singer who changed the face of rock and roll, soul and R&B with such classics as “Think” and her signature song “Respect,” died Thursday at her home in Detroit, said her representative, Gwendolyn Quinn.
The cause was advanced pancreatic cancer....

https://chicago.suntimes.com/entertainment/aretha-franklin-died-icon-soul-artist-rock-hall-of-famer-music/

[Sanguine]

@Sanguine

One of the truly greats.

Yes, she was.

[mountaineer]

... The daughter of a Baptist minister, Franklin incorporated black church music, blues and jazz to forge “a contemporary synthesis that spoke to the younger generation in the new language of soul,” according to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, which in 1987 made her the first female inductee.

Through four decades, Franklin was a regular on Billboard magazine’s hit lists. She had 17 top 10 songs and 22 top 40 albums. Twenty songs and 10 albums reached No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop lists.

She won 18 Grammy Awards, plus two honorary ones for her lifetime of work. In 2008, Rolling Stone named her the greatest singer of all time based on a survey of 179 producers, musicians and others. Time magazine in 2010 named her one of the 25 most powerful women of the past century.  ...

More at Bloomberg

[Applewood]

Rest in peace, Miss Franklin.  You were one of the greats.  Now your voice will join the choir of angels.

My favorite -- from the Blues Brothers (1980):

! No longer available

[jmyrlefuller]

! No longer available

[GrouchoTex]

The Associated Press
‏Verified account @AP

BREAKING: Publicist for Aretha Franklin says the Queen of Soul died Thursday at her home in Detroit.
9:57 AM - 16 Aug 2018

Much "respect" for that lady.

[dfwgator]

August 16th,  not a good day for "Royalty"

"The Sultan of Swat"
"The King of Rock and Roll"

and now, "The Queen of Soul"

[Bigun]

I like Aretha.  One of the all-time classic ladies.

I have enough MP3s of her music that I can listen for 8 hrs straight and never hear the same one twice.

[verga]

I am playing a bunch of her music for my students. Most of them are 9th graders and have never heard of her. So far they seem to be enjoying.

[dfwgator]

So on August 16th we've lost....


1948 - The Sultan of Swat
1977 - The King of Rock & Roll
2018 - The Queen of Soul


So if you have a nickname that connotes Royalty,  be very nervous every August 16th.

[Sanguine]

So on August 16th we've lost....


1948 - The Sultan of Swat
1977 - The King of Rock & Roll
2018 - The Queen of Soul
What about Prince?


So if you have a nickname that connotes Royalty,  be very nervous every August 16th.

[verga]

August 16th,  not a good day for "Royalty"

"The Sultan of Swat"
"The King of Rock and Roll"

and now, "The Queen of Soul"

How do you remember these things?

[thackney]

How do you remember these things?

https://www.onthisday.com/deaths/august/16