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Monday 18 January 2016

B is for BLESSINGS

In the last few days, most of the western world has been shaken by the deaths of three famous men - a British actor/singer/songwriter, a British actor, and the husband and manager of a Canadian singer.  Each of these men had been afflicted by a wicked disease - cancer - and died far too young.  On behalf of all the ABC Wednesday cast and crew, I'd like to bestow blessings on these men and their families as they deal with the grief of losing their loved ones.

David Bowie
 (8 January 1947 – 10 January 2016)
Who didn't know this man's work?  His impact on the music industry was colossal, selling 140 million records worldwide and receiving nine platinum album certifications, eleven gold and eight silver, and in the US five platinum and seven gold certifications.  He left a legacy of work and in the end brought his art even to his deathbed.  (See "Lazarus" here)

Alan Rickman
(21 February 1946 – 14 January 2016)
What was he most famous for?  It's so hard to say as he played a variety of roles on stage and screen.  Some might say his best roles were as Hans Gruber in Die Hard while others might say it was Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films.  Maybe his best role was as the voice of the Blue Caterpillar in Alice Through the Looking Glass (to be released in May of this year).  Regardless, he will be remembered as one of the best actors of all time.
René Angélil
(16 January 1942 – 14 January 2016)
Best known as Celine Dion's husband and manager, he started out as a singer of pop rock songs in the 1960s with his group "Les Baronets".  He then got into managing other artists and first heard Celine sing when she was only 12 years old.  Angélil and his wife became cultural icons who, apparently, behind closed doors, were kind and down-to-earth people. 

Each of these men was famous in his own right, but we must remember they were human beings who worked hard at their jobs and maybe messed up occasionally in their private lives - just like the rest of us.  Let us honour them at their passing and remember them for the pleasure they gave us through their talents.  Blessings to each of them and to their families who knew them best. 

I saw this on Facebook, posted by Tony DiTertizzi, so on a lighter note, I'd like to leave you with this thought.  Imagine them in Heaven with René directing David while Alan looks on. 

***



27 comments:

  1. They all were heroes............just for more than a day! Loved this Leslie xxxxx Denise ABC Team x

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  2. Lovely tribute Leslie. There has been a lot of loss this month!

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  3. Wow. And I'd add Natalie Cole, dead at 65, and now Glenn Frey of the Eagles ,at 67.

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    1. Yes, Roger. I was devastated about Natalie Cole and shocked today when I heard about Glenn Frey. Too many in my age group saying good-bye and it's scary!

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  4. They certainly made the world a little better place by their music and art.

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  5. Wow Leslie what a lovely and heartwarming tribute to three great men!!

    I agree with Roger, those 2 earned a tribute also.

    Like these three, i've had to say goodbye to 2 very dear friends, both died in the past three weeks, both due to ccancer, both far to young to.

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  6. Add Glen Frey of the Eagles to the mix. So sad to see him go.

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  7. Wonderful tribute to three very creative men and their families ~ well done and so loving.

    Wishing you a Happy Week ~ ^_^

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  8. Appreciate the tribute! This times of year is interesting to say the least - for also the past two years well known people have died. Referring to Lesle's comment, Natalie Cole would be the one who's music I liked:)

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  9. So many - such a lovely tribute. Thank you.

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  10. So many - such a lovely tribute. Thank you.

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  11. Yes, may their memory be a blessing.

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  12. Professor Snape - Didn't know whether to love him or hate him, but I really do think he was protecting Harry. No one could ever fill Rickman's shoes (or wand) as Snape. Bowie was a talented man as well, one of my sister's favorite entertainers.

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  13. Bowie is on the top of the list of artists that touched my life with their music. May he rest in peace.

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  14. I had to write about Alan Rickman!! My first poem in months, so thanks for this prompt. Had to kick myself into action. Love you guys. Amy

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  15. That is a wonderful way to remember those who have become eternal with their work!

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  16. Blessings, indeed! May they rest in peace.
    My "B" stands for BRISBANE BEACH!

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  17. Bravo! A timely and fitting tribute.
    B is for BRIGHTON BEACH in Melbourne, Australia

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  18. Leslie, nice tribute. Bob Marley once said that one good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain. Thanks for sharing.

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  19. We continue to rock and enjoy their work down here, while they continue to make and rock to their beautiful art in eternity.

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  20. Wonderful and heartfelt post for letter B, they will all be missed.

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