Celebrities Who Bid A Farewell in 2011

Each year that passes we lose famous people who in one way or another had made an impact in our lives. I've compiled a list of some celebrities that we lost in 2011 that I'd like to give a shout-out to. Whether it was with their acting, singing, entertainment, humor or varied talented gifts they might be gone but never will be forgotten.

Steve Jobs: Thank you for APPLE. Each time I use my Apple technology I think of the genius you were and still are in passing. The gifts that you have given us are more than we ever could have imagined.

Amy Winehouse: I truly wish that rehab would have worked for you. Thank you for your music that will live on for many generations to enjoy.

Elizabeth Taylor: We go back a long way since my mother was also a fan of yours. Whether you were acting, fighting for a cause close to your heart or creating a new fragrance, your fans were always behind you. Thank you for always being you.

Jeff Conaway: Your character Kenickie helped make Grease that much more awesome! As Bobby Wheeler on Taxi, you had us fans in hysterics laughing! It's a shame that addictions took you down but we will always remember you as the slick taxi driver who entertained us like the memorable actor you were. Thank you for the memories!

Clarence Clemens: Hi Big Man. The world has lost a multitude of talent when you passed away due to a stroke at the age of 69. Those who knew and appreciated your saxophone genius will miss you. Bruce Springsteen and The E Street will not be the same without you.

Betty Ford: Words could never express how many people you have helped with your rehab clinic. The celebrities and some non-celebs who filed in and out of The Betty Ford Clinic will always admire your kind heart and generousity. May your gentle soul rest in peace.

Jack Kevorkian: You were known as Dr. Death. You stood your ground on what you believed in. "Dying is not a crime." People protested you. Some agreed with physician-assisted suicide, many didn't. We all have our opinions. No one understands about pain, death and the inevitable unless they are in that position. Your patients understood. RIP.

Jack LaLanne: Well if anyone was living proof that diet, exercise and living a healthy lifestyle could prolong your life until the age of 96...you could! You did! No one kicks sand at Jack! Your jumpsuit will be a piece of iconic history that was worn by the "First Fitness Superhero." Bravo to you!

Michael Gough: Watching Batman we envied Bruce Wayne not only for his superpowers or his batmobile but for his butler Alfred. We all wanted an Alfred in our lives! You were not just an member of the household staff...you kew how to keep a secret!

Ryan Dunn: I know you don't want to hear this or you possibly heard it repeatedly but what were you thinking while racing your car?! Jackass was a stunt TV show and stunts were NOT intended to be performed in the real world. I'm sorry your life was cut short at the young age of 34. Operating a vehicle and being under the influence of alcohol do not blend well together. I hope fans of your show learned a difficult lesson from your untimely passing. Thank you for the humor and the shock of "Did he really just do THAT"?

Nick Ashford: Ashford and Simpson need I say more? You along with your wife Valerie gave your millions of fans some of the finest music collaborations! Whether you were writing or singing you both were a sensational team that will always be cherished and respected. Throat cancer took you away but your music will always live on.

Dan Wheldon: You were a winner of the Indianapolis 500 twice. When you died in a car crash at the age of 33 many people said, "he died doing what he loved doing." Huh? I don't get that. Yes obviously you knew car racing is dangerous and you risked your life doing what you loved but it's still heartbreaking for your family to not have you around anymore to cheer you on. You were a master behind the wheel...you will never be forgotten.

Sherwood Schwartz: A genius of TV creations with Gilligan's Island and the Brady Bunch! Two fantastic classic sitcoms that will always be remembered by their many fans. We wondered if Gilligan, the professor and Maryann would ever get rescued off the island. Each show poor Gilligan would get into mischief to irritate the Skipper or the Howells. On the other end of the spectrum we had the Brady Bunch. The drama, chaos, family mishaps, Marsha's broken nose...and sweet, loving Alice who we all adored. You earned your star of the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.

Andy Rooney: "60 Minutes" and Andy Rooney will always have a connection. You were a tradition among many households who viewed your broadcast with open ears and closed mouths because they didn't want to miss a word of what you were about to share. Thank you for many years of interesting, entertaining tidbits. A famous quote of yours that I enjoy is..."Elephants and grandchildren never forget" and I absolutely agree!!

Duke Snider: My husband was one of your biggest fans. For the past 15 years I've heard many baseball stories and tales about his favorite Hall Of Famer. You were considered the best centerfielder in New York and at that time Mantle and Mays were also playing there. The Dodgers could always count on "The Duke".

Not a celebrity nor a star, but I have something to say to Osama Bin Laden...Take that!! Nobody messes with the good old U.S.A and lives to tell about it!