Good Bye and Thank You

Now that we have entered the first week of 2011 I would like to take the time to pay homage to the lives of those who left us in 2010. Of course this list is but a small group of the lives of those men and women famous or not, but none the less these individuals will be remembered for their body of work in film, writings, conversations, politics, thoughts, photos, and in some cases our dreams.

To those named and un- named individuals I take the time to say thank you for allowing your life to be shared with those of us who are still looking into our future to discover what legacy we will leave.

K. Gerard Thomas



Art Clokey- Cartoonist creator of Gumby and Pokey

Thank you for bringing Joy to millions of children world wide.




Art Linkletter - "Kids Say the Darndest Things "
Thank You for showing a humorous & wholesome side of Reality TV and even though sorrow and tragedy came to your family , you never quit as a humanitarian and entertainer.


Barbara Billingsly Actress -"Leave it to Beaver " and "Airplane"

Thank you for being a wise Mom that was the model we all wanted even though it was television. Thanks for one of the most funniest moments in motion pictures talking " Jive " in Airplane.



Robert Culp Actor- "I Spy" and "The Greatest American Hero"

Thank You for being apart of a ground breaking era on television in which
an African American co star ( Bill Cosby ) was equal in his ability to lead
and make decisions not just comedy relief.


Peter Graves Actor - "Mission: Impossible " and "Airplane"

Thank You for entertaining us with intellectually savvy spy and espionage
programing and your ability to express humor with a straight face.


Fess Parker- Actor "Davy Crockett " and "Daniel Boone"

During the fifties a movement among children was started as a
result of the popular Disney motion picture as real life frontiersman
and politician Davy Crockett and in the sixties Daniel Boone.



James Macarthur- Actor "Hawaii Five-O"

The real one and only "Danno" who respected the authority
of his captain. "Book Em Danno" is a quote that is part of
television lore.



Patricia Neal Actress - "The Day the Earth Stood Still" "The Walton's Homecoming" Overcoming a stroke and being one of the most respected actresses in the industry watching her tough as nails roll of the Walton's mother is always a memorable part of my Christmas holiday.





Ms. Dorthy Height- Civil Rights Leader

At a divisive time in our nations history she used her God given ability to organize others for the common good, as a leader she was instrumental as a significant voice for African American women and men. Thank You for helping in giving a voice to those of us who would have been ignored if not for your willingness to stand on our behalf.



Tony Curtis Actor- "Some Like it Hot " and "Spartacus"

A tough guy with the heart of a kindness and a willingness to challenge
boundaries thanks for the many years of entertainment of which my
favorite was your portrayal of "Houdini" .



Tom Bosley Actor -"Happy Days"

"Mr C" to all of us late "Baby Boomers" a quintessential representation
of understanding fatherhood Thank You for helping me as a father in
learning how to communicate with my children with out getting to
flustered especially those bed side chats.



Teena Marie- Musician, Singer, Writer , Producer A powerful voice that rocked the music world and before Mariah and Christina there was only Teena your willingness to keep going during the early years allowed us your fans to experience your wonderful gift ..Thank You.


Teddy Pendergrass- Singer

The romantic rough yet smooth Voice of the lead vocalist of " Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes" to a successful solo career that may be responsible for launching multiple births in the late seventies and beyond. Thank You keeping romance going and even today Teddy can set the mood unlike any other.




Gary Coleman - Actor "Different Strokes"

The tough but extremely cute child star who in spite of his personal
physical challenges kept pushing forward to entertain us weekly
Thank You.



James Mitchell - (Palmer Cortland ) "All My Children"

Best known as Nina Cortlands father and the thorn in the side of "Pine Valley"
during my early years in college he was the main reason I watched AMC. Strong but loving his family almost to a fault some of his qualities reminded me of my father...Thank You for staying true to your character.



Ron Banks- Lead Singer of the "Dramatics"

The high falsetto voice others try to mimic but strain themselves because it

is not natural but Ron made it seem effortless, capturing our attention from

beginning to end of a song. " Be My Girl" "Me and Mrs Jones" and a host of

others showcased his true talent as one of the founding members of the

" Dramatics" Thank You for giving me joy and memories of eight tracks in

my car singing your music to my self and to others ...especially girls.

Leslie Nielsen- Actor  Naked Gun and Air Plane

Starting as a serious leading man he parleyed is ability
to entertain in a more successful venue comedy.. a cross
generational entertainer that captured the hearts of from
children to the more senior members of film goers.
Thank You for the many years of laughter you have given
to your audience.



John Forsythe Actor -"Charlie's Angels and Dynasty"

The original voice of "Charlie" and "Blake Carrington" the patriarch of a Denver
multimillion dollar business empire. Surrounded by a bevy of gorgeous but crafty
women was not easy to pull off but John held his own as the symbol of secure man
hood.    






Lt Col Lee Archer- Tuskegee Airman

One of the many of the  heroes of WWII who passed this year
our nation is forever thankful for your service.   


 

Elizabeth Edwards - Humanitarian

As the true backbone of leadership you fought for those
who were less fortunate and at a time of great trial you
demonstrated to us all what dignity and courage looks like. 

Thank You