Octopus of Odstock

John Pratt, former Reading and Wycombe goalkeeper, died earlier this month, aged 81. https://www.readingfcformerplayers.co.uk/john-pratt/

After a slogathon by myself, aided by @Master Obit, the 1933 and 1934 living players are now up on the master list. Just shy of 250 players born between 1920-1934, although my gut feel says only about 150 of them might actually be living. Notable names added on include: Ernie Walley, Eddie Firmani, Ken Brown, Peter McParland, Bryan Douglas, Peter Goldie, Cyril Lea, Alan Dicks, Tony Book, Frank Blunstone, Sylvan Anderton and Terry Dyson, amongst others.

I had the feeling that Beccy was near the end. Once a serial tweeter, she barely posted anything after the 1st July, just one small tweet re. US fire fighters. She had said she was told she wouldn't make her birthday in September. Although I am now just a Chuwit Kamolvisit death away from taking the lead, like with Rob Burrow, I take no joy in this hit. Sorry to see her go.

Paul Harrell does new video for Independence Day. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnjRiI54VWE Looks badly gaunt and has a crutch and has all the signs of someone on the way out, but still not sure he'll make a QO. But then I thought the same about that reptile bloke (Barczyk?)

Dave Aldana Wiki - former AMA motocross and motorbike racer has died, aged 74. http://www.autonewsinfo.com/2024/07/21/deces-de-dave-aldana-ancien-champion-moto-us-472610.html

Latest is Keegan will probably be dead by mid-September. Don't think he's going to make DDP starting grid.

But this is a worthy thread. He is starting to circle the drain, there's no doubt about that.

Abdoulaye Wade?

I remember him from Michael Palin's Sahara TV programme. Sorry to read this.

Tony Macedo, long-time Fulham goalkeeper (over 350 appearances) died last month - https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/june/25/tony-macedo-1938-2024/ He was 86. Played for England U23's.

Is there an Olympian with a more Germanic name than Hans-Otto Schumacher? Possibly not, but this 1972 silver medallist in the C-2 canoeing event is dead - https://trauer.rp-online.de/traueranzeige/hans-otto-schumacher Also a World Champion, part of the winning C2 team in the 1973 Canoe Slalom World Championships in Switzerland.

Wasn't quite sure where to put this one as she did have a small Hollywood career (She was the Big Momma of Big Momma's House), but Ella Mitchell has died - https://journalofgospelmusic.com/traditional/rip-ella-mitchell-gospel-singer-actor/ Played Evillene in The Wiz for some years. Also in Sesame Street

As noted in the Happy Birthday thread, Graham was 99 yesterday and is still recording Peppa Pig. George Layton helpfully adds a photo of the great man for form spotting https://x.com/Thegeorgelayton/status/1811738810377494958?t=CL63Vi_gx3aB3LtmGVCBIw&s=19

Very recent photo of him on X: https://x.com/lazenbyofficial/status/1811702249913028650?t=6I9PFgGsOfZBN5Z9QRl62g&s=19 Looks okay, although it's from his.official post so naturally the best photo will be chosen

Cecilia has her theory: https://x.com/CeciliaBTory/status/1811034052918464965?t=Dr72KNFUQ4uYLGdkXJteqQ&s=19