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. 



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