OBITUARIES

[Tizer]

Astronomer Vera Rubin has died, aged 88. Her research on the speed of rotation of galaxies led to the theory of dark matter - and all that came from her dad helping her to build a telescope to view the stars when she was a child (note that he didn't give buy a telescope, he showed her how to make one). When she applied to graduate schools to study astronomy she was rejected by Princeton....because she was a woman, but Cornell took her on to study physics. BBC News and Detailed profile

[Julie in Norfolk]

Richard Adams (Watership Down) and Carrie Fisher. Besides all too close to mention, this year is ending like poo.

[Wendyf]

Exactly!

[Gloria]

Problem is....we all move up the ladder a few more rungs, AND, don't know how far from the top we are.

[PanBiker]

In amateur radio circles its called getting nearer the front of the callbook, (a directory of callsigns). My G4 callsign is rolling backwards (as is everyone else) with every new edition.

[Moh]

There will be one heck of a party up there!!

[PanBiker]

I was thinking the same Moh, you would have to pay a fortune to see all the musicians we have lost if they were all on the same bill. It would be belting concert though.

[Stanley]

Debbie Reynolds has followed her daughter Carrie Fisher. (LINK)

[Marilyn]

The stress and worry over her daughter must have taken it's toll...understandable.

[Stanley]

But slightly worrying for me Maz! But I think I'm OK...... (Famous last words!)

[Marilyn]

They say it is medically possible to "die of a broken heart", Stanley.
But I'm sure you are such a tough old thing, you have got through the risk period ( combined with the lengthy run in of Janet's illness which prepared you).

[Cathy]

There actually is a condition called 'the broken heart syndrome ' brought on by an emotionally stressful event, eg death of a loved one, usually a partner/ spouse etc.

[Sue]

My grandma did, grieving over the death of her eldest son from a heart attack at 64. It wasn't immediate but it was or seemed to be purposeful

[Tizer]

When Mrs Tiz's Scottish grandfather died his wife did her mourning but then bought a fur coat and started going out. Mum described her as becoming a `giddy kipper'.

[PanBiker]

My mum died just over 3 months after my dad. There didn't seem to be anything wrong with her when dad passed away but she developed deep depression and just seemed to give up. We could do nothing to help her over her grief and she ended up in Airedale for a few days before slipping into a coma from which she never recovered, seemed a lot like Cathy describes.

[Marilyn]

I rather like the thought of Mrs. Tizzies Grandma becoming a " giddy kipper" in a fur coat. Good on her! What a lovely attitude to have. It probably set tongues wagging...but she was obviously determined to keep her own life force going.

[Stanley]

I do not intend to follow them!

[Marilyn]

But...but...you can substitute your vest/corduroy trousers/crombie for fur coat, Stanley.
You will go on, and you will smile again. ( Janet would want that)

[Stanley]

Of course you are right. Have a look at Stanley's View for the obit published today in the BET.

[PanBiker]

Eugene (Gene) Cernan, U.S. Astronaut aged 82 - Last man to walk on the moon which was in December 1972.

[Sunray10]

Peter Sarstedt who sang 'Where do you go to my lovely' has died at the age of 75.

[PanBiker]

Gorden Kaye - 75 - Rene' of course in 'Allo 'Allo. "Would you believe it? the plot has thickened".

[Marilyn]

Mary Tyler Moore.

[Cathy]

Hats off to you Mary. RIP

[Whyperion]

Tam Dalyell