Remembering Al Neuharth March 22, 1924 - April 19, 2013

"He took the roads less traveled...and made a difference."

These are the words from the man who revolutionized the newspaper industry.

Al Neuharth was the founder of USA Today as well as The Freedom Forum and its Newseum.  In addition to his contribution to the news industry, Neuharth was also an author and successful businessman.

He was born of German descent and his father died when Allen was two years old.  He worked at a very early age to help his family during the "great depression"  He did many odd jobs having worked on his grandfather's farm, delivering newspapers and worked in a slaughterhouse.  After graduating from Alpena High School in South Dakota, Neuharth went to work for the owner of a local newspaper.  He soon entered the Army during World War II and became a member of the 86th Infantry Division and stationed in France, Germany and the Philippines.

Following his military service, Neuharth attended the University of South Dakota.  He became the editor of "The Volante" the school newspaper.  He became very interested in the newspaper business and after graduating from college, Neuharth and a partner founded a sports paper called the SoDak Sports.  It was a weekly paper that covered a variety of sports in South Dakota.  Unfortunately, it quickly lost its popularity and went bankrupt.

Neuharth didn't give up.  He went to work for the Miami Herald and continued to move up the ladder and became assistant managing editor.  He eventually joined Gannett (a large newspaper organization) and Neuharth eventually became chairman of the company.  In 1979, Gannett
owned 78 daily and 21 weekly newspapers along with television and radio stations.

USA Today newspaper was founded by Neuharth and Gannett on Sept. 15, 1982.  Currently, it is second only to the Wall Street Journal in circulation and is the most widely read of any.   Neuharth wanted an easy to read newspaper that included travel, entertainment, sports, and state news in a condensed form. He also wanted to expand the use of color.  His goal was to make the newspaper different than any standard newspaper.  He also wanted it more accessible.

Neuharth retired in 1989 at the age of 65 but wasn't ready to quit working.

He authored a weekly column called "Plain Talk"  He also continued as chairman of the board of the Gannett Foundation that was changed to the Freedom Forum from 1991 until his passing.  An award is given by Freedom Forum every year in Al's name for excellence in media.

Over the years, Neuharth authored several books and articles including his own autobiography called "Confessions of an S.O.B.  He also wrote "Free Spirit: How You Can Get the Most Out of Life At Any Age"  and "BusCapade: Plain Talk Across the USA."

Finally, Neuharth helped to create the Newseum that combines technology with history.  It is a museum of news that features theaters, galleries and retail space andis located in Washington D.C. between the White House and the U.S. Capitol near the Smithsonian.  It also frequently offers programs on historical events and history.

Al Neuharth died on April 19, 2013 in his home in Cocoa Beach, Florida at the age of 89.

Al Neuharth's funeral

He spoke at his own funeral (via video recording) in the Aalfs Auditorium at the University of South Dakota Campus in Vermillion on May 18, 2013.  "Does this make you wonder if you'll ever get rid of me? said Neuharth.  His granddaughter said of him "He always had to have the first and last word in every conversation.  So why should it be any different today?"  The service was said to have been powerful and emotional.  He had even written a portion of his memorial program (pictured) and in his own words wrote

Neuharth's funeral program and recording

  Hi...What's the best way to observe the passing of a family member or friend?  Sorrow? Sure, especially if someone is taken before his or her time.  Celebration?  Absolutely, especially if he or she outlived the Biblical three score and 10.  Today is a day of celebration because I had the great, good fortune of living well beyond my allotted time.  And, I was able to do it my way, blessed with the love, friendship and support of so many of you.  So, shed a tear or two if you wish.  But, then, let's sing and laugh and celebrate.  Enjoy this wonderful game called life.  Do it your way.  Thanks for everything.  Take care of yourself and of each other.  See you again.  But don't hurry and don't worry.  Al

His service ended with attendees singing "This Land Is Your Land"

The following day, Neuharth was laid to rest in the Eureka Cemetery in his hometown of Eureka, South Dakota.

Remembering Jack LaLanne September 26, 1914 - January 23, 2011

Jack LaLanne, the "Godfather of Fitness" once said when asked about the difference in public attitude between today and when he first opened his gym decades ago, "Then I was a crackpot and a charlatan, today I am an authority...and believe me I can't die, it would ruin my image."

This was one of many quotes or what he called "LaLanneisms."  He fervently believed every human being can attain maximum body health and fitness if they will practice moderation, eat the most natural foods, and exercise on a regular basis.  Over his many years, he taught on national television, radio talk shows and in feature stories, his little gems.  Many of them were listed in his funeral program that was held in the Hall of Liberty at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills on February 1, 2011.  Other words of wisdom include "Work at living and you don't have to die tomorrow" "Eat right and you can't go wrong" and People don't die of old age, they die of inactivity."

Jack LaLanne was born in San Francisco, California to immigrants from France.  He grew up in Bakersfield, California and later Berkeley.  His dad died at 58 from a heart attack caused by poor nutrition.  He claimed that as a boy, he was addicted to sugar and junk food.  He displayed huge temper tantrums and suffered from headaches and bulimia and dropped out of school at the age of 14.  A year later, he listened to a talk given by a health food pioneer that focused on the evils of meat and sugar.  It was the talk that encouraged LaLanne to change many of his habits and focus on the importance of good health.  He went back to school and began daily workouts .  He played football on the high school football team and following high school, LaLanne enrolled in college at San Francisco having earned a Doctor of Chiropractic degree.  It was during that time that he also concentrated on bodybuilding and weightlifting.

LaLanne opened what is considered the nation's first health and fitness club in 1936 in Oakland, California.  Many physicians, during that time, told their patients to stay away from his health club.  They claimed that" LaLanne was an exercise nut, whose programs would make them muscle bound and cause severe medical problems.  LaLanne continued to develop new exercise equipment and methods, many of them are still standards for the physical fitness industry today. He also invented the original model of the "Smith machine."  He continued to expand his exercise facilities that became known as "Jack LaLanne's European Health Spas.  He eventually licensed his health clubs to the Bally company now known as Bally Total Fitness.

LaLanne's fitness centers were often used by professional wrestlers and his ownership in them led to LaLanne briefly entering a professional wrestling career.

He soon took his exercise and fitness advice to television and initiated "The Jack LaLanne Show" that was the longest running television exercise program in history.  He also published several books and videos on fitness and nutrition, appeared in movies, and began promoting many of his creations from electric juicers to vitamin supplements to exercise equipment.  He celebrated his 95th birthday with the release of a new book called "Live Young Forever." He said his two simple rules on nutrition are "If man made it, don't eat it" and "if it tastes good, spit it out."

During LaLanne's lifetime, he accomplished some amazing feats.  Many of his feats were documented in his funeral program including at age 41, he swam from Alcatraz Island to Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco while handcuffed and at the age of 65, LaLanne towed 65 boats in Lake Ashinoko while handcuffed and shackled and the boats were filled with 6500 lbs. of Louisiana wood pulp.

LaLanne funeral

Over the years, LaLanne received numerous honors and accolades including "The President's Council's Lifetime Achievement Award and the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sport by then governor Arnold Schwarznegger. He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

LaLanne's funeral program

He appeared in several films and television shows
including Penn & Teller: Bullshit!" The Simpsons, Beefcake, and Amazing Discoveries.  He also appeared on an episode of The Addam's Family's "Fester Goes on a Diet."

Jack LaLanne died on January 23, 2011 at the age of 96 from respiratory failure.  He continued to exercise until the day before his death.  He had been sick for about a week but refused to see a doctor.

Among those who paid honor to LaLanne at his memorial service were Arnold Schwarzenegger, Richard Simmons, Lou Ferrigno and several other fitness gurus.  His program reads   Jack LaLanne  Is Now God's Personal Trainer  1914-2011

LaLanne gravesite

He rests in Forest Lawn Memorial Park Hollywood Hills (pictured).

Remembering Michael Clarke Duncan December 10, 1957 - September 3, 2012

If you saw the movie “The Green Mile” you will never soon forget the performance of Michael Clarke Duncan as “John Coffey.”  He was not only a huge man but his performance was that as well.

Duncan grew up in the south side of Chicago, Illinois, and raised by his mother.  His mom named him Michael Clarke because she felt he was destined for greatness and that Michael Clarke had a star like ring to it.

As a child, his mom taught Michael how to be a leader.  She gave him a clean white handkerchief and told her son to “Stick this in the back of your right jean pocket, let it hang out, and don’t say anything to anyone about it.  Watch what happens.”  He came back to his mom and reported that his friends in the neighborhood began to wear white handkerchiefs in their back pockets.  Her reply was “That’s how you know you’re a leader.”  This was a lesson he claimed he never forgot.

He graduated from King High School.  He played both football and basketball at Kankakee Community College and then Alcorn State University in Mississippi.  He left college early to return to Chicago to help support his family.  He had many early jobs including digging ditches, a personal trainer, and working as a bouncer and often talked about his dream of becoming a Hollywood actor.  His friends called him “Hollywood Mike.”  He would soon pursue his dream and took a job as a bodyguard for playwright Shelly Garrett. 

The Green Mile

He received his first acting break having earned a small part in the film “Armageddon” having played a member of the drilling team.  It was actor, Bruce Willis who initiated the call to give Michael a chance at the part of John Coffey in The Green Mile. He received numerous accolades for that performance including a nomination of for an Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, and and numerous other nominations.  He also was recognized as the "ShoWest Male Star of Tomorrow".

He was not only considered to be a great actor but a terrific human being.  He is remembered as an extremely gentle and loving man whose voice and compassion was felt by all who knew him. 

Duncan continued to appear in films including “The Whole Nine Yards” “Planet of the Apes” “The Scorpion King” and “Talladega Nights” to name a few.  His final appearances were as “Leo Knox” in The Finder and Robert Townsend’s The Hive.

His deep voice was used in films as well including Kung Fu Panda, Racing Stripes, and Delgo and Dinotopia: Curse of the Ruby Sunstone.

On Michael Clarke Duncan’s personal side, he was a huge animal lover (companion to six cats, two dogs and three fish) and a big supporter of PETA.  He also took pride in his health.  He was a vegetarian and was trained in Brazilian jujitsu having earned a purple belt.  He was also professional sports fan and narrated the Major League Baseball film on the 2005 World Series.  He loved his family and was called “Uncle Moose” by his nieces and nephews.

Michael Clarke Duncan died on September 3, 2013 following a heart attack at the age of 54.

His funeral program at Forest Lawn

A Celebration of Life and Legacy was held on Monday, September 10, 2012 in the Hall of Liberty at Forest Lawn Memorial Park & Mortuary in Los Angeles (funeral program pictured).  Among those who paid tribute to Michael were Tom Hanks, Stevie Wonder, and Jay Leno.  The service lasted nearly four hours.  A letter was read by Stephen King who said of him "no actor has ever done a character I wrote more justice."  Jay Leno spoke with his voice cracking "Just to see such a pure heart and pure kindness, and to see it taken so early, there are no sadder words than what might have been."  Finally, Tom Hanks impersonated the 6 ft. 5 inch, 300 lb., deep voiced Duncan sheepishly explaining to his fellow gang members that his mom wouldn't let him be in a gang.  If is wasn't for that mama and the frying pan with a pork chop, we would not be here today celebrating the life of such a great man."

Resting Place at Forest Lawn

Michael Clarke Duncan was then laid to rest in the mausoleum at Forest Lawn.

Remembering "The Gentle Giant."

Remembering Bob Mathias November 17, 1930 - September 2, 2006

Bob Mathias served the United States in various ways, from his accomplishments in the sports arena, to his service to his country both politically and his devotion in the U.S. Marine Corp, and his skills as an actor.  Peter Ueberroth, chairman of the U.S. Olympic committee, said of him  "Bob Mathias was one of those rare individuals with the ability to inspire a nation through his determination and perseverance."

Bob Mathias was born in Tulare, California having attended Tulare Union High School. During his early childhood, Mathias suffered from anemia and had to live on special diets and required frequent naps to conserve his strength. He took an interest in decathlon while in high school.  His track coach encouraged Mathias to try out for the 1948 U.S. Olympic Team that would be held in London.  Unaware of the Olympic rules, Mathias was nearly unsuccessful but overcame his difficulties to win a gold medal and became the youngest gold medalist to win a track and field event at the age of 17.  He also won the James E. Sullivan Award as the nation's top amateur athlete. He continued his success at the following Olympics in Helsinki in 1952 where he was recognized as one of the world's greatest athletes and won the decathlon by an astonishing 912 points. He became a national hero.  He also was the first director of the United States Olympic Training Center, a position that he held from 1977-83.

He played himself in a film called "The Bob Mathias Story."  As an actor, he also had other roles including "Frank Dugan in "The Troubleshooters"  Theseus in "Minotaur, the Wild Beast of Crete" and in the John Wayne movie "China Doll"

Congressman Bob Mathias

In 1949, Mathias was accepted at Stanford University and played football (fullback) for two years.  During that time, he led Stanford to a Rose Bowl appearance as well as setting his first decathlon world record. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins but chose not to play professional football. After graduating from Stanford with a BA in Education, Mathias entered the U.S. Marine Corp where he spent two years and achieved the rank of Captain.

Bob Mathias funeral program

Mathias took an interest in politics and would soon run for the U.S. Congress as a Republican.  He served four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives having represented the San Joaquin Valley of California.  He also served as the Deputy Director of the Selective Service.

Bob Mathias was diagnosed with cancer in 1996 and died from its complications on September 2, 2006 at the age of 75.

Hundreds, including several Olympians, gathered for his funeral (funeral program pictured) in Tulare United Methodist Church at his hometown of Tulare.  Dick Fosbury of "Fosbury Flop" fame said of Mathias, "He was a childhood hero of mine, as he was to anyone in the 60's doing track and field.  He made it seem like it was possible.  He was a prince of a guy."

Mathias casket was draped with an American flag and on one side of the casket stood the Olympic flag and the other side was a wreath of flowers that read "The Kid. The Greatest."

Following the service at the church, a hearse carrying Mathias, processed past the school and stadium named for him while the high school band played the alma mater.  The procession then continued to the Tulare Cemetery where the U.S. Marine Corps honor guard paid tribute to him before laying him to rest.

Remembering Vicki Leigh Soto November 4, 1985 - December 14, 2012

Before Dec. 14, 2012, most people in America knew nothing of Vicki Soto, however, following that day she became everyone's hero.

Vicki, was one of several heroes who died that day at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut protecting innocent children from a deranged killer.  After the gunman entered the school, Soto hid her students and then died protecting them.

Victoria Soto was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut.  Her dad was from Puerto Rico and employed by the Connecticut Dept. of Transportation as a crane operator and her mom, a nurse at Bridgeport Hospital.

After graduating from Stratford High School in 2003, Soto continued her education at Eastern Connecticut State University while earning bachelors degrees in both history and education.  She was currently working on her graduate degree from the Southern Connecticut State University and was teaching as an intern at Sandy Hook elementary.

Vicki's funeral program

On her personal side, she was a huge New York Yankees fan.  Some of her favorite things included flamingos and Christmas.  She "always" had to decorate the family Christmas tree.  And then there was her beloved dog, Roxie, who waited for her to return from school everyday.

According to her memorial program (pictured) Teaching was her passion, following in the footsteps of her aunt, molding young minds was her priority, but being the "fun teacher" is what she was all about.

On Dec. 14, she was teaching first grade when the tragedy began.  The killer had already shot and killed fifteen students and two teachers when he entered Soto's classroom.  When hearing the shots, Soto began hiding her children in a closet.  When the shooter, Adam Lanza entered her room, she told him that the children were in the auditorium.  Tragically, some of the students began running from their hiding places when he began firing shots at them.  Soto was shot and killed when she threw herself in front of her kids having made herself a human shield to protect them.

She has become the face of heroism.  A local school has been named in her honor as well as awards, scholarships, parades, and even a playground.  She and the other heroes that day posthumously received the Presidential Citizens Medal that honors Americans who have performed exemplary deeds of service to their country.

Vicki Soto's funeral

A service of faith and thanksgiving celebrating the life of Victoria Soto was held on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 in the Lordship Community Church in Stratford.  Among those who paid tribute to her included several family members. Musical icon, Paul Simon sang his familiar words to Soto's favorite song " The Sound of Silence" while her pastor Rev. Meg Boxwell Williams said of her "Her last act was selfless, Christlike in laying down her life for her children."

Vicki Soto was laid to rest in the Union Cemetery in Stratford while being saluted by the Connecticut State Police Honor Guard.

Vicki Soto's gravesite

Remembering John Candy October 31, 1950 - March 4, 1994

John Candy was born in Newmarket, Ontario Canada and was raised in a catholic family.  Following high school, Candy completed his college education at both Centennial College in Toronto and
McMaster University.

His first movie role was in a small 1973 film, "Class of 44 and continued to appear on other low budget films during the 1970's including a film "Silent Partner" with Elliott Gould and Christopher Plummer.  He was also a member of Toronto's "The Second City" where he continued to gain North American popularity as a cast member of the comedy variety show "Second City Television" and won Emmy awards for the show's writing in 1981 and 82.  Candy was great at impersonations including Jerry Mathers "The Beaver" "Jimmy the Greek" Richard Burton, and Jackie Gleason along with several others.

In 1980, Candy began a more active film career having appeared in "1941" and "The Blues Brothers"  Soon after, he had a role in the successful film "Stripes" along with appearance in "National Lampoon's Vacation" and appeared on Saturday Night Live on two different occasions.    Three years later he headlined the film "Going Beserk"  and was soon approached about doing a role in an upcoming film called "Ghost Busters"

Over the years, Candy became a box office sensation with roles on some of the funniest movies ever.  He had a supporting role in "Spaceballs" followed by "Volunteers" "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" Who's Harry Crumb?" and one of my favorites "Uncle Buck"  He also produced and starred in a Saturday morning animated children's show "Camp Candy"

Candy's career took a decline in the early 1990's.  He had roles in comedies but also tried to blow air into his career by taking a couple of serious roles.  He appeared in "Only the Lonely" and Oliver Stone's "JFK as a shady lawyer.

Candy appeared in 34 movies during the 1980's which allowed him "to go from macaroni and cheese to macaroni and lobster."

John Candy along with hockey great Wayne Gretzky became part owners of a Canadian Football team, "Toronto Argonauts" that attracted a great deal of attention in Canada.

Candy's prayer card

John Candy's funeral program

In 1994, John Candy was filming "Wagons East!" in Durango, Mexico.  One evening, he called his partners and told them he was planning to sell his share of the football team.  He had just cooked a late meal for himself and went to bed.  During his sleep, on March 4, 1994, Candy died from a heart attack. The following morning his assistant rang for him and when he didn't get answer, the assistant let himself in and found Candy lifeless in bed dressed in a black and red checkered night shirt .  It was determined that he died between 5:00-7:00am.  At the request of John's wife, there was no autopsy performed.

Candy's memorial service

John Candy's funeral mass was held at the St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Los Angeles (program and prayer card pictured) on March 21, 1994 near his home.  Among those who attended his funeral were Jim Belushi, Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, Martin Short, Tom Hanks, Ed Harris and Rick Moranis. Dan Ackroyd read the lyrics of Candy's favorite song "O Canada"
A memorial service was also held in St. John's Cathedral in Toronto and was broadcast live on Canadian television.

John Candy rests in a mausoleum in Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, California (two crypts above actor Fred MacMurray of My Three Sons fame).

Remembering Robert "Evel" Knievel October 17, 1938 - November 30, 2007

"Robert "Evel" Knievel's legacy as America's Legendary Daredevil, Last of the Gladiators, and King of the Stuntmen will undeniably live on among millions of the fans, past, present, and future."
However, the memories of the man apart from his legend will live on even stronger in the hearts of his friends and family.  Despite his well-known swagger of self confidence, the legacy he wished for most of all was simply to be an inspiration."

These are the words written on the funeral program from his funeral on Monday Dec. 10, 2007 that was held at the Butte, Montana Civic Center.

Evel Knievel was born in Butte, Montana on Oct. 17, 1938.  He always said that living in Butte were some of the most valued times of his life.  His fame took him far and wide across the country and even overseas, but Knievel never let go of the love and pride he had for his hometown.  He attended the Butte public schools prior to serving in the U.S. Army reserves.  In his younger years, he was an exceptional athlete.  He also excelled in many different professions before he found his calling as a daredevil.

Over the years, Knievel earned a record in the Guinness Book of World Records for having broken the most bones in a lifetime (over 433 of them).  He accomplished many memorable feats including his longest jump that took place on October 25, 1975 at Kings Island theme park in Cincinnati where he jumped 14 buses.  He also attempted a jump over the Snake River in Twin Falls, Idaho but his parachute deployed after take off and his vehicle crashed a few feet from the river's edge.  His nationally televised motorcycle jumps were four of the twenty most watched ABC's Wide World of Sports events in history.  He endorsed Harley Davidson and the Ideal Toy Company.  His life story was featured in 1977 in the film Viva Knievel and was portrayed by George Hamilton.  Other movies about him featured Sam Elliott and George Eads. He jokingly stated that during his career, he had earned $60 million dollars and spent $62 million.  He was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999.

As a celebrity, Knievel loved fast cars, fancy yachts, and private airplanes along with fancy clothes and jewelry.  He became friends with the rich and famous in Hollywood.  He had few regrets in his later years.  He claimed to have always strived to do the right things.  His family was extremely important to him as well as his real friends.  He never forgot where he came from as well as those who helped him over the years .  His colors of red, white, and blue for which he was famous for were as much a tribute to his character as they were for his feeling of living and growing up in America.  He admitted that he was very materialistic in his younger years.

Near the end of Knievel's life, he claimed to have found the fulfillment of Jesus Christ in his life.  He was baptized publicly on April 1, 2007 on the Hour of Power in the Crystal Cathedral by Dr. Robert Schuller several months prior to his death.

Knievel suffered from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in the final years of his life and required supplemental oxygen 24 hours a day.  He also had severe pain throughout his body from all of the injuries he had received over the years.

Evel Knievel died on November 30, 2007 at the age of 69 en route to the hospital from his home in Clearwater, Florida.

Dr. Robert Schuller, who had baptized Knievel about seven months before his death, officiated Robert Evel Knievel's funeral that was attended by thousands of family, friends, and fans. Schuller said "Heaven will rejoice that he wrote the last words to his life and was standing next to You when he wrote them.: Believe in Jesus Christ."   Actor Matthew McConaughey, a friend of Knievel said of him "He's forever in flight now.  He doesn't have to land."

The music at the service was a mix of country and Frank Sinatra's "My Way."  As his casket entered the Butte Civic Center, a three minute display of red, white, and blue fireworks lit the night sky.

Evel's funeral held at Butte Civic Center

Knievel's funeral program

The Duggan Dolan Mortuary later laid Knievel to rest in the Mountain View Cemetery in Butte.

I will end with
Evel's Knievel's words printed on the program

"Concerning my purpose in life   I feel that God put me here   to do the best,  to live the best, and to be the best at what I've chosen to do and I am trying to do that.  And when He's ready, He'll take me--A human being cannot ask for a better deal than that."     Evel Knievel

His resting place at Mountain View Cemetery