Passings

It happened just after noon. I was not at the hospice but his wife was.

She had left the room while he was being bathed by the attendants. When she returned he had already passed.

I have been told by people who work in palliative care that this is a common occurrence. As if their wish is to spare you the pain of witness.

He held on for so long and his attitude was so good that he developed a wonderful relationship with the staff.

I’ll always remember when he took me down to U of T’s computer lab way back in the Olden Days. Big Iron that had more flashing lights than the Starship Enterprise.

I remember finding his Playboy stash when I was just a youngster. Liked the articles of course.

He owned a Triumph Spitfire back in the 70’s, so much fun to ride around with the top down.

Then he married and he and his wife raised two children.

No one in the family will ever forget being told how to build a watch when you asked him the time.

I’m glad I arranged a clandestine meet up with our youngest “unvaxxed” brother for him a couple of weeks ago.

Bought him some maple syrup. Sent his blood sugar sky high, but that’s what he wanted.

Music therapy class just won’t be the same without his skill on the Cowbell.

He said Mum had been visiting off and on, hovering over his bed. He also said Kathy came by as a Cat! I like that style!

I am certain Mum was there to show him the way today.

So long Brother.

British-Born Australian singer and actress Olivia Newton-John died on Monday at the age of 73, according to a post on her Instagram account.

“Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends,” the social media post said.

Australian musician Judith Durham, best known as the lead singer of folk music group The Seekers, has died aged 79.

Her band sold more than 50 million records and had hits including I’ll Never Find Another You, I Am Australian and Georgy Girl.

She left the group to go solo in 1968 and went on to release a number of studio albums.

Lovely voice.

Aged 89.

Tony Dow, best known for his role as big brother Wally in the classic TV sitcom “Leave It to Beaver” has died. He was 77.

“We have received confirmation from Christopher, Tony’s son, that Tony passed away earlier this morning, with his loving family at his side to see him through this journey,” an announcement read on Dow’s Facebook account Wednesday afternoon.

Ronnie ‘The Hawk’ Hawkins, a musician and impresario who helped discover and develop The Band and numerous other musical acts that emerged out of Toronto in the 1960s and 1970s, died around mid-day on Sunday.

h/t Osumashi

Throughout his life and six-decade career, Alan was many things to many people: a certified rock star to fans around the world; bandmate to a select few, and gentleman and friend to all who met him.

Ray Liotta, the acclaimed actor known for “Goodfellas,” “Field of Dreams” and many more roles, has died at 67, Variety has confirmed with his publicist. He died in his sleep while he was in the Dominican Republic shooting an upcoming film, “Dangerous Waters.”

The Canadiens — and hockey fans — have sadly lost another legend.

Gilbert Gottfried, the comedian, “Aladdin” star and owner of one of the most iconic voices in Hollywood, has died after battling a long illness, his family announced Tuesday. He was 67.

Bob Saget and Louie Anderson and Gilbert Gottfried.
The world is much unfunnier since the start of this year. pic.twitter.com/kPeKxyvM5z

— Eric Alper 🎧 (@ThatEricAlper) April 12, 2022