2016 was a terrible year for celebrity deaths and ruling leaders. So many famous people passed away, the total being over 80 people. The beginning of 2016 was shocked with the passing of famous singer David Bowie and the end of the year was mortified by the passing of George Michael. Prince, Natalie Cole, Muhammad Ali were also sadly amongst those who passed on during 2016. Star Wars lost 3 of it's original actors: Kenny Baker (R2D2), Peter Sumner and Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia)
Sadly Carrie Fisher's mother Debbie Reynolds passed away one day after her daughter.
Leonard Cohen: songwriter "Hallelujah), Gene Wilder of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
John Glenn: first american to orbit the earth
Zsa Zsa Gabor, Sir Terry Wogan and Harper Lee author of "To kill a Mockingbird".
Long serving leaders like Fidel Castro born 1926 of Cuba and King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand born 1927. Nancy Reagan wife of the late Ronald Regan. The Magician Paul Daniels. Papa Wemba the Congolese singer and many others.
With so many people passed on in 2016, it is very sad indeed to contemplate what talent has been lost but they will not be forgotten.
In a recent trip to Thailand I was amazed to see the respect the people show for their late King. Many were wearing black clothes everyday as they went to work and to their businesses. At one point on the walkway between Siam and Chit Lom everyone (except the tourists) suddenly stood still and in silence. I am not sure what that was about but it felt like they were giving a moments silence and thought to their late, beloved King.
May all of them rest in peace and our sincere condolences to all of their families and friends!
A company based in Asia has come up with a brilliant and unique idea to remember loved ones who have passed away and to honour their lives. The company Rest With Dignity offers an online memorial website with a condolence book which family members can keep and cherish. Friends and family can write tributes and memories on the memorial website and these messages are all collated in one book and sent to the family.
For more information have a look at their website here:
https://www.restwithdignity.com/
For an extensive list of all those who have passed on last year have a look at this site:
Celebrity Deaths in 2016
