IN MEMORIAM

Celebrities pass all the time. Some hurt more to some individuals than others.

In recent years, two have killed me.

Mitch Hedberg, abstract comedian extraordiaire passed about 3 years ago. This was a man from Minnesota that had a style of comedy slightly off-kilter and an inflection to go with it. He found humor in the world without taking cultural heroes and anti-heroes and putting them in the crosshairs. He proved it was possible to be funny without drawing blood. God rest his soul.




Steve Irwin brough nonstop smiles to my face. He truly, and often to the point of tears, loved his subjects. The Crocodile Hunter was an entertainer that truly fit the bill of conservationist at the same time. The world indeed lost something when he died too soon, doing what he loved, exploring the animal kingdom. His is a void that really won't be filled. His movie may have been somewhat silly, but in my opinion Steve's overabundant joy made it work. Thanks, Mr. Irwin for what you shared, and what I learned. You will be missed. God bless.

If only those who rode as high in the cultural roadway could be as positive a light to show the way down it.

We could all learn valuable lessons from both of them.