One of the things I have done regularly since becoming a blogger over ten years ago is to write what could be termed as an obituary concerning someone whose life had impacted my own, some I knew and some I didn’t, who had died a little prior to my writing.

I am never surprised when, as often happens these days, I learn of the death of someone who is widely known or someone I knew personally (often very well). Of course, I need to be selective in who I write about and sensitive in what I say, adopting the rule of thumb that if I can’t say something positive, it is better to say nothing at all. While I can do nothing for the person who has died, I can respect their memories and, in certain cases, do something to preserve their legacy, celebrate their achievements, great and small, and, if I can, support those close to them that have been left behind.

As I was searching the BBC website for topics I might write about as 2024 comes shortly to an end, I was particularly struck by one article titled “Notable deaths 2024” (see here). These all relate to people we might well have come across in the public domain, personalities from the world of stage and screen, media, music, politics, writers, achievers and sport. My first salutary observation was how many of them I was aware off, especially in their hey day.

This is not a long article and now that I have gone past my three score and ten year allocation and meet up from time to time with fellow 70+ year olds attending the funeral of some mutual friend, we sometimes joke the next time it could be for one of us. As for parting words of wisdom, I will end with two. The first most reading this will go along with; the second only those who believe in life after death will. Firstly, live each day as best you can, as it might be your last, making the most of whatever opportunities you have or situation you find yourself in. Secondly, prepare to meet your God.

Update:

Isn’t it strange that two hours after posting this article I read of the passing of another well known figure who I followed with interest back in the day – former US President, Jimmy Carter (see here). While I would have been opposed to his politics, I also got the impression that he was a modest, decent man who meant well, who influenced and will now be missed by many. If there is a lesson we can take away from Jimmy Carter’s life, it is that he sought to make and did make a positive difference, right up to the very end. Images of him teaching Sunday School at his local Baptist Church or being part of a team building houses for the poor will be abiding ones.