Famous Obituaries

Peter Falk aged 83; stage, film, and TV actor best known for his role as Columbo in the hit TV series. 

I'll best remember him in the film The Great Race paired with Jack Lemmon as the bad guys plotting to defeat Tony Curtis in their car race from New York to Paris. 

Yes, Paul, he was truly hysterical in The Great Race as Maximilian Meen, the bumbling and hapless foil for his master, Dr. Fate (Jack Lemmon)--the pie fight in the film is epic! But for me his most memorable and unusual role was in the German film "Wings of Desire" directed by Wim Wenders in which his character is billed as Der Filmstar. Of course, after seeing "The Princess Bride," I wanted Peter Falk to read ME a story! Rest in peace . . . "as you wish!"

I guess he had dementia, so I bet he's glad to have passed away. 

I liked Columbo.  

Clarence Clemons, legendary saxophonist from the E Street band, died on June 18, at age 69 from a stroke.  RIP.

One I hadn't noticed being reported a few months ago, US actor William Campbell who died 28 April, 2011.  A film and TV actor that I'll remember that kept popping up in several TV shows of the 60s and onwards, notably the Star Trek TV series.

I'd first seen him as Jerry Austin co-starring in the trucking TV series Canonball (1959-60) and then his earlier (1954) appearance in the John Wayne/Robert Stack film, The High And The Mighty as 2nd Officer Hobie Wheeler. Photographers might not be aware in that film the stewardess, Doe Avedon, was the first wife of acclaimed US photographer, Richard Avedon ( 1923-2004).  

What an incredible loss! He was without doubt one the finest saxophonist I've ever had the pleasure to hear.

Tribute to Clarence Clemons

For any of you who have an appreciation for the preservation of English church architecture, the Telegraph just posted an obituary for Judith Scott, who died on May 22nd of this year at age 94. Rather than ramble on about her tremendous importance in regard to the rescue of many historic churches throughout the UK, here is a link to her obit:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/religion-obituaries/8641284/Judith-Scott.html

She was truly one of my heroes and was respected and admired by such 20th century luminaries in the English architectural world as Sir John Betjeman, Dr. Francis Eeles and Sir Nikolaus Pevsner, the guiding light of the massive Pevsner Architectural Guides (Buildings of England) series. Such dedicated individuals are rare indeed!

Rest in Peace . . .