By: Alyssa James
Staff Writer

As we have entered into 2017, we can easily think about all that happened in the past year. It may have felt like a rollercoaster with the numerous ups and downs that occurred during 2016. It is essential to remember what that took place over the last year but it is also important to pay tribute and remember all those we lost throughout 2016.

David Bowie passed away at age 69. He was a musician who won two Grammys and influenced five generations. In 1996 Bowie was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Alan Rickman was 69-years-old when he passed away. He was a well-known actor and director. Most notably, he is remembered for playing Severus Snape in the “Harry Potter” movie series and Hans Gruber in “Die Hard.”

George Kennedy passed away at age 91. He was an actor who starred in over 200 movies and shows. Kennedy received the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in “Cold Hand Luke,” playing Dragline.

Nancy Reagan had a long life of 94 years. She was an actress and the First Lady of the United States to the 40th President, Ronald Reagan. The major cause she supported as First Lady was the “Just Say No” campaign about drug awareness.

Doris Roberts passed away at age 90. She is best remembered as Marie Barone on the television show “Everybody Loves Raymond.” Roberts was also an author and philanthropist; she supported groups like the United Activists for Animal Rights.

The artist known as Prince passed away at 57-years-old. He was a very well-known musician known for his elaborate stage presence and wide variety of music style. These genres include R&B, funk and rock, among others. He was ranked 27 on “Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Artists.”

Gene Wilder lived until age 83. Along with being an actor, he was an author, screenwriter, and film director. He played parts in such movies as “Blazing Saddles,” “Young Frankenstein” and “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”

Alan Thicke passed away at 69-years-old. He was an actor, game show host, talk show host and songwriter. Thicke is most known for his role as Jason Seaver on the television show “Growing Pains.” He was inducted into the Canada Walk of Fame in 2013.

George Michael passed away at the age of 53. He was a singer and songwriter in the band Wham! Two well-known singles from “Wham!” were “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and “Last Christmas.” Michael was an activist for LGBT rights and for HIV/AIDS charities.

Carrie Fisher passed away at the age of 60. She was an actor and author. She portrayed Princess Leia in the “Star Wars” film series. She also play major parts in other films such as “The Blues Brothers” and “When Harry Met Sally.”

Debbie Reynolds passed away the day after her daughter, Carrie Fisher, at age 84. She was many things, most notably an actress and singer. She starred as Kathy Selden in “Singin’ in the Rain,” and Aggie Cromwell in the “Halloweentown” movie series.

The world lost many talented and influential people throughout 2016. These were only a handful of those who passed away. Each not only impacted the world in their own way, but they touched individual lives in ways we will never be able to fathom. May they never be forgotten and always rest in peace.

Contact the author at ajames16@mail.wou.edu