Obituaries for 2022

[verga]

Breaking Olivia Newton John Dead at 73

Heartbroken R.I.P. dear lady

[Bigun]

[Cyber Liberty]

We have entered very dark times, as of last night @Bigun.

[mountaineer]

August 9, 20222:18 PM EDT Last Updated an hour ago
Motown legend Lamont Dozier dies at age 81

Aug 9 (Reuters) - Motown legend Lamont Dozier, the prolific singer-songwriter who composed and produced hits such as "Stop! In The Name Of Love," "Baby Love" and "Two Hearts," has died at the age of 81, his family said on Tuesday.

Dozier died at his home on Monday, they said in a statement.

Dozier was one of the most recognizable members of the songwriting trio that included brothers Brian and Eddie Holland. The group, known as Holland-Dozier-Holland, wrote and produced dozens of chart-topping songs for Diana Ross and the Supremes, Martha and the Vandellas, the Four Tops, Marvin Gaye and other singers, helping to create the classic Motown sound.

Dozier also worked with contemporary artists such as Kanye West, Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics and the Black Eyed Peas. His music has been re-recorded in cover versions by the Rolling Stones, Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor and many others. ...

[sneakypete]

August 9, 20222:18 PM EDT Last Updated an hour ago
Motown legend Lamont Dozier dies at age 81

@mountaineer

This guy was not only a musical genius,he helped create musical geniuses by composing the songs they recorded.

The world has lost someone valuable.

[Free Vulcan]

@mountaineer

This guy was not only a musical genius,he helped create musical geniuses by composing the songs they recorded.

The world has lost someone valuable.

@sneakypete Wow. I do greatly appreciate pioneering genius and vision that helped to shape the world we know. What a giant.

[deb]

@mountaineer

This guy was not only a musical genius,he helped create musical geniuses by composing the songs they recorded.

The world has lost someone valuable.

So true!

[Smokin Joe]

@mountaineer

This guy was not only a musical genius,he helped create musical geniuses by composing the songs they recorded.

The world has lost someone valuable.

I agree, and I'll miss Olivia's singing, too.

[Polly Ticks]

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/aug/12/anne-heche-death-actor-dies-week-after-car-crash-aged-53

The 53-year-od US actor, who starred in films including Donnie Brasco, Catfight and the remake of Psycho, did not regain consciousness after a car crash on 5 August

[Kamaji]

Leon Vitali, Stanley Kubrick’s right-hand man, dies at 74

By Associated Press
August 22, 2022

Leon Vitali, the “Barry Lyndon” actor who became one of Stanley Kubrick’s closest associates, has died. He was 74.

Vitali died Friday in Los Angeles, his family told The Associated Press Sunday. He passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones including his three children, Masha, Max and Vera.

“Leon was a special and lovely man driven by his curiosity, who spread love and warmth wherever he went,” his children said in a statement provided by Masha Vitali. “He will be remembered with love and be hugely missed by the many people he touched.”

Though Vitali was often described as Kubrick’s assistant, Tony Zierra’s 2017 documentary “ Filmworker ” shed light on Vitali’s enormous and largely unsung contributions to the work of one of cinema’s greatest figures from “The Shining” through “Eyes Wide Shut.” He did everything from casting and coaching actors to overseeing restorations. Vitali even once set up a video monitor so that Kubrick could keep an eye on his dying cat.

Matthew Modine, who starred in Kubrick’s “Full Metal Jacket,” tweeted his condolences Sunday.

*  *  *

Source:  https://nypost.com/2022/08/22/leon-vitali-stanley-kubricks-right-hand-man-dies-at-74/

[Kamaji]

Last ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ adult star, Virginia Patton, dead at 97

By Ben Cost
August 22, 2022

Virginia Patton, the last surviving adult cast member from “It’s A Wonderful Life,” died Thursday at age 97. The actress’ passing was confirmed in a Facebook post by co-star and former child actor, Karolyn Grimes.

“We have another angel! Virginia Patton Moss. She was 97 years old,” Grimes wrote. “She is now with her beloved Cruse. She will be missed!”

Born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1925 and raised in Portland, Oregon, Patton is most famous for appearing in Frank Capra’s 1946 holiday classic, “It’s A Wonderful Life.” She played Ruth Dakin Bailey, the sister-in-law of James Stewart’s protagonist George Bailey.

*  *  *

Source:  https://nypost.com/2022/08/22/virginia-patton-last-its-a-wonderful-life-star-dead-at-97/

[Kamaji]

Gary Gaines, famed ‘Friday Night Lights’ coach, dead at 73

By Associated Press
August 23, 2022

LUBBOCK, Texas — Gary Gaines, coach of the Texas high school football team made famous in the book and movie “Friday Night Lights,” has died. He was 73.

Gaines’ family said in a statement the former coach died Monday in Lubbock after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Gaines made many stops in West Texas during a 30-year coaching career but was best known for a four-year stint leading the highly successful program at Odessa Permian. Gaines returned to Permian later in his career.

*  *  *

Source:  https://nypost.com/2022/08/23/gary-gaines-famed-friday-night-lights-coach-dead-at-73/

[mountaineer]

Len Dawson, Hall of Fame QB, Has Passed Away
by Anthony Farris about an hour ago updated 8 minutes ago   
Outkick

Hall of Fame quarterback Len Dawson, who led the Chiefs to a win in Super Bowl IV, has passed away.

Dawson, who played 19 years in the NFL, was 87.

In a statement released to Kansas City’s KMBC, Dawson’s family confirmed his passing:  “With wife Linda at his side, it is with much sadness that we inform you of the passing of our beloved Len Dawson. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother and friend. Len was always grateful and many times overwhelmed by the countless bonds he made during his football and broadcast careers,” said the family’s statement. ...

Dawson was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a player in 1987. More than two decades later (2012), he was again inducted into the Hall, this time as a broadcaster. ...

[sneakypete]

@mountaineer

Just think,if he hadn't smoked and drank,he might have lived to be 88!

[mrclose]

Kansas City Chiefs legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Len Dawson has died at the age of 87, according to his family.

Famous, not only for leading the Chiefs to their first superbowl win but for a photo of him sittíng on the sidelines, smoking a cigarette and drinking a Fresca!






https://fox4kc.com/sports/chiefs/chiefs-legend-hall-of-famer-len-dawson-dies-at-87/

[Right_in_Virginia]

[Ghost Bear]

I wonder what his vax status was. Not that that had anything to do with his death, of course.

[Kamaji]

‘Sopranos’ actor dead at 76: Robert LuPone was ‘A Chorus Line’ Tony nominee

By Samantha Ibrahim and Rob Bailey-Millado
August 29, 2022

Robert LuPone, a Tony nominee for Broadway’s iconic “A Chorus Line” who also appeared on HBO’s “The Sopranos,” has died. He was 76.

The Brooklyn native — who was also “Evita” legend Patti LuPone’s brother — passed after a three-year struggle with pancreatic cancer, according to a statement from off-Broadway’s MCC Theater, which he founded.

“The MCC Theater community mourns the loss of our much loved and uniquely inspiring partner, colleague, and dear friend, Bob LuPone, who lived fearlessly and with great curiosity, good humor, a boundless passion for connection, and a whole lot of heart,” the statement continued. “We will miss him deeply and always.”

LuPone was born on July 29th, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York, to Angela Louise (known as Pat), a housewife, and Orlando Joseph LuPone, a school principal.

While in high school, in addition to dancing and participating in the school’s drama program, he also excelled at oboe — ranking ninth best in New York state, according to his official bio. “The problem of my whole life,” LuPone once said, “was figuring out what I wanted to do.”

*  *  *

Source:  https://nypost.com/2022/08/29/robert-lupone-dead-the-sopranos-star-was-76/

[libertybele]

Mable John Dies: First Female Solo Artist Signed By Motown Records Founder Was 91

I love Motown and I've never even heard of her and here she was the first female solo artist to be signed by Motown. 

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/mable-john-dies-first-female-210715040.html

[libertybele]

Mable John - You Made a Fool Out of Me


www.youtube.com/watch?v=9f_LMab7IYI

[libertybele]

Quite a powerful voice!!

Mable John - Your Good Thing


www.youtube.com/watch?v=iF1VDhw7X4w

[Gefn]

Beloved News Anchor Found Dead of Apparent Suicide at 27

A popular Wisconsin TV news anchor and former college basketball star has been found dead at the age of 27 after apparently taking her own life.

Neena Pacholke, a former point guard for the University of South Florida’s women’s basketball team and morning news anchor at News 9 WAOW, was found dead during a welfare check by police at her home in Wausau on Saturday, according to TMZ.

Her sister, Kaitlynn Pacholke, told The Tampa Bay Times she died of suicide.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/beloved-news-anchor-found-dead-121428845.html

[DCPatriot]

My best friend and Best Man back in the late 60's was an already 'famous' barber/stylist.

He did all the television personalities...all the professional athletes, including one JACK KEMP!

Jack Kemp, of course, was the QB of the Buffalo Bills before he retired and continued a Congressional House career.  Coined "Trickle Down Economics".

Anyway, Jack Kemp made a bet with Len Dawson...the prize being a free haircut with Gino, compliments of Jack!  Can't remember if it was over a Super Bowl or a AFL Championship game...wince the Bills and the Chiefs are both in the AFC.

It was a hoot!

[Free Vulcan]

Got a blurb across my trading news feed that Gorbachev is dead at age 92.

No linky as of yet.

[Gefn]

Got a blurb across my trading news feed that Gorbachev is dead at age 92.

No linky as of yet.

Just breaking

Give me a second

@Free Vulcan

[GtHawk]

Just breaking

Give me a second

@Free Vulcan

So we will get to hear again about the end of the cold war was due to Gorby again?

[Gefn]

Mikhail Gorbachev: Former Soviet leader has died - reports

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev has died, according to Russia's Interfax News Agency.

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev has died, according to Russia's Interfax News Agency.

His efforts to democratise his country's political system and decentralise its economy led to the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991.

https://news.sky.com/story/mikhail-gorbachev-former-soviet-leader-has-died-reports-12685639

[Free Vulcan]

Mikhail Gorbachev, who ended the Cold War, dies aged 92 -agencies




Aug 30 (Reuters) - Mikhail Gorbachev, who ended the Cold War without bloodshed but failed to prevent the collapse of the Soviet Union, has died at the age of 92, Russian news agencies cited hospital officials as saying on Tuesday.

https://www.reuters.com/world/mikhail-gorbachev-who-ended-cold-war-dies-aged-92-agencies-2022-08-30/

[Gefn]

Mikhail Gorbachev, Soviet president who took down the Iron Curtain, dies

CNN)Mikhail Gorbachev, the last president of the Soviet Union before its dissolution, has died in Moscow at the age of 92, according to official statements.

Gorbachev, whose tumultuous rule was associated with the terms perestroika and glasnost (reform and openness) died after a long illness, Russian state news agencies reported.

"Mikhail Sergeevich Gorbachev died this evening after a severe and prolonged illness," the Central Clinical Hospital said, according to RIA / Novosti Tuesday.

This is a developing story... more to come.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/30/europe/mikhail-gorbachev-dies-intl/index.html

[jmyrlefuller]

Gorbachev's Pizza Hut ad, or, the Head Communist Embraces Capitalism:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgm14D1jHUw

[Gefn]

CORRECTED-Mikhail Gorbachev, who ended the Cold War, dies aged 91 -agencies

(Corrects age to 91 from 92)

Aug 30 (Reuters) - Mikhail Gorbachev, who ended the Cold War without bloodshed but failed to prevent the collapse of the Soviet Union, has died at the age of 91, Russian news agencies cited hospital officials as saying on Tuesday. (Reporting by David Lljunggren Editing by Chris Reese)

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/mikhail-gorbachev-ended-cold-war-202412767.html

[mystery-ak]

https://twitter.com/FoxNews/status/1564719461055303682

[Free Vulcan]

92 is a pretty good run for a Russian.

That's about 150 in American years.

[sneakypete]

CORRECTED-Mikhail Gorbachev, who ended the Cold War, dies aged 91 -agencies

Mikhail Gorbachev, who ended the Cold War without bloodshed but failed to prevent the collapse of the Soviet Union,

@Gefn

That HAS to be THE most clueless news report I have ever read. The Cold War would have never ended unless one of two things happened.

1: A nuclear war broke out between the USSR and the west

2: The Soviet Union collapsed.

Is it possible that reporter is really so stupid he or she thinks the USSR could have existed with free trade with the west? The Soviets kept their people under control by keeping them in the dark and feeding them propaganda about how evil the west was. Once you open the borders to trade,it would be impossible to expect anyone with 2 IQ points to rub together to think communism would survive in Russia.

To quote part of a famous WW-1 song,"How are ya gonna keep them down on the farm,once they have seen gay Paree?"

[GtHawk]

@Gefn

That HAS to be THE most clueless news report I have ever read. The Cold War would have never ended unless one of two things happened.

1: A nuclear war broke out between the USSR and the west

2: The Soviet Union collapsed.

Is it possible that reporter is really so stupid he or she thinks the USSR could have existed with free trade with the west? The Soviets kept their people under control by keeping them in the dark and feeding them propaganda about how evil the west was. Once you open the borders to trade,it would be impossible to expect anyone with 2 IQ points to rub together to think communism would survive in Russia.

To quote part of a famous WW-1 song,"How are ya gonna keep them down on the farm,once they have seen gay Paree?"

Funny, the way I remember it Reagan ended the cold war by forcing Russia to bankrupt itself trying to keep up with US military expenditures and advances and that is what caused the collapse of the Soviet Union and freedom for east bloc nations. Gorby didn't do squat but hold on for the ride and and fold.

[sneakypete]

Funny, the way I remember it Reagan ended the cold war by forcing Russia to bankrupt itself trying to keep up with US military expenditures and advances and that is what caused the collapse of the Soviet Union and freedom for east bloc nations. Gorby didn't do squat but hold on for the ride and and fold.

@GtHawk

That's the way I remember it,too.

It's not that Gorby woke up one day and decided to do away with Communism in Russia,it happened because the USSR was going bankrupt,and it was either open the borders for deals with the west,or face a revolution of hungry peasants who are wondering where their next mean was coming from.

Gorby didn't do this because he WANTED to do it,he did it because he had no other choice if he wanted to stay alive.

[catfish1957]

@GtHawk

That's the way I remember it,too.

It's not that Gorby woke up one day and decided to do away with Communism in Russia,it happened because the USSR was going bankrupt,and it was either open the borders for deals with the west,or face a revolution of hungry peasants who are wondering where their next mean was coming from.

Gorby didn't do this because he WANTED to do it,he did it because he had no other choice if he wanted to stay alive.

All the footage of Gorbachev this evening showing Reagan made me sad that it's been that f'ing long since we had a great POTUS.

[sneakypete]

All the footage of Gorbachev this evening showing Reagan made me sad that it's been that f'ing long since we had a great POTUS.

@catfish1957

"VERY grateful" is not strong enough to express my feelings for the Reagan Presidency. I do not think it is an exaggeration to state that "America would have gone Communist years ago if Reagan hadn't ran,won,and then had the stones to do what he said he was going to do when he was campaigning.


The one thing that Reagan had that Trump is missing is personal charm,and Reagan used that to bounce away any criticisms over his policies.

I don't think that even Reagan could get away with that this time if he could by some miracle still be alive and still be young enough to deal with the stress.

I think both the world situation and the focus of the Dimocrats now that they are out of the closet and not even pretending to be Americans anymore would leave Reagan ineffective.

We don't need charm now. It's way too late for that. What we need is a leader with a bull whip that is willing to use it.  Name ONE potential candidate other than Trump that fits that bill. Go ahead and try. I dare you.

[roamer_1]

All the footage of Gorbachev this evening showing Reagan made me sad that it's been that f'ing long since we had a great POTUS.

ONCE in my entire lifetime. My first vote ever was for Reagan.

[Bigun]

ONCE in my entire lifetime. My first vote ever was for Reagan.

Something REALLY bad happened to this country in 1963, something that the murder of John F. Kennedy is merely a symptom of, and we have never recovered.  Probably never will.

[rustynail]

Country music singer Luke Bell dies at age 32

https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/country-music-singer-luke-bell-dies-at-age-32/ar-AA11jZSl?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=9128886202c2411f85a4f8ddb2b9e049

[andy58-in-nh]

Something REALLY bad happened to this country in 1963, something that the murder of John F. Kennedy is merely a symptom of, and we have never recovered.  Probably never will.

For me, I think the turning point was around 1966.  A massive popular cultural shift occurred. Vietnam was heating up. The Watts riots happened. Civil rights struggles roiled the South. Men stopped wearing hats and ties - LOL, I know.  But look at a photograph of a crowd at a baseball game in say, 1965, and then in 1968.  Everything changed, and rapidly.   

Ronald Reagan was governor of California during that time, and thank God, became President after the tumultuous decade or so that followed, so that Gorbachev had to deal with him, and not Jimmy Carter.

[Bigun]

For me, I think the turning point was around 1966.  A massive popular cultural shift occurred. Vietnam was heating up. The Watts riots happened. Civil rights struggles roiled the South. Men stopped wearing hats and ties - LOL, I know.  But look at a photograph of a crowd at a baseball game in say, 1965, and then in 1968.  Everything changed, and rapidly.   

Ronald Reagan was governor of California during that time, and thank God, became President after the tumultuous decade or so that followed, so that Gorbachev had to deal with him, and not Jimmy Carter.

This is not the right place for this discussion so I will refrain from further comment.

[Gefn]

@Gefn

That HAS to be THE most clueless news report I have ever read. The Cold War would have never ended unless one of two things happened.

1: A nuclear war broke out between the USSR and the west

2: The Soviet Union collapsed.

Is it possible that reporter is really so stupid he or she thinks the USSR could have existed with free trade with the west? The Soviets kept their people under control by keeping them in the dark and feeding them propaganda about how evil the west was. Once you open the borders to trade,it would be impossible to expect anyone with 2 IQ points to rub together to think communism would survive in Russia.

To quote part of a famous WW-1 song,"How are ya gonna keep them down on the farm,once they have seen gay Paree?"

@sneakypete

I just remember sitting on my couch watching Reagan and Gorbachev tearing down the wall, and thinking Gorbachev was off of the good ones.

He shall be missed.

P.S. I really enjoyed the history lesson. I didn’t really get into modern  politics until the 92 election…..

[Smokin Joe]

This is not the right place for this discussion so I will refrain from further comment.

Yeah, I could throw some East Coast southern observations in there.

[Bigun]

Yeah, I could throw some East Coast southern observations in there.

There is plenty I could say as well.

[sneakypete]

Something REALLY bad happened to this country in 1963, something that the murder of John F. Kennedy is merely a symptom of, and we have never recovered.  Probably never will.

@Bigun

JFK or LBJ.

One was a borderline retard following his the orders of his evil father,and the other was a was a VERY bright guy that dreamed of being a dictator.

Either way,America lost with either one in office.

I am about half-way convinced the DNC saw JFK as being a weak sister,and had his whacked so LBJ could take over.

[andy58-in-nh]

Yeah, I could throw some East Coast southern observations in there.

Like what? That the South used to be the home of Democrat racists? It was. It isn't any more. The racists are now all up here, sadly.

[libertybele]

@Bigun

JFK or LBJ.

One was a borderline retard following his the orders of his evil father,and the other was a was a VERY bright guy that dreamed of being a dictator.

Either way,America lost with either one in office.

I am about half-way convinced the DNC saw JFK as being a weak sister,and had his whacked so LBJ could take over.

I thought that, that information had been released??  Wasn't the information supposed to be made public after 50 years???

[Smokin Joe]

Like what? That the South used to be the home of Democrat racists? It was. It isn't any more. The racists are now all up here, sadly.

That wasn't where I was going, but since you stepped there, there were a shitload of Yankee racists, too.
I recall our schools had been integrated for seven years at the howling behest of sanctimonious Yankees who were still burning buses in Boston the year I graduated from High School so their kids wouldn't have to go to school with "those people".

Typical Northeastern Liberals, they wanted to make rules for everyone else to live by, but weren't so good at following their rules for everyone else. Well, that hasn't changed.

Funny thing, the Northeastern Media outlets were the ones who constantly pushed the idea of Southern=Prejudiced (among other stereotypes), and to be sure, there was some of that (every stereotype contains some small grain of truth), but the first year our schools were integrated, it was a black student, a guy I knew, had played with and worked with on the farm side by side, who refused to "learn with him", pointing at me. There were two sixth grade classes that year, and he went to the other. Both had black teachers. My sixth grade teacher is one I rank among my all time great teachers.
My parents were Republican, as were many of the folks I knew, even if Lincoln was still regarded as an invader.