The Memorial Wall

Dan Lauck, the sincere, soft-spoken, and inquisitive journalist who perfected the art of a phrase, died early the morning of December 31, 2020. He was 72.

For almost two decades, Dan battled Parkinson’s disease, a disorder of the central nervous system.

In 2007, at age 58, the disease forced Lauck to retire early from KHOU when his symptoms made the tight television news deadlines too difficult to meet.

For years, though, Dan’s storytelling helped us put Houston in context. He was a thoughtful reporter who sought out unique characters and stories that many journalists missed.

Dan excelled as a wordsmith, the ability to craft a phrase in rich, vivid detail that put his audience in the heart of the story. Each word had weight in Dan’s dry but deliberate delivery on television. It was a warm, unforced style that helped him connect with viewers.

In an industry sometimes characterized by egos and showmanship, Lauck instinctively avoided both to earn the admiration of colleagues and the respect of competitors. 

 The Houston Chronicle described Lauck as “one of the best writers in the business.”

His peers thought so, too.

In 2001, Dan won the national Edward R. Murrow award for outstanding writing.  Over his television career, Lauck was also honored with three regional Murrow awards and six regional Emmy Awards. 

Dan married his wife, Meg, a director at ABC Sports, in 1983. He doted on her, his three daughters and loved to brag about his grandchildren.

After retiring, Dan and Meg lived in Sugar Land, Texas where he played golf for as long as his body would let him.

Sandra Helen Blum ("Sandy") passed away on December 31, 2020, of complications from Parkinson's disease and COVID-19, at the age of 80, leaving behind Bob, her husband of 58 years, her children Eric (Michelle) and Josh (Meg), her grandchildren, Brian, Sam, Kevin, Cece and Matt, and her younger brother, Martin Frankel. Canadian (Toronto), by birth, she entered the world on April 6, 1940. The daughter of Ted (Tuvya) and Goldie (Golda) Frankel, she quickly adapted to her new "hometown" of Los Angeles in 1952, establishing a lifelong love of the beach and the Tournament of Roses Parade.

Living right across the street and having graduated from L.A. High in 1958, Sandy received her Bachelor's degree from Cal State L.A. and then earned her teaching credential. While an undergraduate, she met Bob after the two were set up on a date by a mutual friend. Following a fourteen-month courtship, the two were married on July 1, 1962. From that point, Sandy traveled near and far with Bob right beside her, collecting memories and art from their adventures over 58 years of marriage.

She first worked as a teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District, supporting her husband as he made his way through medical school, and later taught in Oceanside, California when Bob was stationed at Camp Pendleton during the Vietnam War. She put her career on hold to be a terrific mom to her two boys. Though a devoted spouse who willingly moved the family to Fresno for six years so Bob could build a cardiac catheterization lab at Fresno Community Hospital, Sandy also was an independent woman who ran the house and made her own important choices.

After returning to L.A. (Encino) in 1977 and raising her sons, she had the bat mitzvah she was denied as a young girl and re-entered her chosen profession, teaching third grade for 20 years at the VBS Harold M. Schulweis Day School, helping hundreds of students get good starts in life. Following her teaching career, she volunteered for years as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate to the foster care system and as a docent at the Skirball Cultural Center.

She (square) danced her way through life with her friends, always with a song in her heart and usually on her lips. She eagerly participated in local musical productions, including Fiddler on the Roof, Oklahoma, and South Pacific at Valley Beth Shalom. Always known for having a bit of a sweet tooth, there was little that ailed her which couldn't be cured with a pint of Ben & Jerry's or a one-pound box of See's Nuts & Chews. With a predisposition for optimism and calm and a degree of stubbornness, to the very end, she pushed against the limitations brought on by Parkinson's which she battled against and lived with for more than fifteen years.

Thomas "Tom" Fintan Young succumbed to a 35-year battle with Parkinson's on New Year's Eve in 2020. Born September 16, 1938, in Torrance, California to Bayley Bunce Young and Thomas F. Young, Sr. The family moved back to New Milford, Connecticut to be with family. Tom spent his early years working on the farm, playing ice hockey, and spending summers on the Cape with his Grandmother and Aunt where he learned to sail. He joined the Marines after graduating from high school, completing pilot training before finishing his service at El Toro Marine Base in California. A consummate sportsman he spent every spare moment surfing in San Clemente and Laguna Beach and later Hawaii. He also enjoyed sailing in Newport Beach and winters skiing in Colorado and Utah, where he was on ski patrol. In 1960 he met a young blonde on the beach in Laguna. He and Sue were married in 1964. His yacht racing on several boats led to a career in the industry and success as an entrepreneur with Blinn & Young canvas products, once covering a majority of the boats in Newport Harbor. He and Sue enjoyed many trips to the East Coast, Bermuda, and Europe through his yacht racing. Eventually their children Cari and Colin arrived, and the spirit of adventure continued with camping and ski trips and fly-fishing trips in the mountains. He later renewed his passion for flying and flew his beloved Cessna 185 down to Baja to spend time with good friends at Rancho El Barril and into the Rockies to go skiing and fly-fishing. He competed in rowing with his good friend Bill and was a keen cyclist joining the group rides at Como Street and often disappearing for hours to train. Despite the onset of Parkinson's in his late 40's, he continued his passion for rowing with the former doubles partner Bill and the crew at the Newport Aquatics Center. He would also train early most mornings with good friend Ted Newland and the UCI water polo team. Later as Parkinson's reduced his ability to participate in sports, his focus shifted to working on cars and tuning up old Fords with hot rod engines. Throughout his life, he was a voracious reader, his shelves lined with books on adventure, travel, and history. Tom is survived by his loving family including Sue, Cari, Colin, Sasha, and grandchildren Cassius and Laike. We will miss you Dad and Grampy. You are forever in our hearts.

Jeanne Marie Rogel Glazer died on Dec 27, 2020 due to complications from COVID at age 75. Her spirit was vibrant and steadfast despite enduring Parkinson's and Dystonia for nearly 25 years. She was born in Cleveland, the youngest of three. She graduated from BGSU Ohio in 1965 with teaching degrees. She moved to LA and married Howard Glazer in 1968. Jeanne was a school teacher, and sign language interpreter with the National Center on Deafness and CSUN for 25 years. She epitomized strength of character, and raised her children to be respectful of people and the environment. She was a proud member of CODA and was honored to carry the 2002 Olympic torch.Jeanne is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, and her husband. She will be missed forever by her children, her family and friends.

Multiple sources are reporting that three-time World Champion boxer Frankie Randall has died. He was 59.

Orphaned at a young age, Randall was born in Birmingham, Ala., and raised in Morristown.  He was a three-time world champion amassing a 55-5-1 record from 1983 to 1998. Past his prime, Randall continued to fight, losing 13 of his last 16 fights before retiring in 2005. 

He is a three-time light-welterweight world champion, having held the WBA, WBC, and lineal titles between 1994-1997.

Randall was best known for his three fights with Julio Cesar Chavez. "The Surgeon" as he was known was the first boxer to defeat Chavez, whose record at the time of their 1994 fight stood at 89 wins and a draw. Randall lost the title in a controversial split decision after Chavez suffered a  when the fighters accidentally bumped heads.

Chavez won the third fight against Randall in his retirement bout when both men were past their prime.  

“There are opponents that are complicated for us. The truth is that for me, Frankie Randall’s style was always complicated for me,” Chavez said earlier this year. “Even in the third fight, because in the second fight, even though I beat him the truth is that if it weren’t for the headbutt no one knows how it would have gone for me because I was already really tired."

After winning the WBA title from Juan Martin Coggi, then lost it in similar fashion after a head clash. Randall won the title back from Coggi.

“My dad has pugilistic dementia and Parkinson’s,” his son Marcus Randall told Ringtv.com earlier this year. “A frontal lobe brain injury that affects his speech, motor skills, and mental stability. Due to his condition, my family and I made the decision to place my dad in a nursing home in Tennessee. We wish to keep the location private at this time. I’m sure his condition progressed over time. He was a boxer; he gave his whole life to boxing, he loved his job.”

Randall is to be inducted into the Alabama Boxing Hall of Fame next year.

K.T. Oslin, the country singer-songwriter behind the breakout hit “80’s Ladies” and four country No. 1s, died on December 21, according to the Associated Press. She was 78. Kay Toinette Oslin tried to make her country career happen for years before being signed to RCA Records in 1987, when she began performing under her stage name. At the time, it was a rarity for a woman to begin her music career in her mid-40s, especially in country. Her second single, “80’s Ladies,” reached No. 7 on the Billboard country chart, winning Song of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards and carrying her to a CMA Female Vocalist of the Year win, along with a Grammy. Her follow-up singles “Do Ya” and “I’ll Always Come Back” both hit No. 1 on the country chart. Both her debut 80’s Ladies and sophomore album This Woman reached platinum status in the U.S. This Woman also gave Oslin her third No. 1, “Hold Me,” which additionally won two more Grammys. Oslin scored her final No. 1 with “Come Next Monday,” off Love in a Small Town, her final album for RCA.

Oslin later released three more albums, most recently Simply in 2015. She also sang as a studio backup singer, performed in theatrical choruses, and cut ad jingles for a time in New York, according to the AP. She was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018. A friend told the AP Oslin died the morning of December 21 in suburban Nashville, where she lived in an assisted-living facility. She had Parkinson’s since 2015, and tested positive for COVID-19 last week, according to the friend. No cause of death has been revealed.

“K.T. Oslin had one of the most soulful voices in Country Music and was a strong influence for women with her hit ‘80’s Ladies,’” Sarah Trahern, the CMA’s CEO, told the AP. “I was fortunate to work with K.T. on a number of television shows in the late ’90s. She was always gracious to the crews and up-and-coming talent performing alongside her. She truly had one of the best voices in the history of our format. Our thoughts go out to her loved ones at this difficult time.” 

Robert (Bob) Warner Hoffman, 79, of Indian Wells, California passed away after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease complicated by the Coronavirus Saturday, December 19, 2020, in Yucaipa, California.

Robert was born on August 13, 1941, in New Jersey. His parents, Cornelieus (Case) Anton and Mary Elizabeth Hoffman raised him in Newport Beach, California.

He graduated from Newport Harbor High School in Newport Beach, California in 1959. He attended the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Archeology in 1963. He loved the outdoors and boating; spending time with family and friends both in California and Nebraska.

He worked for over 45 years in the family business, Crown Prince, Inc. a successful canned seafood company, becoming Chairman in 2002.

Robert was heavily involved with the non-profit organization The Flying Samaritans; serving as President of the Foothill Chapter in California for several years.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Betty Jo; three daughters, Laura, Dustan, and Tracy; three sons, Gregory, John, and Joseph; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased in death by his sister Diana and brother Anton.

No funeral or memorial services are planned at this time.  

STAR Wars actor Jeremy Bulloch, who played Boba Fett in the iconic original trilogy, has died at the age of 75, it's reported. Bulloch's family say he died following health complications which included Parkinson's.

A statement released tonight reads: "He spent his final days in the wonderful care of staff at St George's Hospital in Tooting, close to the house where he and his wife Maureen had lived together for more than fifty years.

"Maureen and two of his sons, Jamie and Robbie, were with him during his final days."

In addition to his "long and happy life as an actor" the statement said the star was also a "talented footballer and cricketer".

"He also supported a number of charities including Great Ormond Street Hospital, who saved his granddaughter's life," family said.

"He was devoted to his wife, three sons and ten grandchildren, who all love him dearly and will miss him terribly."

Luke Skywalker star Mark Hamill took to Twitter to pay tribute after hearing the news. "Jeremy Bulloch was the quintessential English gentleman," he said. "A fine actor, delightful company & so kind to everyone lucky enough to meet or work with him. [...] I will deeply miss him & am so grateful to have known him."

Billy Dee Williams, best known as Lando Calrissian in the Star Wars franchise said: "Today we lost the best bounty hunter in the galaxy - RIP Jeremy Bulloch."

The news was first reported by convention organiser Jason Griffiths and later confirmed by Daniel Logan, who played Boba Fett in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones.

In a post on Facebook, Mr Griffiths said the actor, who began his career in British adverts in 1958, would be much missed. “It is with huge sadness I can report that we have lost Jeremy Bulloch,” he said. "Jeremy was always quick to joke about me being Welsh and I shall miss him dearly.”

Mr Logan said on Instagram: "It brings me to tears to announce Jeremy Bulloch has passed away. [...] RIP legend. I'll never forget all you've taught me. [...] I'll love you forever - conventions won't be the same without you. [...] May the force be with you always."

Bulloch's first major role came in 1960 TV series Counter-Attack, and he continued to work steadily over the next 30 years, appearing in shows such as Doctor Who, Robin Hood, and The Newcomers.

He first appeared as Mandalorian bounty hunter Boba Fett in Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back.

He went on to reprise the role in Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi and in two Star Wars shorts, Return of the Ewok and Bulloch Fett. Bulloch had appeared in more than 100 projects at the time of his death, with roles in James Bond films The Spy Who Loved Me, For Your Eyes Only and Octopussy.

Fans have taken to Twitter to pay tribute.

One said: "Boba Fett was and still is one of my favorite characters in the whole saga."

"Hearing the passing of Jeremy Bulloch, the actor in the suit that played Boba in the original trilogy, really broke me.

"First Vader, now Boba. I grew up with him and I’m glad to be here to honour him."

Another said: "Mr Bulloch had the amazing ability to remember fans' names for years. [...] I met him with my young son Spencer and years later he sees us and says, 'Hello Spencer, my you’re getting tall'."

Bulloch's death comes three weeks after Prowse, who played the legendary villain in the original Star Wars films, died of coronavirus in November. The Bristol-born star — also road safety superhero The Green Cross Man — had been in a London hospital for two weeks with Covid. He was 85.

Daughter Rachel, 50, said: “He might have looked quite scary but as a person he was a sweet, kind and generous man. [...] He really was a gentle giant. And to us he was our dad.”

PATRICK JOSEPH MURPHY, born December 1,1942, in San Bernardino, CA, made his sudden, dramatic, yet peaceful transition from a fatal fall on December 16, 2020 in Temecula, CA, with his wife Sandi Kimmel, and his children Mark and Melissa, by his side. He is finally free of his Parkinson's Disease and pain.

Brilliantly creative, ever-twinkling, lover of people, nature and beauty, Patrick devoted these past many years to his unique dimensional art and the way he looked at the world…up close and multi-layered. 

Patrick made friends wherever he went. Children followed him like he was the Pied Piper, dogs lay in wait for his footsteps, and our cat, Toesy, knew he could always get a few extra treats if he purred for Patrick.

Patrick was a magnet for kids. Because of his ever-present, cheery smile and short white beard, he resembled Santa on vacation, and he collected smiles and waves from children of all ages wherever he went. He was also more in touch with his own "inner child" than most adults, and could be seen straightening up stuffed animals in stores, talking to them as he rearranged their accommodations. Of course, he had a few of his own… In fact, Kermit the Frog was his best friend, often saying things Patrick could not.

A creative force of nature, his luminous career as the head of Patrick Murphy Advertising, a successful agency in San Diego, garnered him many industry awards. He wrote, produced and directed more than 500 commercials for financial institutions, high tech companies and medical products. He was responsible for introducing ATMs, WiFi, tympanic thermometers and dozens of other products and services, and gained a reputation for being a new product launch expert.

In addition to his advertising agency, Patrick built a house for his family in Valley Center and began a parallel career as a "gentleman rancher" with 5 acres of more than 500 avocado trees and other fruit trees. His first wife, Elizabeth, and their children, Mark and Melissa, enjoyed their country life.

In Melissa's words: "Nothing I can say can do him justice, but I am going to give you a small snippet of the type of person he was/IS: Sweet, kind, hard-working, ambitious, courageous, so creative that there weren't enough hours in the day to support his creativity, a "bottom line" type of guy, practical, a wonderful father, an adoring grandpa, a loyal friend, a teacher, a coach, a loving husband, a caring son, a problem solver, sensitive, sentimental, street smart, clever, a business man, a chameleon, spiritual, my Santa who made Christmas magical for me every year, a leader, a man who believed in "Refuse Defeat!," a fighter, proponent of justice, patriotic, tough, an artist, entrepreneur, inventor, an idea man, caregiver, a man who believed that nothing was impossible...and for him, nothing was. He loved nature, he was dynamic, stubborn, a dreamer, unbelievably inspirational, believed in rules, but that they didn't apply to him, passionate about whatever he was doing and unstoppable."

Melissa, and her husband Colin, promise to teach their toddler son, Carter, all about his grandpa, using Kermit in creative ways…just like Patrick would have done.

His son, Mark, and his family, wife Reina, and grandchildren, Samantha and Jack, were a source of pride for Patrick. He admired the family for their values, work ethic and hearts.

As Mark recalls, "My father was the greatest man I have ever known. Period. He gave me unconditional love, advice, parenting me to be the best I can become. Anyone who knew my father would agree - he has touched so many lives and has done so much to make this world a better place. "

Patrick grew up in 1940s Las Vegas, just as the town transformed into "Sin City." His memoir explores the experiences of being caught between the powers of "good and evil." He suffered under the Dominican nuns for the same reasons he was accepted by the mafia bosses - namely, his insatiable curiosity and refusal to follow rules. Patrick was completing writing his memoir, "Altar Boy" when he died.

A graduate of Chouinard Art Institute (now Cal Arts), his education included classical training in every discipline from design and color theory, to metal sculpture, life drawing, painting and photography, his greatest love. With a busy freelance career while still in school, Patrick completed his BFA on a scholarship from Disney.

While he used all of his training in his advertising agency, Patrick's art truly blossomed after his 2014 Parkinson's Disease diagnosis. It prompted him to finally embrace his passion for art. He knew if he wanted to be a fine artist, he needed to race the clock. With the support of his gifted cranio-sacral therapist, Lupita Hernandez, and his wonderful neurologists, Dr. Janice Fuentes and Dr. Ricardo Olivo, Patrick's art won awards, graced magazine covers and provided an opportunity to tell his story, "Wake Up Call: How My Parkinson's Disease Diagnosis Turned into Fine Art" to the TEDx Temecula audience. His inspiring talk is available online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFqr879TYws (Or simply go to YouTube and type Patrick Murphy Parkinsons to access the video.)

In 2003, Patrick married Sandi Kimmel, a songwriter, recording artist and writer, and their loving partnership was the foundation for, and reflected in, their many creative collaborations including the "HEART WIDE OPEN - Self-Care for Caregivers" handbook, which sold more 80,000 copies, to hospitals, hospices, caregiver support groups and individuals. The book combines their practical and experiential advice coupled with Patrick's beautiful art.

He always loved watching Sandi perform her music to audiences around the country. In fact, after each concert, someone would always say, "I want someone to look at me the way Patrick looks at Sandi…" They loved sharing and supporting each other's creativity, and their 20 years of love spread even more love in the world.

Donations in Patrick's memory are gratefully accepted by the Parkinson's Resource Organization: https://parkinsonsresource.org/ The organization's caregiver support group provided much needed support during a difficult time.

In addition, some of Patrick's unique art is available for sale in the "front room gallery" by appointment only, and online at: https://www.PatrickMurphyFineart.com. A portion of the proceeds of all art sales will be donated to the Parkinson's Resource Organization.

Patrick's special light continues to shine. His life was dedicated to showing us where to look for it…

"Some people say that the stars above are nothing but some light - but I know if I look up I'll see a new star out tonight…" ~ S. Kimmel