VSBfromH

Howard Smit who was assistant make-up artist on "The Wizard of Oz" and also counted Hitchcock's "The Birds" and "Marnie" among his credits has died aged 98. He helped establish the Oscar for make-up.

Keith Macklin Sad to report that the veteran sports presenter died aged 78 on Saturday. Well known, particularly in the North West of England and Yorkshire, as a commentator for a wide range of sports, he also had stints presenting "Songs of Praise" and "Pot Black". He was also the founder of "Red Rose Radio", now known as "Rock FM". Another report here

Naomi Sims Often acknowledged as the first black supermodel, she has died from cancer at the age of 61. Another more comprehensive obit from the NY Times here

Harvey Frand, 68 Producer of the "Battlestar Galactica" series. He also counts 34 episodes of "The Twilight Zone" amongst his many credits.

Apologies, but couldn't think what thread to put this in. Following the recent story of an ambulance driver in the NE of England being suspended after he returned to base with a patient rather than take him to hospital because his shift had ended, here's a tale from Swaziland of a patient who died in the back of an ambulance because the driver went off to have a game of cards with his mates!

Prolific Northern Irish actor Harry Towb has died aged 83. Equally at home on stage and screen, he was recently seen in "Eastenders" as Janine Butcher's elderly fiancé. His widow is Diana Hoddinott, best known for her role as Jim Hacker's wife in "Yes, Minister" and "Yes, Prime Minister". One of those familiar faces difficult to put a name to, I see he also made appearances in "Doctor Who" in 1969 and 1971.

John Panton "Former British Ryder Cup player John Panton MBE has died at the age of 92. Panton, who was the oldest surviving Ryder Cup star, represented Great Britain and Ireland in the competition on three occasions, in 1951, 1953 and 1961"

Already noted here

Party Politics, winner of the 1992 Grand National has been put down at the age of 25.

Heinz Edelmann "Graphic designer Heinz Edelmann, best known for his work as art director of the 1968 Beatles film "Yellow Submarine," has died, his former employer said. He was 75" "He is generally credited as the art director, but in fact he created a lot of the characters and was deeply involved in developing the story itself." (from link )

Michael Klenfner He is credited as the inspiration behind the Blues Brothers being transformed from a few sketches on "Saturday Night Live" into Grammy Award-nominated recording artists. He died last Tuesday aged 62 from complications of congestive heart failure. He also "later helped steer Cher's comeback with her 1998 hit 'Believe' ", but maybe we can forgive him that!

That's terrible news Handley, Hickox and Downes all within the space of a year. Three of Britain's finest conductors of recent times.

John Caldwell The Irish boxer, a former world bantamweight champion and bronze medal winner at the 1956 Olympics, has died aged 71.

Colin Hendry's wife Denise has lost her much publicised battle against a serious brain infection following a botched cosmetic surgery operation.

Death by chocolate Sorry, couldn't resist!

John Bachar Apparently considered to be "the greatest American rock climber of his generation", he has died in an accident in California.

Bleddyn Williams The Welsh rugby union legend has died at the age of 86. He was known as the "Prince of Centres", was the last man to lead Wales to victory over the All Blacks and also captained the British and Irish Lions.

Those 118 blokes are so f@$&ing hilarious aren't they?

Cricket umpire dies after ball hits him on head "Alcwyn Jenkins, 72, was officiating at a league match between Swansea and Llangennech when the accident happened in front of a large crowd at the St Helen's ground in Swansea. He collapsed after a fielder from the away side threw the ball in towards the stumps. Mr Jenkins, a widower, was struck on the side of the head and fell to the ground."

His dad was my sister's history teacher at our upper school. WOW! Bet you're still dining out on that one!

Alexis Arguello 3 times world lightweight boxing champion and more recently mayor of Managua, Nicaragua, has committed suicide at the age of 57. He was know as "the explosive thin man" which is a bit cumbersome for a nickname!

Jan Rubes The veteran Czech-born Canadian actor who played the grandfather Eli Lapp in "Witness" has died aged 89.

German choreographer and dancer Pina Bausch has died from cancer aged 68

I'll throw in a topical one for Wimbledon fortnight: former Wimbledon and US Open winner Jack Kramer. I remember when he used to do the BBC commentaries alongside Dan Maskell, but he's dropped off my radar, so when I heard him mentioned earlier this week I wondered "when did he die?" only to discover he hasn't!

Warning: Don't twitter in the bath