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Poet and punk rocker Jim Carroll, 60, who I have never heard of, has also died of a heart attack.
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Plant scientist Norman Borlaug, 95, who I also never heard of, died of cancer complications:
He was widely described as the father of the broad agricultural movement called the Green Revolution, though decidedly reluctant to accept the title. “A miserable term,” he said, characteristically shrugging off any air of self-importance.
I must have fallen off the turnip truck along the way, for this guy's name doesn't ring a bell at all.
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Actor Patrick Swayze, who I HAVE heard of, lost his long battle against pancreatic cancer today. He was 57 years old.
Needless to say, a LOT of prominent people have died this year; it's almost on par with 1977.
Early last year, Swayze learned he had pancreatic cancer, a diagnosis that came two weeks after production wrapped on the pilot of "The Beast," an A&E series in which Swayze starred as an unorthodox FBI agent.
Although the cancer was advanced, he was found to have a more controlled form of the disease and persuaded the network to go ahead with the series. It was shot over five months in Chicago while Swayze was undergoing chemotherapy and taking an experimental drug that targets tumors.
"I'm proud of what I'm doing," Swayze told the New York Times in October. "How do you nurture a positive attitude when all the statistics say you're a dead man? You go to work."
He gave it his best shot. Swayze fared better than most pancreatic cancer patients, having survived over a year and a half with the disease, which is almost always fatal.
Long married to Lisa Niemi, he is also survived by his mother, two brothers, and a sister.
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2 comments:
I have watched in awe and amazement the life and career of Patrick Swayze. I have been a long time fan. Patrick,his wife Lisa and his family have been in my prayers ever since the news was first announced that he had cancer,I truly believed if anyone could beat the odds,it would be Patrick! I loved his zest for life and for the things he loved and lived for. To his wife,mother,brother and sisters my prayers and thoughts are with you during this most tragic time. If I could say one thing to Patrick it would be to quote him somewhat, I would say "He's like the wind",flow safely to the arms of God,till we meet again, may you rest in peace. To his family may God keep you and strengthen you. with deepest regrets. Debbie Davis
RIP Patrick - you always were one of my most favorite actors and my favorite dancer and loved how you loved animals and the Arabian horse. I never had a chance to meet this great man but have heard so many wonderful things about him from many people I know here in the Houston area. He will be missed greatly by many people. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Lisa and the rest of his family.
Lisa
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