Last Wednesday I had the pleasure of interviewing one of the founders of Great Big Sea on Global Morning News. Alan Doyle was a most forthcoming performer who has not lost touch with his Newfoundland  origins. The week prior to our meeting PBS had presented their “Special” to great reviews… Chris Cornell was vocalist with the  Seattle rock band Soundgarden. He also recorded with Temple of  the Dog. The band recorded hits such as Black Hole Sun and Fell On Black Days before disbanding in 1997. Chris is reviving his career and is on tour around North America. There is no question he is one of the  finest rock vocalists around… Each year for 20 years in my TVWeek column at year’s end I would take time to salute those who had passed away in the world of entertainment, literature, sports and politics. I would like to continue with that tradition. Here are some names of note who have passed on in 2008:  Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man to  reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1953, dead at the age of 88.  Bobby Fischer, the Chicago-born chess player who defeated Russian champ Boris Spassky in 1972. He was 64. Actor Heath Ledger, who played The Joker in the Batman movie Dark Knight and other roles over the years. The young actor was only 28… Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who brought transcendental meditation from India in the 1960’s and had a wide range of followers including The Beatles and Mia Farrow. He was believed to be 91. Sci-Fi writer Arthur C. Clarke, best known for  2001: A Space Odyssey passed away at the age of 90. One of my favorite actors, Richard Widmark, who played nearly every role imaginable in movies died at his home at 93… Iconic movie actor Charlton Heston (The Ten Commandments, Ben-Hur, Planet of The Apes) died in Los Angeles at age 83… French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent died in Paris at age 71… Rock and Roll singer and guitar player Bo Diddley died of heart failure in Florida at age 79. American sportscaster Jim McKay, who covered 12 Olympic Games and hosted television’s Wide World of Sports has passed on at age 86… American comedian George Carlin passed away in Los Angeles at 71… Comedian Bernie Mac who starred in The Bernie Mac Show and movies Ocean’s 11, 12 and 13 died in Chicago at age 50… Isaac Hayes, considered one of the founders of disco and hip hop and the voice of Chef on the television cartoon series South Park died in his hometown of Memphis at 65… Comedian Dick Martin, part of the comedy team of Rowan & Martin (Laugh In) died in California at age 86. Great comedic actor Harvey Korman, best known for his stint on the Carol Burnett Show and in the hilarious movie Blazing Saddles passed on at age 81. Football icon and friend Bobby Ackles, President of the B.C. Lions Football club died of a heart attack on Bowen Island. Bobby was 69. Folksinger Odetta , a wonderful spiritual singer, died at age 77.  Mr. Blackwell, a California fashion designer and actor best known for his “Worst Dressed” celebrity list, died in Los Angeles at age 86… Estelle Getty, the actress who played the role of Bea Arthur‘s sarcastic mother in the TV comedy The Golden Girls died at the age of 84. Actor extraordinaire Paul Newman, one of the world’s most famous film stars died of cancer at age 83… Writer Studs Terkel died in Chicago at age 96… Michael Crichton, author of the best sellers Jurassic Park and The Andromeda Strain and creator of the TV series ER died at age 66. Miriam Makeba, a South African singer who visited our town many times over the years has passed away at the age of 76 from a heart attack…Ted Rogers, who built a media empire died in his Toronto home at the age of 76. Eartha Kitt a  singer, dancer and actress who captivated audiences with her sultry voice has passed away at age 81… All are gone but not forgotten.  Many have left a lasting legacy for generations to come… in  other news, singer Connie Francis, who was one of the biggest selling  female recording artists of all time has just turned 70. Happy Birthday Connie!