2016 deaths and climbing

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

He was a good one.

[O Dinas Powys]

You'd have put money on him choking to death!

Dr Henry Heimlich dies of a heart attack aged 96 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-38351903

As well as the eponymous Manouver, he also invented the Heimlich Chest Drain Valve which was credited with saving many soldiers' lives in the Vietnam War.

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Zsa Zsa Gabor, aged 99. Good innings!

[Steve J]

I thought she had passed away a long time ago! Damned good innings though.

[Techno]

I thought she had passed away a long time ago! Damned good innings though.

Same here.

Cheers - Phil

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

One of the most plesant voices on radio, (Rabbi) Lionel Blue

[fsn]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00tpw79

[O Dinas Powys]

One of the most plesant voices on radio, (Rabi) Lionel Blue

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00tpw79

..."and I wasn't allowed in sex shop being too young"... 

Good to remember that gentle voice being suitably irreverent!

It must be hearing him so often on the radio over the years - of all the deaths this year his seems the most personal 

[Steve J]

Blimey, this really has been a bad year . I used to enjoy listening to him when on various Radio 4 programmes.

[Ithoriel]

It must be hearing him so often on the radio over the years - of all the deaths this year his seems the most personal 

I'll second that.

Felt the same back when John Peel died. People who'd been in my home so often, courtesy of the radio, they felt like friends.

[Techno]

Dear, oh dear......

Like Steve, used to enjoy listening to him on Radio 4.

Cheers - Phil

[Sandinista]

I'll second that.

Felt the same back when John Peel died. People who'd been in my home so often, courtesy of the radio, they felt like friends.

John Peel had a massive impact upon the choice of music I listened to, he introduced me to so many new bands. I never met him, but I was deeply upset at his passing. His festive 50 was the highlight of this time of year.

Cheers
Ian

[O Dinas Powys]

I'll second that.

Felt the same back when John Peel died. People who'd been in my home so often, courtesy of the radio, they felt like friends.

Yup, that's it exactly.

Due to his poor health Rabbi Lionel hadn't been on for the radio for years, but he's like that favourite uncle you used to see occasionally at weekends and family gatherings 

I haven't heard it yet, but here's a little something to listen to in a quiet moment later: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0891fkd

[O Dinas Powys]

John Peel had a massive impact upon the choice of music I listened to, he introduced me to so many new bands. I never met him, but I was deeply upset at his passing. His festive 50 was the highlight of this time of year.

Cheers
Ian

Although I was aware of him as a DJ, it was more Home Truths on Radio 4 that was the getting to know him thing for me.

(Hopefully) a little something to bring a smile to your face, Mitch Benn's tribute:

[Steve J]

I loved his Home Truths programme as well as the articles he wrote for the Independent newspaper.