The passings posts..in memory of those lost in 2003

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

With the year closing, I thought it would be as good a time as any to acknowledge both personal losses as well as public figures.

I'll start:

My aunt Marie
My aunt Max

Bobby Hatfield

Johnny Cash

[Mistress Quickly]

1. my dad

1 year this Sunday

[DODI]

2. Gregory Peck

[ronnykmarshall]

3. My beloved "son", Mickey.

:loveya::cry::loveya::cry::loveya::cry::loveya::cry:

:loveya::cry::loveya::cry::loveya::cry::loveya::cry:

[liberalhistorian]

45. OMG, he looks

EXACTLY like one of my cats, my favorite one!

[trof]

76. Uncle Bert.

Hebert Derouen
That's REAL cajun and it's 'Aye-bear', NOT HEE-BERT.
Miz t.'s late mom's brother. The last of his generation.
He was 86, and a lifelong bachelor.
A rice farmer in southern Louisiana and a wildcatter who found oil on his own property. Still a-pumpin'. Thanks to that and him, Miz t. will get a little check for one or two hundred bucks every month for the rest of her life, probably.

Bert was in the Pacific during WW II. Iwo, Guadalcanal, all of it. Only in the last year of his life would he talk to me about it a little. Here's what he told me: He saw some horrific sights. Here was a country boy, from a tiny Louisiana town, never been out of the state, plopped down in the middle of the bloodiest, meanest fighting in this century.

He was so disillusioned and disgusted by what he saw and experienced, the ugliest depths of depravity and what man could do to man, that he made a vow. If he could just get through this alive and relatively intact, he would never marry and bring children into such an insane world.

I wonder how many other Berts there are?

[juajen]

4. Thank God, no family members

But, I'll add

Katherine Hepburn

John Ritter

[nostamj]

5. Art Carney, David Bloom, Nell Carter

David Brinkley
Richard Crenna
Buddy Epsen
Buddy Hackett
Gregory Hines
Bob Hope
Michael Jeter
Gregory Peck
Fred Rogers
Dorothy Loudon
Johnny Cash
Hume Cronyn
Robert Stack
Florence Stanley

and June Cowen (a wonderful lady)

and nearly 500 of our country's best and brightest
and an untold number of innocents caught in *'s war machine

[catzies]

6. Katharine Hepburn, Bob Hope, Elliott Smith

Roma Armbrust, who was a great feminist and environmental activist. She was a mentor of mine. She was also president of our local chapter of the National Women's Political Caucus, and she asked me to take over for her (with assent from the rest of the chapter) and I did.

No one in my family, thank the gods.

[FarLeftRage]

7. Barry White

And with one day to go, no family member yet.

[Southpaw Bookworm]

8. June Carter Cash

Gregory Hines
Gregory Peck
John Ritter (one of my first crushes)

Pookie the Pit Bull

[blondeatlast]

9. My dear, WWII vet, dyed in the wool Leftist, wonderful, adored

dad, John R. Harrington.

Great thread, NSMA, thanks. Gotta cry now . . .

Damn, how I miss him.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

11. My condolences to ALL DU'ers who suffered personal losses this year

I really believe in the concept NOT of closure but of being able to complete things meaning they are as they are in the moment..it is an ongoing process...one of the things you will ALWAYS remember about 2003 is the loss of your father much like I remember 1997 for the loss of mine.

It is also just a way to look back at the souls we now have to generate through our actions and words since they are no longer here to speak for themselves.

[Darth_Kitten]

10. My grandma

:(

My condolences to all who've lost a friend or family member.

To anyone who was lost in war or any form of terrorism :(

[elperromagico]

12. Prominent South Carolina hypocrite J. Strom Thurmond

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

13. May he contiue to be dead for a very long time

sorry couldn't resist

[elperromagico]

14. Let us say a prayer to that effect.

[Elidor]

44. This week's top story: Senator Strom Thurmond is still dead

And so is generalissimo Francisco Franco.

[Rhiannon12866]

116. My dear friend, Paul, who was older than Strom

thought he was much too old to serve. I mourn the loss of my friend, who I got to know on a Peace mission to Russia, who died five years ago, on Christmas Eve, at 101. A remarkable man.

[Sufi Marmot]

15. Warren Zevon RIP

"...enjoy every sandwich..." - Warren Zevon

"Goodnight, Warren, we'll see ya." - David Letterman

[Amaya]

16. This is a hard one

Recently my auntie Elizabeth died 11/21/03 This is the first I've talked about this, it's much to hard. auntie Beth I love and miss you! :cry:
:(

[NightTrain]

17. From the world of '50s and '60s music....

Edwin Starr ("War")
Little Eva ("The Loco-Motion")
Ronnie Dawson ("Rockin' Bones," "Action Packed")
Arthur Conley ("Sweet Soul Music")
Bill Deal ("I've Been Hurt," "May I")

[Xandor]

18. our dear ones

My grandmother
my wife's father
our beloved dog (just last week).

A horrible, horrible year. It's got to get better.

[salin]

19. Duer - AllJunkMail

He is missed.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

21. Funny he came up in this post for me :-)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=589232#589267

[salin]

23. I saw that... and think we were both posting about him about at the

same time. I hope prodigaljunkmail knows how many people alljunkmail touched through this place.

[liberalhistorian]

46. And don't forget another

prominent DUer, Mike McArdle, and all the wonderful articles he wrote.

[salin]

62. Thank you Mike - for your writing to DU - your ideas and work

reached many. RIP.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

117. Thanks for remembering him here again!

He was a treasured soul! I can't thank DU enough for the 'home, home on the net' you all gave him! Brings tears thinking of him...

I love you guys!
David TheProdigal

[Padraig18]

20. Paul Simon.

May he rest in peace. :cry:

[soleft]

22. My Coworker Carmela

I've worked with her since 1985. She was originally from Siciliy and I used to practice my high school Italian on her. She was a petite woman, around 5 foot, and as sweet as can be, and it always amazed me that she was a US army Veteran, I could never picture her firing an M16.

She passed away a few months ago after a grueling battle with colon cancer. She left behind a husband and son. I'll miss her.

[blondeatlast]

38. My dad died with colon cancer too.

What a horrible thing for the body to endure. May she rest in peace--she's earned it; I know all too well.

[salin]

24. Congressman Frank McCloskey

(who was also our former Mayor)

and Governor Frank O'Bannon.

and Senator Vance Hartke (from that brief period of time when Indiana was represented by TWO democrats in the US Senate).

[Valerie5555]

25. Fred "Mister" Rogers

eom

[blondeatlast]

56. Fred helped children in ways he will never know.

He died shortly before my dad did. It helped prepare my son for the loss of his adored grandpa.

I think Fred would be happy about that.

[CBHagman]

26. The Reverend Kenneth Seitz.

A veteran, a train aficionado, an Episcopalian priest, a friend to prisoners. As busy in retirement (!) as he was during his ministry.

A sweet, lovely man.

[brook]

27. My nephew...

Dickson Brock. He brought such happiness to my niece Kathryn. And he was too young to leave us so abruptly.

Lois Rogoway. A client of our senior program. Epitome of dignity and hope. Extrordinary lady who endured much and accepted it all.

Madelyn Rhue. Long ago friend, brave and funny. The world needs more people like her.

I like to think that all these people are in a 'better place' - we, being still of this dimension, are loath to let them soar.

Farewell and Godspeed. Your wings were earned.

[LastKnight]

28. Bob Hope NT

[ronnykmarshall]

32. I'll be flying out of Bob Hope (Burbank) Airport tommorow.

Thanks for the memories, Mr. Hope.

[cally]

29. sffreways son

My condolences to all those who had people close to them die this year.

[terrya]

30. My Dad, who went WAY too soon.

[greatauntoftriplets]

31. My cousin, Catherine List.

[Dookus]

33. sigh...

my boyfriend's on the phone with his mother right now... evidently his grandmother just died this afternoon :(

[salin]

34. sorry to hear that...

sending warm wishes and solace to your bf and his family. :(

[jimbo fett]

35. My best friend, Sherri. KILLED BY A DRUNK BASTARD, ER, I MEAN DRIVER

Riding her motorcycle on a beautiful, summer Sunday morning. The dickweed crossed the double-yellow lines. She never saw it coming hopefully.

I'm not a capital punishment supporter but in this case I think I could make an exception.

[blondeatlast]

39. You were right the first time.

Their indulgence leads to an innocent death.

[jimbo fett]

41. I'm trying not to let hate creep into my heart.

It's hard though.

[peterh]

36. My Dad in January…

My brother a year ago March….
My Mother-in-Law two years ago March….
A couple of cats in between….

All I can say is, a lot of bad shit has happen since the twit took office….

Here’s to a turn-around in `04 and beyond…:toast:

Thanks for the thread NSMA :thumbsup:

[JanMichael]

37. My uncle Von...Another victim of a screwed up Healthcare System.

Too old for a job that paid HC and too young for Medicare. Oh and a wife with Alheimers who didn't take him to the hospital until two weeks AFTER he suffered a stroke. She (and so was he) was too afraid that the bills would wreck them and was too far gone to realize that he was so sick...

[mac56]

40. My father-in-law

One of the kindest, most honest, and bravest men I have ever known.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

42. My Aunt Juanita Martin

My favorite aunt. She took me to school the first day of the first grade. While walking with her to the door of the school, she found a penny on the sidewalk. She picked it up and gave it to me, and said I would be lucky from then on.

She was right.

[proud patriot]

43. John Ritter

and I'm coming up on the 1 year anniversary of my 19 yr
old cat Jakes Death ..Darn that stubborn cat still
tugging at my heart to this day .

[KoKo]

47. Some of our DU'ers who have been tombstoned or left for one reason

or the other. I miss 'em.

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

48. My grandmother

:(

[Selwynn]

49. My Aunt (December 17th, 2003)

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

50. kick

[mvd]

51. Personal

Uncle Hal
Uncle George

Public

Lots mentioned already, and Elliott Smith.

[Rocinante]

52. My mother Pauline

who died July 1 2003. Thanks for posting this.

[UrbScotty]

53. My dog Bonnie

She was put to sleep on June 20 at 6:00 PM.

:cry:

Also, my great-uncle Eddie, although I hardly knew him and apparently he was an alcoholic.

[UrbScotty]

54. Maynard Jackson and Martha Griffiths

Jackson was a civil rights leader, former mayor of Atlanta, and runner-up in the 2001 election for DNC Chairman.

Griffiths, who served Michigan in Congress, successfully fought to illegalize discrimination against women as part of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. She was Lieutenant Governor of Michigan from 1983 to 1990.

[Mari333]

55. all the soldiers and civilians who died in Iraq and Afghanistan

for nothing.
Lulu, our bulldog.
A free press.
The Constitution of the US
Democrats with a spine.
Gosh we are losing a lot it seems.
F*ck Bush and the horse he didnt ride in on.

[blondeatlast]

57. Constitution of the US

Not dead yet, but some are holding last rites.

Let's call on whatever powers in which we believe for a moment.

[PAMod]

58. My mom passed away December 4...

In addition to being a loving mom & grandma, she was a very strong woman, divorcing my dad when it was not OK to divorce (especially in our parochial, rural area) and then raising 4 kids practically by herself. I love my dad, but he deserved it and became a better person for it.

Once, when my brother's Phys-Ed teacher kicked my bro. in the ass, my mom came into the school and kicked the teacher in the ass. After that incident, all three became fast friends. We all still laugh about that incident, which really described mom's personality.

She was a life-long Democrat, and I miss our discussions about the current pretender in the White House.

But most of all, I just miss her.

[Robbien]

81. Mine passed on May 16th

She lived two hours away. I would go and visit about once a month and we would sit at the kitchen table and talk and talk and talk. She had a quiet gentle soul with a sneaky sense of humor which always caught me unaware.

I, like you, miss my mom.

[havocmom]

59. Missing my nephew

and so unhappy that I cannot lessen my sister's sadness.

[Blue_Roses]

60. My dad and

John Ritter

[NoPasaran]

61. My friend Fred Schuler

He drank, he smoked, he built television stations. He wasn't around that long but surely got his money's worth of life. I never knew anyone who had a bad word to say about him.

Jerry Russell. A very prominent member of the Civil War preservation community.

[Sal316]

63. My nana.

12/13/03

May she finally be at peace.

[Dees]

64. One of my dearest friends ever....my Yellow Lab Murphy.

I still tear up.

[nclib]

65. My sweet kitty

Reuben. God how I miss that cat.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

66. Lots of Du'ers lost close relatives..parents..siblings, etc

I didn't want to respond to each one personally, as I just wanted people to have the room to express...but please know that we are all reading this and acknowledging your loss and the fact that that person ment so very much to you.

[Bertha Venation]

67. Fishy Fish.

:cry:

[ewagner]

83. So sorry bertha

We were just talking about betas last night....I know how much you cared for him!

[Bertha Venation]

93. ty

I'm still crying. :cry:

I went to the fish store last night and got a new betta. The most forlorn, neglected, ugliest, colorless fish I could find. The one most likely to die in an inch of water in a tiny cup on a shelf after living that way for weeks. His color's already coming back. His name is Ziggy Fish.

[nini]

68. My cat Fluffy.... thankfully no human family members this year

I miss that darn cat!!

[Bunny]

69. My dad, Bob

Age 73, on February 9, 2003. Electrician, retired from US Steel.

[ikojo]

70. My aunt Katie (on my dad's side)

I didn't know her that well because of a divorce.

My high school friend's, son Bryant, died of the flu earlier this month.

[Kellanved]

71. My Great-Grandmother

She passed away at age 95 - she could tell shocking stories, although she rarely did.

My condolences to all, who lost someone dear.

[DoNotRefill]

72. Betrayed by the land that bore us,

forlorn by those we hold dear.
The good have all gone before us,
and only the wicked are here.
So stand to, your glasses ready,
for the world is a world full of lies.
Here's to those gone before us,
And here's to the next man that dies.

:toast: Pros't! :toast:

[HEyHEY]

73. Wilson from Home Improvement

Just the other day

[AlGore-08.com]

74. Let's not forget Katherine Hepburn

Thankfully, I did not loose any family or friends this year. 2001 and 2002 were a different story...

[Butterflies]

75. Mr. Rogers

I didn't watch his show anymore, but I miss him being in the world.

[Norbert]

77. Warren Zevon

I loved his quirky sense of humor.

Also:

Bill Maulden
Warren Spahn
John Ritter
Tony Renna
Buddy Ebsen
Jack Elam
Barry White
Robert Palmer
Nina Simone
Gisele McKensie
Herbie Mann
Art Carney
Johnny Boyd
Kathryn Hepburn
Gregory Peck
John Entwistle
Otto Graham
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
democracy

[rbnyc]

78. IMO

My baby, "Crash".

:loveya:

[Dookus]

79. Again...

so sorry, Rbnyc. Happy New Year, and may 2004 be everything for you that 2003 wasn't.

[rbnyc]

80. Happy New Year, Dookus.

Thanks so much. You've been a great friend.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

99. I love Cliff!

We talked today :-) Here's to you and your future. :loveya:

[rbnyc]

100. You talked to Cliff?

Did he tell you I'm allowed to kiss girls?? :loveya:

Wow, I can't wait to get home and ask him about your conversation.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

102. You're STILL at work???

Damn! He said he was bummed he couldn't spend it with you...he is a charm...really liked him.

Yes I called to wish you a happy new year and tell you that this year will be your year and that you had paid your dues...we had a great little chat.

I am CLEAR how come you love him :D

[rbnyc]

105. I got home around 3 am...

...and there was still a bit of a party going on at my place. Went to bed around 5.

I'm glad you gat to talk to him. I'm really proud of him. He's great.

[Padraig18]

82. Almost 500 American soldiers, 200+ British soldiers....

...and tens of thousands of Iraqis--- all murdered by the Crminal Squatter in the People's House.

May they rest in peace... :cry:

[LWolf]

84. 2

My student, an 8 year-old boy, and his mom.

Killed by a driver who crossed over the yellow line and spun out of control.

[Ramsey]

85. Our own DUer...

Birdman, who passed away only a few weeks go.


And of course, all the US soldiers needlessly slain in Iraq and Afghanistan.

[Dookus]

86. I forgot to add....

my beautiful Polly, who died in September

[WWW]

87. Paul Wellstone:(

The greatest Duer ever.

[ewagner]

88. To all DUer who suffered losses this year

Please know that it is touching that we are close enough to share and discuss those losses with each other. That's why I love this community. This is a caring and supportive community and, even though we may vehemently disagree with each other from time to time, when one of us suffers a loss, the others gather around in support.

I hope all who have suffered a loss this year may find solace and peace.

I think of those who passed this year who have touched all of our lives and say to them, "thank you".

I think of the people in the armed services who have lost their lives this year and my heart goes out to their families.

It is fitting that we remember those lost, but it is appropriate also for us to think of the future; to resolve ourselves to the task at hand; to restore our country to it's principles; not just for ourselves but also for future generations.

[Robbien]

92. Thanks

From one of the many who have lost, thanks. DU and DUers being here has been a support. Not only in this time of personal loss, but in the loss of what I believed our country is, should be and could be.

As G_D posted in his thread in GD Letter to a Young Activist During Troubled Times

Any small, calm thing that one soul can do to help another soul, to assist some portion of this poor suffering world, will help immensely. It is not given to us to know which acts or by whom, will cause the critical mass to tip toward an enduring good. What is needed for dramatic change is an accumulation of acts, adding, adding to, adding more, continuing. We know that it does not take "everyone on Earth" to bring justice and peace, but only a small, determined group who will not give up during the first, second, or hundredth gale

[ewagner]

98. Thank you

I missed that thread, but those are truly inspiring words.

[CO Liberal]

89. Buddy Hacket, Art Carney, Bob Hope

Three funny men left the world at a time that we really need funny men......

[name not needed]

90. my grandfather

ww2 vet and proud democrat.

[Valerie5555]

91. RIP those from 2000 - 2002

My cat Midnight (2000)

My Grandma on my mom's side (2001)


Lorenzo Music, Garfield's voice (2001)



The victims of the "incidents" of Sept 11 (2001)


Buddy Clinton (2002)


Richard Queen (2002) (Ex Tehran captive who had to be freed from Iran early due to neurological problems)


Luckily not Ambassador Bruce Laingen yet, for I heard he had been battling CANCER, and I was surprised (but not in a good way), for I half expected a certain 1 time Canadian ambassador who saved the Americans to be facing that sort of struggle for he may have been "living too close to "Ground 0" for his own good."


On edit for 2003 may I add, the Iranian Earthquake victims in Bam,Iran.


On edit 1 more from 1999 or Joseph Stanley Faulder, a Canadian man who was TEXECUTED on GOVERNOR GEORGE "THE TERMINATING TEXECUTIONER" BUSH'S watch in Texas, though he was denied his rights of consular access, he was said to have murdered some oil heiress.

On double edit, Pardon my mention of Stan Faulder, for I remembered how my local Amnesty Group worked on his case (since Amnesty is ANTI DEATH PENALTY) and GOVERNOR GEORGE W. SHRUB was one of the officials we had the misfortune of having to deal with at the time.

[Jack Rabbit]

94. Uncle Bob

World War II veteran, proud union man and baseball fan.

[aQuArius]

97. I had an Uncle Bob too....

Mine passed away in '95 at a very early age. He was Gulf War veteran and an Elementary school teacher.

[name not needed]

95. Paul Wellstone

A true patriot and one of many victims of PNAC's bloodthirsty regime. May he rest in peace.

[Breezy du Nord]

106. I think technically that was in 2002

But what the hell, I pray he'll rest in peace.

[Breezy du Nord]

107. Please ignore

Posted in wrong place!

[aQuArius]

96. My Grandpa....

He was the nicest, sweetest, kindest Republican I have ever known. I will miss him and Grandma sooooo much!

[maveric]

101. My patients at the hospital. Mr. L. Mr. W. & Mr. D.

Three guys I cared for and got to know. I was with them all when they took their last breath.
May they all rest in peace.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

103. Thank you SO much for what you do

I have read many of your posts about your work and know how much you care for your patients..I am so glad they all have you in their last hours even though I know it must be like getting your heart broken for a living.


Caregivers made all the difference when my father was dying and most came to his funeral and some have kept in touch over the last 6 years.


I really regard you as an everyday hero for being there for all those people.

Really :toast:

[blondeatlast]

104. Must be as tough as it is rewarding. Thanks for what you do, Maveric.

My dad's caretakers just loved him. After he passed, we felt we had to thank them and tell them individually. I was amazed at how grateful they were that we did this.

Thanks again.

[Breezy du Nord]

108. Gregory Hines

eom

[Norbert]

109. Sally Baron

She'd always watch CNN, C-SPAN, and you know, she'd just swear at the TV and say
'Oh, Bush, he's such a whistle ass!' She'd just get so mad," Bettilyon said."

These are the words of Maureen Bettilyon, whose mother, Sally Baron, died
on August 18 at the age of 71. When asked what if there was a cause to
which people could contribute in Sally's honor, her children decided to include
these words in her obituary:

"Memorials in her honor can be made to any organization working for the removal of President Bush."

We should never forget the lady that, even in death, is helping to defeat George W. Bush. God bless her.


http://dean2004.bmgbiz.net/defeatbush.html

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

110. LOL Sally got the fame and recognition in death that I'll bet she never

got in life! RIP Sally and thanks for the remark! We hope you know how immortalized you have made yourself!

[nomaco-10]

111. Aunt Estelle age 80 Life long dem and a Dean supporter

Jake age 14 my brother's black cocker. A good dog and a loyal companion.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

112. OK the day is almost done..anymore?

[Valerie5555]

113. Another for 2003

RIP Spike the cat, not my cat but that of someone I knew. He "did a Buddy Clinton" last summer.

[AlFrankenFan]

114. This is recent for me...

My second cousin Mike

I will also miss Rod Roddy :(

[devilgrrl]

115. Mr. Knaier, Mr. Langer, Mrs. Kresge and Mrs. Cesar...

they are dearly departed neighbors and friends of the family. :-(

[Ferretherder]

118. My dad. I miss him very much.

Wish you were still here, daddy...especially to see your beloved LSU Tigers fighting for the national championship!

Also, my wife and I lost three of our dear ferrets earlier this year - Mellon-head, Ratty, and Mitchy.........we miss those little guys so much.

Thanks, NSMA. Wonderful Idea.