/ Stars that died in 2023

Monday, May 9, 2011

Lorenda Starfelt, American producer, died from cancer she was , 56.

Lorenda Starfelt was an award-winning [1] independent film producer, as well as a committed political activist and blogger died from cancer she was , 56..

 

 (January 11, 1955 – March 16, 2011)

Career

Lorenda (Lori) Starfelt was the producer of the independent feature film comedy The Watermelon, which premiered at the 2008 San Diego Film Festival.[2] Directed by Brad Mays, The Watermelon was written by Michael Hemmingson and stars Will Beinbrink, Kiersten Morgan, Elyse Ashton, Julia Aks, Steven Shields and Mike Ivy.

In 2000, Ms. Starfelt produced, in conjunction with Turman-Morrissey Productions, an independent feature film adaptation of Euripides' The Bacchae. [3] Her next project was an adaptation of William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, entitled Shakespeare's Merchant, directed by Paul Wagar. She followed up that particular project with Schooled, a drama written & directed by Brooks Elms, which portrays the unique difficulties facing both students and teachers engaged in alternative education. Ms. Starfelt's next film project was the documentary feature SING*ularity (2008), which examines the cutting-edge training of student and professional-level vocalists at Ann Baltz's world-renowned OperaWorks program in Northridge, California. [4]
In 2009, Starfelt's feature-length political documentary film The Audacity of Democracy was released. The film offered an inside view of the 2008 race for the Democratic Presidential Nomination, focusing in particular on the notorious PUMA movement. In multiple Blog-Radio interviews,[5] Lorenda Starfelt spoke candidly about her commitment to Hillary Clinton's presidential run, and the misogyny she personally encountered in various liberal political circles. [6][7]
In addition to her film work, Ms. Starfelt has also produced for the Los Angeles stage, most notably The Bacchae [8][9][10][11] in 1997 at the Complex, Marat/Sade in 2000 for the Theatre of N.O.T.E..[12][13] and a multi-media production of Anthony Burgess' A Clockwork Orange which was nominated for Best Direction, Best Revival Production, and Best Actress by the 2004 LA Weekly Theater Awards.[14] Vanessa Claire Smith won Best Actress for her gender-bending portrayal of Alex, the story's music-loving teenaged sociopath.[15][16] In a 2011 web radio interview with Priscilla Leona, [17] Ms. Starfelt discussed a new comedy web series, Customer Diss-Service, [18] that she and her husband Brad Mays were currently engaged in. Stressing the need for strong scripts and experienced, well-trained actors, she asserted that working within small budgets enables creative freedom, thus affording experienced artists a change to present their work in a completely unfettered form. [19] Starfelt also discussed a number of new projects in the works, including the musical feature film Beginnging Blue, which she co-wrote, and the Los Angeles premiere of Doraine Perez's dramatic fantasia Anais Nin: Woman Of The Dream, which she is producing for the Los Angeles stage.

Filmography

Year Film Function Notes
2002 The Bacchae Producer Screen adaptation of Euripides' classic play, filmed roughly two years after Mays' acclaimed Los Angeles stage production.
2004 Shakespeare's Merchant Producer Adaptation of Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, adapted and directed by Los Angeles stage director Paul Wagar.
The Trojan Women Producer/Actress Documentary Film of Brad Mays' 2003 Los Angeles stage production of Euripides' classic tragedy, produced by the ARK Theatre Company.
2007 Schooled Co-Producer

2008 SING*ularity Producer Documentary about the world-famous OperaWorks training program for classical vocalists, filmed in the years 2006 - 2007.
The Watermelon Producer Oddball romantic comedy, written by Michael Hemmingson. World premiere at the 2008 San Diego Film Festival. Released July 7, 2009. Received the California Film Awards 2010 Diamond Award.
The Audacity of Democracy Producer Documentary Film of the 2008 Democratic Presidential Primary, shot in Dallas, Princeton, Washington, D.C., and Denver. Released in 2009.

2011 Customer Diss-Service Co-Producer Web Series directed by Brad Mays and starring Frank Noon and Johnny D'Agostino.
2012 Beginning Blue Producer, Writer Feature film about an all-girl rock band determined not to trade on looks or gender appeal.


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James C. Tyree, American businessman, chairman and CEO of the Chicago Sun-Times, died from cancer he was , 53.

James C. Tyree  was a Chicago financier who was chairman and chief executive officer of Mesirow Financial since 1994. In 2009, he led a team of investors that took control of the Chicago Sun-Times newspaper, which he owned until his death he was , 53.

(October 30, 1957  – March 16, 2011)

Early life and education

Tyree grew up in the Beverly neighborhood on Chicago's South Side.
Tyree earned his bachelor's and MBA degrees from Illinois State University in 1978 and 1980, respectively.[1][2]

Professional career

In 1980, Tyree joined Mesirow Financial fresh out of business school as a research analyst.[3][1] In 1990, he became the firm's president, and in 1994, he became the firm's chairman and chief executive officer.[1][3]
From 1990 until his death, Tyree oversaw 50 acquisitions by Mesirow.[3]

Bid for the Sun-Times

In September 2009, Tyree and a group of investors he was leading placed a $5 million bid, which was accepted to purchase the Chicago Sun-Times newspaper and its bankrupt company, Sun-Times Media Group Inc.[4] As part of their offer, Tyree and his group also had agreed to assume $20 million in liabilities. [5]

Personal

Tyree married his second wife, Eve, in 1996, after a first marriage had ended in divorce.[3] Eve had been Mesirow's chief financial officer.[3] They own a mansion on Chicago's Gold Coast and a lakefront summer house in Long Beach, Indiana.They also have children, one of them being a girl named Jessica. [3]
Tyree suffered from diabetes.[3]
On October 20, 2010 his diagnosis with stomach cancer was revealed.[6] On March 16, 2011, Tyree died of complications of cancer.[7]

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Friday, May 6, 2011

Murray Warmath, American college football coach (Minnesota Golden Gophers), died from natural causes he was , 98

Murray Warmath was an American football player and coach.[1] He served as the head football coach at Mississippi State University from 1952 to 1953 and at the University of Minnesota from 1954 to 1971.Warmath was named the national coach of the year by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association in 1960, when he led the Golden Gophers to their most recent national championship, and led the Minnesota Golden Gophers to the Rose Bowl in 1961 and 1962, Minnesota's most recent appearance in the Rose Bowl.


 (December 26, 1912 – March 16, 2011)

Playing and coaching career

Warmath played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers under legendary coach Robert Neyland. After graduation from college, Warmath was the line coach for one season and end coach for three seasons at Tennessee before entering military service during World War II. After the service, he was named head line coach at Tennessee, and then served in the same capacity at the United States Military Academy under Red Blaik; Vince Lombardi was the backfield coach at Army during those years.[2] Warmath then spent two seasons (1952–1953) as head coach at Mississippi State University before being fired at the end of the 1953 season.
After coming to Minnesota, Warmath had immediate success, leading the Gophers to a 7-2 record in his first season and a 6-1-2 record in 1956. However, Warmath came under fire after three straight losing seasons in which the Gophers would finish a combined 6-20, including the 1958 campaign in which the Gophers won only one game and the 1959 campaigns in which the Gophers would finish last in the Big Ten and win two games. Despite fans throwing garbage on his lawn and talk from Gopher boosters that the University should buy out the last two years of his contract,[3][4] Warmath would survive the storm and the following season the Gophers won the Big Ten title, with an 8-1 record, and were declared national champions.
While at Minnesota, Warmath became one of the most successful coaches in Gophers' history, leading the team to two Big Ten titles and two Rose Bowls. Warmath is the last Gophers coach to win a national championship, a Big Ten title, or a Rose Bowl[5] and he had the second longest tenure at the school (18 yrs) behind only Henry L. Williams. While coach, Warmath became known as a catalyst for social change, as he was one of the first major college coaches to take multiple black athletes in a single recruiting class. Quarterback Sandy Stephens, who was installed as the starting quarterback as a sophomore in 1959, was the first black All American quarterback. With the national exposure of his bowl appeareances, Warmath was able to recruit other top black athletes including future NFL stars Bobby Bell, Carl Eller, and Aaron Brown.[6]
Following the 1971 season, Cal Stoll was hired as coach of the Gophers and Warmath was made an assistant to the athletic director. Warmath stayed in that role until 1978 when he took a job with the Minnesota Vikings as an assistant coach, a position he held for two seasons before becoming a a regional scout for the team.[7]
In 18 seasons at Minnesota, Warmath's teams amassed an 87–78–7 (.526) record and won eight games in a season three times. He compiled a career record of 97–84–10.

Later life

In 1992, Warmath worked with author Mike Wilkinson to publish a biography entitled The Autumn Warrior in which he recounts his 65 year association with football.[8] Warmath remained in Minnesota after he retired from coaching and made public appearances well into his 90s and gave extended an interview as recently as 2007.[9] The the Gophers locker room at Minnesota's TCF Bank Stadium, which opened in 2009, is named after Warmath. Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton declared 21 March, 2011, the date of his funeral at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Edina, MN, "Murray Warmath Day".[10]

Head coaching record

Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/Playoffs Coaches# AP°
Mississippi State Maroons (Southeastern Conference) (1952–1953)
1952 Mississippi State 5–4 3–4 7th


1953 Mississippi State 5–2–3 3–1–3 5th


Mississippi State: 10–6–3 6–5–3
Minnesota Golden Gophers (Big Ten Conference) (1954–1971)
1954 Minnesota 7–2 4–2 4th
20
1955 Minnesota 3–6 2–5 8th


1956 Minnesota 6–1–2 4–1–2 T–2nd
9 12
1957 Minnesota 4–5 3–5 8th


1958 Minnesota 1–8 1–6 9th


1959 Minnesota 2–7 1–6 10th


1960 Minnesota 8–2 5–1 T–1st L Rose 1 1
1961 Minnesota 8–2 6–1 2nd W Rose 6 6
1962 Minnesota 6–2–1 5–2 2nd
10 10
1963 Minnesota 3–6 2–5 9th


1964 Minnesota 5–4 4–3 T–4th


1965 Minnesota 5–4–1 5–2 T–3rd


1966 Minnesota 4–5–1 3–3–1 5th


1967 Minnesota 8–2 6–1 T–1st
14
1968 Minnesota 6–4 5–2 T–3rd
18
1969 Minnesota 4–5–1 4–3 4th


1970 Minnesota 3–6–1 2–4–1 7th


1971 Minnesota 4–7 3–5 T–6th


Minnesota: 87–78–7 65–57–4
Total: 97–84–10
      National Championship         Conference Title         Conference Division Title
#Rankings from final Coaches' Poll.
°Rankings from final AP Poll.



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Thursday, May 5, 2011

Richard Wirthlin, American political strategist and religious leader, died from renal failure he was , 80.

Richard Bitner ("Dick") Wirthlin  was a prominent American pollster, who is best known as Ronald Reagan's chief strategist, serving as his political consultant and pollster for twenty years, from 1968 through the end of his presidency died from  renal failure he was , 80.. He became a senior adviser and member of Reagan's his inner circle and is known to have helped him shape his political message and strategies, both in presidential campaigns and in the White House.[1][2] Wirthlin also was a general authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and a member of its Second Quorum of the Seventy from 1996 to 2001.

 

(March 15, 1931 – March 16, 2011)

Early life

Wirthin was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, the son of Joseph L. Wirthlin, the presiding bishop of the LDS Church. As a young adult, he spent two years as a Mormon missionary, serving in Switzerland and Austria between 1951 and 1953. Wirthlin was assigned to Basel, Switzerland for his entire mission.[3] After finishing his missionary service, Wirthlin studied for a B.A. in economics and an M.A. in economics and statistics from the University of Utah. From 1954 to 1955 he served in the United States army.[3] He received his Ph.D. in economics from the University of California at Berkeley.[4]

Career in polling firm and politics

In 1969, Wirthlin founded a survey research firm based in Los Angeles. Over the years his firm had various names, including Decision Making Information, Inc., The Wirthlin Group, and finally, Wirthlin Worldwide.[5] The firm was acquired in 2004 by Harris Interactive. After the merger with Harris Interactive, Wirthlin served on its board of directors.[6]
In 1980, when California governor Ronald Reagan decided to run for president, he turned to Wirthlin for political advice. Wirthlin, together with his consulting firm, played a pivotal role in both the 1980 and 1984 elections of Reagan. After Reagan won the 1980 presidential election, Wirthlin moved to Washington, D.C. and continued to assist the president and the Republican National Committee.[7] His work on the first Reagan campaign earned him the title, Adman of the Year, declared by Advertising Age.[8]
In addition to his consulting work, he has been the author of two books and at least one podcast:
  • The Greatest Communicator: What Ronald Reagan Taught Me about Politics, Leadership, and Life, co-authored with Wynton Hall, Published in 2004, the book describes his years working with former president Ronald Reagan
  • Estrategia Electoral: Persuadir Por La Razon, Motivar Por La Emocion, La Estrategia De La Comunicacion Politica, published in 1995
  • Podcast on Entrprenuerism, February 12, 2007 [9]

Service in the LDS Church

Among many other ecclesiastical assignments over the years, Wirthlin served for a time as a bishop in the LDS Church.[3]
In 1995, Wirthlin returned to his native Utah and eventually took up a full-time ecclesiastical position with the LDS Church. In 1996, Wirthlin was asked by church president Gordon B. Hinckley to serve as a general authority of the church. Wirthlin accepted and served as a member of its Second Quorum of the Seventy until October 2001, when he was honorably released from his duties.

Family

On 23 November 1956, Wirthlin married Jeralie Mae Chandler in the Salt Lake Temple of the LDS Church. They became the parents of eight children.
Wirthlin has several relatives who have held prominent leadership positions of the LDS Church. His father was the presiding bishop of the church from 1952 to 1961. His older brother, Joseph B. Wirthlin, was an apostle and a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the church from 1986 to 2008. He is a first-cousin on his mother's side to Gordon B. Hinckley, president of the church from 1995 to 2008 and the official who invited him to his last post with the church.

Death

Wirthlin died of renal failure [1] in his Salt Lake City home one day after his eightieth birthday.[10][11
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Keith Fordyce, British radio and television presenter (Ready Steady Go!) died he was , 82.

Keith Fordyce was an English disc jockey and former presenter on British radio and television. He is most famous as the first presenter of ITV's Ready Steady Go! in 1963 died he was , 82..

 

 (15 October 1928 – 15 March 2011)

Career

Born Keith Fordyce Marriott in Lincoln, he attended Lincoln School and later studied law at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. He first came to the attention of British radio listeners when he arrived at Radio Luxembourg in 1955 to become a staff announcer in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg where he was later joined by Barry Alldis.
Fordyce later worked for the BBC Light Programme in the 1960s, with such programs as the lunchtime Pop In show, and went on to host the television talent show Thank Your Lucky Stars[2] On 9 August 1963 he presented the first edition of Ready Steady Go! on Associated Rediffusion television, being joined subsequently by Cathy McGowan[3] who took over the show when Fordyce left in 1965.
In 1968 he provided the commentary for the BBC's first colour test transmission on BBC 2, the first men's singles final of the Open era at Wimbledon.[4]
In the early 80s, he rejoined Radio Luxembourg in the Grand Duchy after Barry Alldis's death, working in the Villa Louvigny again for six months.
On 12 February 1983 he was the first presenter of Radio 2's Sounds of the '60s. He also hosted Radio 2's Beat The Record for many years. He later hosted a record programme on west of England local radio.[2] Prior to his retirement Fordyce worked for the BBC Regional service in Devon, based at the Radio Devon studios, doing regular weekend shows.

Personal life

Fordyce retired in Devon with his wife Anne. He died on 15 March 2011 aged 82 after suffering from pneumonia and Alzheimer's Disease.[5][1]

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Frank Howard, Canadian politician, member of the BC Legislative Assembly for Skeena (1953–1956; 1979–1986), MP for Skeena (1957–1974) died he was , 85

Frank Howard was a Canadian trade unionist and politician died he was , 85.

(April 26, 1925 – March 15, 2011)

Howard was born in Kimberley, British Columbia. After a career as a logger and labour union organizer, he was elected to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia as a BC CCF MLA in 1953. He was defeated in 1956 but won a seat in the House of Commons representing Skeena in the 1957 election.
Howard first sat as a member of the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation and then for its successor, the New Democratic Party (NDP). In Parliament, Howard and his caucus colleague Arnold Peters were responsible for reforming Canada's divorce laws, and for achieving significant reforms to Canada's prison system. He was also instrumental in attaining full voting rights for Canadian First Nations.
Howard stood as a candidate in the 1971 NDP leadership convention, finishing fifth. He was a Member of Parliament for seventeen years until he lost his seat in the 1974 general election.
In 1979, Howard returned to politics, running again for the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. He won that election and served as Skeena's Member of the Legislative Assembly until 1986.
Howard published an autobiography, From Prison to Parliament, in 2003.
Howard died on March 15, 2011 at the age of 85.[1][2]


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Musa Juma, , Kenyan musician, died from pneumonia he was 42.

Musa Juma Mumbo , was a rumba and Benga musician from Kenya died from pneumonia he was 42.. He was the bandleader, guitarist and composer for Orchestra Limpopo International. Most of his music were sang in Dholuo language.

(December 6, 1968 – March 15, 2011)

He was from Usonga, Siaya District.[2] He started his music career performing with his younger brother Omondi Tony (real name Anthony Omondi Mumbo) plying rumba in small clubs in Nairobi and Kisumu. Together they formed Orchestra Limpopo International which gradually rose into national fame. Omondi Tony, who had turned into a solo career, died on June 6, 2008 of complication caused by a traffic accident.[3]

Some of most popular songs by Musa Juma were "Hera Mudho", "Ufisadi", "Mercelina", and "Freddy".[4] He released eight albums, the last of them being titled Lake Victoria.[3]

During his career he toured in various countries.[2] Only weeks before his death in 2011, he and his band had a tour in the United States.[4]
He died of pneumonia on March 15, 2011 at Mombasa Hospital.[3] He was being survived by wife Winnie Juma.[4]

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Dickey Betts died he was 80

Early Career Forrest Richard Betts was also known as Dickey Betts Betts collaborated with  Duane Allman , introducing melodic twin guitar ha...