Thirteen years into the 21st century, Back to the Future Part II is looking less prophetic than I once imagined. Supposedly, we are now only 24 months from hover boards, self-drying jackets, and dehydrated pizzas. In reality, we have a re-elected African American president, the Cubs have yet to win the World Series, and poor Marty McFly has Parkinson's. One thing that never changes though, is the inevitable passing of celebrated figures we all know.
Before embarking on my annual tribute to those who said their final goodbyes, I'd like to offer a fond farewell to Shana, our family dog since I was in college. My parents brought her home in 2002 when our first dog Lucy was 13 and aging fast. I challenge anyone to produce a sweeter pair. Quickly realizing that Lucy, a Brittany Spaniel three times her size, took first pick of food bowls every morning, Shana learned to eat quickly. This is most definitely a Pava trait. Remarkably Lucy stayed healthy another three years, no doubt due to the exuberance provided by her new best friend.
Shana eased the eventual transition for my parents, brothers, and I and quickly forged her own quirky personality. She had a funny habit of spacing out and staring in one direction as she got older, although somehow she always heard the cookie jar. After long days at the hospital and bumper-to-bumper traffic on I-95 this past year, Tarah often came home exhausted. But upon arrival, Shana typically sprinted over, jumped up her leg, and stretched her little body as far as it would go. This wonderful hello only took seconds and forced a smile every time.
In August, my parents had to put down our beloved Mini Schnauzer, who was suffering from a heart murmur. Shana spent the day outside in the sun with us. She enjoyed a virgin McDonalds' grilled chicken (meaning no bun) and trotted around the yard. I still miss her. Shana was 15.
Several notable writers left us this year, including children's author Maurice Sendak (83), best remembered for the timeless classic Where the Wild Things Are. Science fiction pioneer Ray Bradbury (91) wrote Fahrenheit 451 and many other popular novels. Jan Berenstain (88) collaborated with her husband Stan on dozens of Berenstain Bear books, whose covers somehow still remain instantly recognizable decades later. And the title family continues to provide moral lessons to young children all over the world.
Henry Hill (69), who relayed his experience in the New York Mafia from the confines of the Witness Protection Program, died in June from decidedly uncinematic causes. His story of betrayal later made Ray Liotta a star and inspired the best American film of the past 25 years, Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas. Another individual who made waves was Rodney King (47), whose videotaped beating by the LAPD in 1991 sparked racial tension and deadly riots.
Music took a hit this year with the loss of pop icon Davy Jones (66), lead singer for The Monkees. The catchy hit "I'm a Believer" was the most popular song of 1967. Donald 'Duck' Dunn (70), brought his formidable bass talents to multiple soul acts, including Booker T, Sam and Dave, and The Blues Brothers. Beastie Boys co-founder Adam 'MCA' Yauch (47) died following a three year battle with cancer, which sadly also claimed "At Last" singer Etta James (73), The Bee Gees Robin Gibb (62), and the "Queen of Disco" Donna Summer (63). Robert Sherman (86) wrote and composed many classic Disney songs, while the esteemed Marvin Hamlisch (68) won a Tony, three Oscars, four Emmys, and the Pulitzer Prize for drama. His numerous Broadway credits included A Chorus Line, The Goodbye Girl, & They're Playing Our Song. He also figured prominently in 70s films The Sting & The Way We Were.
On television Neil Armstrong (82) provided one of the great moments of the 20th century, becoming the first man to set foot on the moon on July 20th, 1969. Mike Wallace (93) always sought the truth over four decades as a news correspondent on 60 Minutes. Puppeteer and voice actor Jerry Nelson (78) brought his unique talents to Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, & The Muppets over the years. He created dozens of memorable characters, including Statler, The Count, Gobo Fraggle, Crazy Harry, Floyd Pepper, Herry Monster, Camilla, Uncle Gobo, Lew Zealand, & Snuffleupagus. And Dick Clark (82) was America's host for multiple generations, helping all of us usher in the new year with dignity from his annual booth in Times Square. Don't get me started on his replacement.
Andy Griffith (86) was on a short list of the most beloved television figures of all time, playing Sheriff Andy Taylor on the appropriately titled The Andy Griffith Show. But despite his connection to Mayberry and later Matlock, my brother and I are probably the only two on the planet who will remember him best as General Rancor opposite Leslie Nielsen's Dick Steele in Spy Hard. Jack Klugman (90) was most famous for his role as Oscar Madison, one half of TV's The Odd Couple with Tony Randall. He later starred on Quincy M.E. and was the last surviving jury member from the classic courtroom drama 12 Angry Men.
Larry Hagman (81) became an 80s icon playing villainous oil tycoon J.R. Ewing on Dallas. He was also well known for I Dream of Jeannie and submitted a great latter-day performance as a politician with a hidden past in Mike Nichols' Primary Colors. Sherman Hemsley (74) will forever be George Jefferson to millions of fans who watched him "movin' on up" to his own spin-off The Jeffersons, following a successful run on All in the Family. Ian Abercrombie (77) provided laughs as Elaine's lunatic boss Mr. Pitt on Seinfeld. One of my favorite episodes focused on his obsession to find a spaceship in a 3D painting. Others of note included trendsetting comedian Phyllis Diller (95), Family Feud host Richard Dawson (79), Don Grady (68) of My Three Sons, and Welcome Back Kotter sweathogs Ron Palillo (63) & Robert Hegyes (60).
Happy New Year!
Part II Coming Soon . . . . .
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