A compilation of interesting and significant obituaries, as they happen, emphasizing the achievements of those who have died.
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"By writing or reading obituaries,we can discover ways to make our time on earth more worthwhile, more productive, more meaningful to others." Alana Baranick, "Life on the Death Beat"
"'I always read the obituaries in The Times,' I explained to her. 'They make me bloody glad to be alive.'"
Motown executive -- via the Washington Examiner. She lent her brother Berry $800, and Motown Records was born. She was Motown VP and CFO; later, she founded the Motown Museum.
Former MLB pitcher and broadcaster -- via USA Today. A Cy Young Award winner, All-Star and World Series ring holder -- one of the best pitchers in recent times.
Poet -- via the L.A. Times. Here's a nice quote from him: "If humanity had the big answers, it would probably stop scratching under its underwear and actually take time out to smell the nice coffee breeze going by in that unilateral moment of music that we are all made of. Because people are just too hung up on not listening to the music that actually is there. If they had the answers to the big questions, they could follow the music to the dance hall that never closes."
Aerial stunt artists -- via the Detroit News, Daily Mail and the Kansas City Star. Green fell while wing-walking; Egging and Jensen will killed in plane crashes. The tragic trio of events took place at air shows last weekend. Fatalities at these events are actually relatively rare. No, I will not post video of their deaths!
Eventually, he worked his way into comedy at the BBC. He directed the first episodes of "Monty Python's Flying Circus," and produced and directed "The Good Life," "Fawlty Towers," "Yes, Minister," "Not the Nine o'Clock News," "Mr. Bean" and many more (including the pilot for "Blackadder".)
Songwriter and performer -- via AP. With his wife Valerie Simpson, he wrote some of Motown's greatest hits -- first, "Let's Go Get Stoned," then "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "You're All I Need to Get By," "Reach Out and Touch Somebody's Hand," and "Destination: Anywhere." Later, they wrote songs such as "I'm Every Woman" and "Solid."
Lyricist -- via the L.A. Times. One of the great lyricists of the 20th century, he formed the rock 'n' roll/r 'n' b/soul songwriting team of Leiber and Stoller. Among his greatest works are:"Hound Dog," "Kansas City," "Searchin'", "Yakety Yak," "There Goes My Baby," "Love Me," "Jailhouse Rock," "Charlie Brown," "Stand by Me," "On Broadway," "Ruby Baby," "Is That All There Is?", "Love Potion #9," "Poison Ivy," "Riot in Cell Block Number 9," and "Santa Claus is Back in Town." Their music is golden, just absolutely wonderful. We still sing it today.
Founded Project Open Hand, the first program to bring food and comfort to those housebound by their struggle with HIV/AIDS -- via the Bay Area Reporter.
