Passings

Pele, the Brazilian who has long been considered the greatest footballer of all time, has died at the age of 82.

The legendary figure, a man who transcended his sport and was a global icon, learned that his colon cancer had advanced on December 21 and was told he would be kept in hospital over Christmas – with the iconic forward needing treatment for cardiac and renal dysfunction.

Previously he had been admitted to the hospital on November 30 with swelling all over his body and ‘decompensated heart failure’ before passing away a month on after receiving palliative care.

Kirstie Alley, the two-time Emmy-winning star of classic sitcom “Cheers” and the comedy “Veronica’s Closet,” has died. She was 71.

Her passing was announced Monday evening on her official Twitter account by her children, True and Lillie Parker.

“We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered.

Christine McVie, who played with Fleetwood Mac and wrote some of their most famous songs, has died aged 79, her family has said.

The British singer-songwriter was behind hits including Little Lies, Everywhere, Don’t Stop, Say You Love Me, and Songbird.

Legendary NHL defenceman Börje Salming, who was a fixture on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ blue line for 16 years, has died. He was 71 years old.

Angela Lansbury, the irrepressible three-time Oscar nominee and five-time Tony Award winner who solved 12 seasons’ worth of crimes as the novelist/amateur sleuth Jessica Fletcher on CBS’ Murder, She Wrote, has died. She was 96.

Vocalist Loretta Lynn, whose ascent from a small Kentucky coal-mining community to national country music stardom literally became the stuff of Hollywood, died on Tuesday (Oct. 4) at 90. According to a statement from her family, Lynn passed away in her sleep at her home in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.

Kathy was a huge fan of Loretta. We got to see her live in Chicago some years ago. A very happy accident. I hope K gets a chance to say hello.

Louise Fletcher, the sweet actress from Alabama who won an Academy Award for her turn as the heartless Nurse Ratched — one of the most reviled characters in movie history — in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, has died. She was 88.

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.