Thursday, July 7, 2011

Richard Hirschfield "Dick" Williams

Baseball Hall of Famer -- via the New York Times. A combative disciplinarian, he led the Red Sox of the "Impossible Dream" to the AL pennant and the brutal 1967 World Series at the hands of my hero, Bob Gibson. He ignited the A's dynasty with back-to-back World Series victories; he even dragged the Padres to their first Series in 1984. Before managing, he served for 13 years on five teams in a number of positions.

Thierry Martens aka Vyes Varende

Author of science fiction, detective stories and comic-book plots -- via forums.bdfi.net.

Martin Woodhouse

Inventor, novelist and screenwriter -- via the Guardian. He penned several episodes of the TV series "The Avengers."

Francis Henry King

Novelist, poet and short story writer -- via the Guardian.

Fred Smith

Soldier who helped liberate Bergen-Belsen -- via the Independent. Let his story stand for those of the righteous who witnessed one of humanity's lowest points and worked to alleviate suffering.

Trevor Frankland

Artist -- via the Independent.

Charlie Craig

Country songwriter -- via WZTV.

Frank Marion Smith Jr.

Owner of sewing machine museum and musician -- via the Star-Telegram.

Iris Jeanette "Mickey" Weller

Hostess -- via obits.mlive.com.

Bebe Manga aka Elizabeth Bessem Ayamo Manga

Singer -- via crtv.cm.

Raymond Deter

Bar owner -- via the New York Daily News.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Anne LaBastille

Woodswoman, author and environmentalist -- via the Plattsburg Press-Republican.

Don Buddin

Infielder for the Red Sox, Colt .45s, and Tigers -- via bloodysox.com.

Joe Mazzone


Auto mechanic, baseball fan, cap collector and vintage car expert and hobbyist -- via morristowngreen.com.

Carl Wedekind

Activist and attorney -- via the Louisville Courier-Journal.

Dulcy Mahar

Gardening columnist -- via oregonlive.com.

Brice Phillips

Founder of Phillips Seafood -- via the Washington Post. Has my first soft-shell crab sandwich there -- one of my most delicious memories!

Kip Tiernan

Social activist and founder of the first shelter for homeless women -- via the Boston Globe.

Robert Sklar

Film historian, writer and teacher -- via the Village Voice.

Ottilie Patterson

Blues singer -- via the Independent.

Jane Scott

The first, and one of the best, critics of rock -- via the New York Times.

Billy Beck aka Frank Billerbeck

Character actor and clown -- via hollywood.patch.com. He was in everything -- my favorite role of his was as a spying private detective's assistant in "The Fortune Cookie."

Ewan "Sudsy" Clark


Actor and musician -- via westernboothill.blogspot.com.

Prince Twins Seven Seven

Artist -- via the New York Times.

Olivera Markovic

Actress and singer -- via blic.rs.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Cy Twombly

Artist -- via the New York Times. Of his drawing of a line, he said: "It does not illustrate. It is the sensation of its own realization."

Christy Essien-Igbokwe

Nigeria's "Lady of Song" -- via www.cocorioko.net.

Shri Kaikhushru Dhunjibhoy Sethna aka Amal Kiran

"Poet, scholar, writer, philosopher, and cultural critic" -- via overmanfoundation.wordpress.com.

Cassandra Hodges

Voice actress -- via capsulecomputers.com.au.

David Dunseith

Journalist and broadcaster -- via the BBC.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Anna Massey

Actress --via the Guardian. A great character actress, often typed as sour or spinsterish, but really a versatile and intelligent presence on stage and in film and television. Her most striking appearance was as the heroine of Michael Powell's "Peeping Tom."

Friday, July 1, 2011

Ruth Roberts

She co-wrote "Meet the Mets" -- via ESPN. Darned if she didn't write "It's a Beautiful Day for a Ball Game" and "I Love Mickey (Mantle)" as well!


Jimmy Roselli

Singer -- via nj.com.

C.W. Whalen Jr.

Six-term Congressman -- via the New York Times. Why is he listed on Obit Patrol? He opposed the Vietnam War; he helped end the draft; he was a liberal Republican who wanted to eliminate social injustice, boost education and reverse urban decline.

Ron "Byrd" Foster

Drummer -- via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Worked with the Igniters, the Silencers, the Iron City Houserockers, and more regional combos.

Benton Flippen

Fiddler -- via the Mount Airy News.