Jaworski, Robert


Robert Jaworski, 77, Pulaski, died peacefully Sunday, Nov. 25, 2007, at his home from ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).


The son of the late John Sr. and Rose (Westphal) Jaworski was born July 4, 1930, in the town of Chase and was a U.S. Veteran of the Korean Conflict.


On May 22, 1954, he married Barbara Loberger at St. Anthony Church in Oconto Falls.


Bob and Barbara were dairy farmers until they retired in 1996. The couple were supporters of 4-H in Oconto County. Bob loved to walk the woods, pick mushrooms and hunt. After he retired he especially enjoyed his garden and was generous in sharing the fruits of his labor. Bob loved all of his grandchildren very much, and especially enjoyed attending their sporting events.


In addition to his wife Barbara, survivors include one son, Robert A. Jaworski, Pulaski and his children, Steve, Sara and Jesse; three daughters and one son-in-law, Cindy (Glenn) Zoch, Green Bay and their children, Robyn, Jason, and Amanda; Diana Jaworski (Kevin Pusick), Suamico and her children, Bobby and Brandon; Connie Jaworski, Pulaski and her children, Travis and Rachel; one great-grandson, Jarrod; eight brothers, John Jr. (Rose), Pulaski; Edward (Georgia), Florida; Norbert (Carole), Florida; Matthew (Carol) Madison; Eugene (Nancy), Michigan; James (Donna), Sobieski; Lawrence (Nancy), Sobieski; Ronald (Kathy), Sobieski; four sisters, Dorothy Pecht, Green Bay; Alvina (Myron) Sievert, Pulaski; Mary McVey, Kansas; Elaine (Norbert) VerHaagh, Green Bay; a sister-in-law, Mary Herb, Navarino; and one brother-in-law, Robert Burk; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.


He was preceded in death by one brother, Bill; two sisters, Virginia Burk and Grace Jaworski; and two brothers-in-law, George Pecht and Jim McVey.


Friends may call at Marnocha Funeral Home, Pulaski, from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Visitation continues after 9:30 a.m. Thursday at SS. Edward & Isidore Church, Flintville. Funeral Mass 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church, Fr. David Kasperek presiding with burial in Assumption B.V.M. Cemetery, Pulaski.


The family would like to thank all the wonderful people at Unity Hospice and everyone who stopped to visit Bob during his illness.


Online condolences may be expressed at www.marnocha funeralhome.com.

Programming Vet Jim Steel Passes Away From ALS

November 28, 2007

Radio veteran Jim Steel passed away yesterday (November 27) at the age of 45 after a battle with ALS, aka Lou Gehrig's Disease. Steel (real name: Jim Lyle) was most recently Director of Operations for Clear Channel's Omaha and Lincoln, NE stations.

Steel's radio resume began at WIOT/Toledo, where he worked his way up from an intern to a four year run as PD of the station. He joined WHTQ/Orlando after leaving WIOT in 1991, and later programmed KIBZ and KTGL in Lincoln.

When he was diagnosed with ALS, Steel started the non-profit "Get In The Game" organization in Lincoln, which auctioned off music memorabilia to raise funds for the city's ALS chapter. Steel is survived by his wife Karin and five year old daughter Delani.

Current KIBZ PD Tim Sheridan told FMQB, "My wife Jackie and I got to spend an awesome evening with Jim and Karin on his 45th birthday about a month ago. He didn't appear to be in a lot of pain that particular night and he was still able to communicate a little bit with Karin, but for the most part we got to kick back and talk about the 'old days' of radio. You know the old days? The days where you'd read about our industry and didn't see a half page of people that were blown out for budget reasons? Ahhh yeah...the good old days. Now Jim is finally having his 'good old days' and he doesn't have to worry about any budget cuts."

Jim Steel's funeral will take place this Saturday, December 1 at 3 p.m. CT at Shepherd of the Hills Church, 6901 Panama Rd., Hickman, NE 68372. In lieu of flowers, the family says donations can be made to Steel's "Get In The Game" organization:
c/o Karin Lyle
1527 Meadowlark Road,
Lincoln, NE 68521

In June of 2004, FMQB's Paul Heine sat down for an interview with Clear Channel's Jack Evans. Moments into the interview, Evans stopped and asked for the tape recorder to be turned off. He said there was a more important story than his that the industry needed to hear about. An inspirational radio story about life, bottomless bravery, and putting things in proper perspective...a story of a heroic programmer living with ALS. So Heine traveled to Lincoln to meet Jim Steel for one of the more moving and inspirational pieces ever published by FMQB. To view the article in its entirety, please click here.

http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=521308

David Colby

A memorial service for David Bruce Colby, 71, of Gambrills will be held at 1 p.m. Dec. 15 at Severn Run Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 1624 Millersville Road in Millersville.

Mr. Colby died of Lou Gehrig's Disease Nov. 20 in his home after a three-year illness.

He was born May 1, 1936, in Littleton, N.H., and graduated as valedictorian from Littleton High School in 1954. He attended Bates College in Lewison, Maine, on a Union Carbide scholarship and played baseball as a pitcher. He was offered a contract with the Cleveland Indians, but chose to pursue science instead. He graduated in 1958 with honors in physics and mathematics, and earned his master's degree in physics from Wesleyan University in 1960.

Mr. Colby began his 35-year civil service career in 1961 at the former Naval Weapons Laboratory in Dahlgren, Va., and completed assignments at the Office of Telecommunications, Executive Office of the President and the Office of the Secretary of Defense. He was instrumental in helping form the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren.

He earned the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award when he was 30 for directing a fleet research exercise that still has influence today. He was a founding director of the Colonial Beach Educational Foundation, raising more than $800,000 to help design and construct a new high school. He also sponsored an annual scholarship in the name of his son, who died in a plane crash after returning from peacekeeping duties with the 101st Airborne in Egypt. After retirement, he became a member of the vestry of St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Colonial Beach, leading Bible studies.

Mr. Colby was known for being devoted to his family and willing to help others. He passed on his interest in sports, science and engineering to his children, and was an avid reader and computer enthusiast. He enjoyed the Maine coast, and rebuilt his wife's parents' cottage in Kennebunkport, Maine.

He was preceded in death by one son, Army Sgt. Stephen Rice Colby; his parents, Reginald Merton and Margaret Bedell Colby; and one sister, Carolyn Colby Ellis.

Survivors include his wife, Judith Ann "Judy" Rice Colby; one son, Glenn David Colby of Hollywood, Md.; one daughter, Linda Colby Pautsch of Severna Park; one sister, Susan Colby Sumadi of San Antonio, Texas; and 11 grandchildren.

Family and friends may visit from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Barranco and Sons Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Highway. Interment is private.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 445 Defense Highway, Annapolis, MD 21401.

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/vau...G/11/28-21.HTM

Rogg, Kirk L.


OVERLAND PARK - Rogg, Dr. Kirk L., age 42, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Sunday, November 25, 2007, after a courageous battle with ALS. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 29, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Olathe Bible Church, 13700 W. 151st Street, Olathe, KS, followed by a Celebration of his Life on Friday, November 30 at 10:00 a.m., also at the church. Interment to follow at Pleasant Valley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests remembrances to the Nehemiah Project K.C. Foundation, which may be reached at www.nehemiahprojectkc.com. Kirk was born January 6, 1965 in Wichita, KS to Ronald and Deanna Rogg. He received his Bachelors of Science degree, Masters and PhD in Industrial Organization Psychology from Kansas State University. He married Angela Schumaker on June 4, 1988 in Manhattan, KS. Together, they raised their three daughters, Danielle, Hannah, and Sarah as they moved from Manhattan, KS, to Grosse Pointe, MI, and most recently, Overland Park, KS. Kirk was active as a member of Olathe Bible Church, Bible Study Fellowship, and served on the Board of Christ Preparatory Academy. He was a Senior Vice-President of AON Consulting. Kirk valued spending time with his family and friends, and especially enjoyed their time at Table Rock Lake. He is survived by his wife, Angela, and their three daughters, all of the home, his parents, Ron and Deanna Rogg, Valley Center, KS, his brothers, Kyle Rogg, Wichita, KS and Kasey Rogg, Olathe, KS. His desire was to bring God glory by the way he lived his life and faced his struggle with Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS). To leave a message for the family, please visit www. Penwellgabel.com
Published in the Wichita Eagle on 11/27/2007.

Gregory's family says thanks

View GalleryBy Phil Wilkinson

The family of Mike Gregory has paid a heart-felt thank you to those who attended his funeral – and said he would have "loved such a fitting send off".
They have been moved by the touching tributes that have been paid to the former Great Britain captain and Wigan coach.
And widow Erica said the incredible number of people who paid their respects at his funeral last Friday has been a huge help.
Sacred Heart RC Church was packed and hundreds more were left outside to hear the moving service relayed on loud speakers on a bitterly cold winter afternoon.

Erica said: "I want to say a massive 'thank you' to all the people who turned up.
"Mike would have loved such a wonderful send off. It was the saddest day of my life, but Mike would have loved it.
"Those who have helped, and continue to help, have been brilliant."
Dad-of-two Mike died peacefully at home last Monday lunchtime after a four-year battle with a form of motor neurone disease.

Erica reserved special praise for close friends Joe and Nicola Lydon for organising "a wonderful service".
On another day, on another occasion, last Friday afternoon in Springfield would have been an autograph hunters' paradise as a host of former players and stars of rugby league joined family, friends and fans in paying their respects.

Graeme West, Jason Robinson, Shaun Edwards, Andy Gregory, Andy Farrell, Denis Betts, Steve Hampson, Kris Radlinski, Brian Carney, Neil Cowie, Billy Boston, Colin Clarke, Mick Cassidy and Martin Dermott were among the former Wigan players in attendance.
They were joined by Warriors coach Brian Noble, new chairman Ian Lenagan as well as players and representatives from Warrington and St Helens, clubs Mike served as a player and assistant coach respectively.

The coffin left the Gregory family home in Standish-lower-Ground shortly after midday on Friday, and as it passed Christopher Park, the Wigan Athletic players applauded.
By the time the family arrived at Sacred Heart RC Church, the streets were filled with hundreds of mourners – the pews were packed an hour before the service began at 2pm.

The coffin entered the church to the music from the film Gladiator; the six pallbearers had served as his ushers at Mike's wedding to Erica, while two more friends carried a floral tribute which read, 'Daddy'.
In every respect, the mass was a celebration of Mike's life – as a rugby player, coach, friend, brother, son, husband and dad.

In a moving speech, Father Andrew Jolley, parish priest of Sacred Heart, described Mike's death at such a young age as a tragedy, and his life as an unfinished symphony.
He revealed Mike's first venture into professional sport was as a ballboy for Wigan Athletic, and he made the congregation smile as he remembered how, as a young child, Mike once interrupted one of his services – when the priest raised his arms aloft, his robe draping from his arms, Mike shouted out: "Batman".

Mike's sense of fun was illustrated elsewhere during the hour-and-a-half service, not least in a stirring eulogy delivered by Wigan's new chief executive Joe Lydon, Mike's best man at his wedding.
He recalled how Mike could fix a stare on you "that told you when you'd missed a tackle or, worse still, a round."

The tears were broken by more laughter as Joe recalled one memorable Boxing Day drinking session down Wigan Lane.
In one of the pubs, there was a door with a sign reading Beware of the Dog.
Mike, dressed in a gorilla costume, banged repeatedly on the door to aggravate the dog, then opened the door to release the angry pet, took shelter and laughed as the dog terrorised a stunned bar.

Erica had written a touching poem which was read out by her close friend Nicola Lydon, in which she lovingly referred to Mike as her "gentle giant with the crooked smile".
Mike called her "his rock" as she nursed him through his illness.
After the service had finished, the coffin was taken out to the same Gladiator music and spontaneous, rapturous applause from those gathered outside, who wanted to say their own 'thank you'.

The congregation waited patiently to exit the building, all of them grateful for the way Mike had touched their lives ... and with the final words printed on the back page of the Order of Service still in their minds.
"We're not here for a long time, we're here for a good time." – Michael Keith Gregory.

Obituary
James Allen Lyle, 45, volunteerism advocate
Akron native was behind Get In The Game, agency that encourages volunteers

Published on Saturday, Dec 01, 2007




Beacon Journal staff report


James Allen Lyle gave of himself — and encouraged others to do the same — to leave this a better world.

Mr. Lyle, 45, died Tuesday in Lincoln, Neb. He succumbed to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Mr. Lyle, an advocate for volunteerism, was an Akron native and Barberton High School and Bowling Green State University graduate.

ALS, which seems to strike at random, claims a person's ability to walk, talk, swallow and breathe.

Mr. Lyle was the architect of Get In The Game, which is a nonprofit organization that encourages volunteerism.

He was the recipient of a plethora of awards: Chairman's Award for service to broadcasting from the Nebraska Broadcasters Association; Heroes Award in recognition of Outstanding Performance from Clear Channel Radio; and a first degree black belt in Tai Shin Karate.

In addition to his wife, Karin, daughter Delani and other family members, Mr. Lyle loved all things Cleveland, especially its professional sports teams.

A paid obituary in the Lincoln Journal Star announced his death.

''Celebration of Life Saturday (12/1/07) at 3 p.m. at Shepherd of the Hills, Hickman . . . with reception to follow . . . Jim requested casual dress, would like you to wear purple (T-shirts & jeans), absolutely no black,'' it read.




Beacon Journal staff report


James Allen Lyle gave of himself — and encouraged others to do the same — to leave this a better world.

Mr. Lyle, 45, died Tuesday in Lincoln, Neb. He succumbed to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Mr. Lyle, an advocate for volunteerism, was an Akron native and Barberton High School and Bowling Green State University graduate.

ALS, which seems to strike at random, claims a person's ability to walk, talk, swallow and breathe.

Mr. Lyle was the architect of Get In The Game, which is a nonprofit organization that encourages volunteerism.

He was the recipient of a plethora of awards: Chairman's Award for service to broadcasting from the Nebraska Broadcasters Association; Heroes Award in recognition of Outstanding Performance from Clear Channel Radio; and a first degree black belt in Tai Shin Karate.

In addition to his wife, Karin, daughter Delani and other family members, Mr. Lyle loved all things Cleveland, especially its professional sports teams.

A paid obituary in the Lincoln Journal Star announced his death.

''Celebration of Life Saturday (12/1/07) at 3 p.m. at Shepherd of the Hills, Hickman . . . with reception to follow . . . Jim requested casual dress, would like you to wear purple (T-shirts & jeans), absolutely no black,'' it read.

Reis, Betty



Hillcrest Memorial Center

A beautiful spirit has passed from this world. Betty Marie (Hofer) Reis died on Nov. 26, 2007 after a courageous, dignified and inspiring battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). Wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and teacher, Betty will be deeply mourned by all whose lives she touched.

Betty was born to Col. Charles E. and Lucille A. (Jarrells) Hofer on October 10, 1949 in Breckenridge, MN. The youngest of four children (Shirley, George, and Tom), Betty traveled extensively with her family. As a child in the 1950s, she lived in the Alaskan Territory and occupied Japan. When out with her Japanese nanny, Betty made quite an impression on the locals as the kimono-clad little blond girl who could speak Japanese.

Betty and her family eventually settled down in Everett, WA, where she graduated from Everett High School. She attended Everett Junior College (where she first met her husband, Mark) and the University of Washington, earning degrees in Germanics and Education. She attended the Goethe Institute in Germany for 15 months as part of her studies. Betty and Mark were married September 22, 1973, and briefly lived in Seattle while Mark finished graduate school. During this time, Betty was a Systems Analyst for a reinsurance firm. They moved to San Luis Obispo, CA in 1976 and were blessed with a wonderful daughter, Danica, a year later. In addition to being a new mother, Betty taught Chinese cooking classes and studied French.

Returning to the Northwest in 1980, Betty's energy and spirit poured forth into her many interests and accomplishments. Her activities reflected her love of nature, passion for good food and commitment to community service. Betty was a Master Gardner, Leader of Guide Dog and Pony Club youth groups and a volunteer fire fighter. She made time to run her catering company and develop a passion for fabrics dying and basketry. Most recently, Betty was the Office Manager for Kiona Wineries, a job she loved because of the kindness and generosity of the Williams family.

Diagnosed with ALS in mid-2006, the courage and good spirits with which she faced her affliction is an inspiration to her family and friends to look at their own adversities with a more positive perspective. One day, when talking about ALS to Mark, Betty commented, 'Well, it could be worse.' Much-perplexed given her condition, he asked, 'How?' With that glint of humor in her eye, she replied 'It could be contagious.' Even during her illness, Betty's house was the focal point for her craft group and a weekly movie day. Betty continued to enjoy life and take a personal interest in the lives of those who surrounded her.

Betty is survived by her husband, Mark, daughter Danica and son-in-law Rick Garcia; her mother, Lucielle; her sister, Shirley Klien; brother George Hofer; brother-in-law Ed Klein, Art, John, Kevin, and Ron Reis; sisters-in-law, Joan Hofer, Pam Hofer, Debbie Reis, Julia Reis, and Mary Reis; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her father, Charles E. Hofer, and her brother, Tom Hofer.

Many very special friends made her final months most fulfilling for Betty. Marcia, Pam, Cheryl, Sharon, Betsy, Carol, and others taught us that not all angels have wings or flowing white robes. The true angels come dressed in jeans to dye fabrics and read, weave baskets, make jewelry, watch movies, gossip, laugh and cry together. The kindness, love and personal attention they showed Betty cannot be measured or even fully appreciated.

Betty, you are already deeply missed and each day will reveal even more deeply the profound loss of your spirit to the world.

Services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, December 1, 2007, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Kennewick. Her family requests that any donations or remembrances be made to the ALS Society, Evergreen Chapter, the Tri-City Hospice at The Chaplaincy, or to your favorite charity in her name.

The Reis family sincerely thanks all the friends and family who enriched Betty's life and made all her days so special.

For more information or to sign the guestbook go to www.hillcrestmemorialcenter.com

Brady Jr., Tom Henry

Tom Henry Brady, Jr.
Tom Brady passed away into the arms of Jesus on, November 27, 2007 at his home in Charlotte, NC surrounded by his loving wife and family.
Born April 8, 1960 in Charlotte, NC, he is the son of Tom & Edna Brady of Cornelia, GA. Tom graduated from West Mecklenburg High School, Charlotte, NC., attended Catawba Heights Baptist Church, and was also a lifelong member of Sunset Road Baptist Church. He was the owner of Brady Electric and Control for 22 years, making many lifelong friends and prided himself with honest and hard work.
Tom is survived by his faithful wife and best friend Debbie Westbrook Brady; his parents, Tom Brady Sr. and Edna Brady; aunts, Katie Williams of Clarksville, GA., Edith Knudsen (Ken) of Sunnyvale, CA.; uncle, Watt Brady of Demorest, GA.; sister-in-law, Pat Fair & husband Terry (Amy & Brett) of Huntersville, NC.; brother-in-law, Robert Westbrook and wife Becky (Justin & Zachary) of Mt. Holly, NC.; and numerous cousins. Tom was predeceased by his grandparents, Claude and Sallie Brady and Rossie & Geneva Forester.
Tom's courage and strength during his valiant fight with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) was an inspiration to everyone he came in contact with. Through all his pain and suffering he remained a constant source of love and laughter. He gave us smiles each and everyday, and even in the face of death, he never once faltered in his faith and love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and it was his desire that everyone he knew would also know Jesus so that he may see you again in Heaven. Tom was a unique individual who holds a special place in the hearts of all that knew him. We will love and miss him always.
Tom's happiest times were spent while riding his Harley-Davidson or on the lake in his boat. To honor Tom's love for Gaston County Toy Run for Kids and Travlin' Light Motorcycle Ministry, there will be a motorcycle procession from the church to the graveside and all are welcome to join.
A celebration of Tom's life will be held at Catawba Heights Baptist Church, 311 Belmont Rd., Belmont, NC on Friday, November 30, 2007 at 1:00pm. Pastor Raymond Johns Jr. officiating. Burial will immediately follow the service at Denver United Methodist Church cemetery, Denver, NC. Visitation will be held at Raymer Funeral Home, Huntersville, NC from 6pm to 9pm on Thursday, November 29, 2007.
Pallbearers will be; Grover Nunnery, James Bailey, Bill Elwood, Sunny Watkins, Bill Adams, and Calvin Stewart. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of Travlin' Light Motorcycle Ministry.
Memorials may be made to any of the following: Hospice Charlotte, ALS Assoc., or to Catawba Heights Baptist Church.
Tom and his family owe a debt of gratitude to everyone that cared for him throughout his illness, especially Dr. John Barkley and Beth Bleavins, and their team at Hospice of Charlotte & Lake Norman; Dr. Al Hudson, Charlotte Medical Clinic; Dr. James Caress, Theresa Johnston-Crows and Carla Ruth of Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Sue Humphries, ALS Assoc, Jim 'Catfish' Hunter Chapter, Laura Armstrong and Linda Penley, and countless others. You have all been a blessing and will always be held close in our hearts, and we thank you for loving Tom.
Raymer Funeral Home, Huntersville, NC is serving the family.
Published in the Charlotte Observer on 11/29/2007.

The taste of his life from post to meals
Kanagasabai Vivekanandarajah

Among my several cousins, Vivekanandarajah better known as Vive stood out from the rest since he was the only son of my father’s only brother. But as fate would have it, he succumbed to a rare illness, termed Motor Neurone Disease, in Cochin, India on October 18, having been hurriedly flown from Canada for specialist ayurvedic attention.

Vive first attended St. Anthony's College, Wattala and then Wesley College, Colombo before he joined the Post & Telegraphic Department as an inspector. He rose to the rank of D.I.T. within a short period. It was as D.I.T Mount Lavinia that he carved a name for himself. With his calm, cool and easy manners, he earned a wide circle of friends and customers. His humanistic attitude towards his staff and his ability to mix with people from all strata in society made him the most popular and sought-after officer in the department.

It is at this time of his illustrious career, he was urged by his wife and in-laws who had migrated to Canada after the 1983 riots to join them. He was sad to leave the department in 1987 on premature retirement, leaving behind friends, customers and the country he loved very much.

Having settled down in Toronto with his wife and only child, he was soon running an agency post office named Royal Bank Plaza before venturing into the catering business in 1993, utilizing the technical expertise of his wife Kamala, a home science graduate. He named the catering centre “Raja Ram” coining the end of his name with that of his son Ramesh.

Raja Ram catering service caught the local market of Toronto and was soon a craze among expatriates from Sri Lanka and South India. The catering service bloomed into a large profitable concern with hundreds of employees and was soon to become a challenge to other leading hotels and food centres. No Sri Lankan wedding function or get-together was complete without their expert catering services.

Vive, as he was in Mount Lavinia, became a popular figure in Ontario. Immaculately dressed at all times, he was a benevolent figure caring for the needs of his employees who adored him in return. He was the godfather of my two daughters in Canada and a tower of strength in their lives.

A few years ago, he made a sudden visit to Sri Lanka with his wife and was in Colombo meeting all his friends. He also visited his native place Karaveddy, met his long lost relatives and paid homage to local temples, including the Nagappooshana Amman Temple in Kayts.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, loving son and his only grandson, little Gauutham. I miss him dearly. May he attain the supreme bliss of Moksha under the feet of our deity Thatchanthoppu Vinayagar.

By A.R.S. Mahalingam

JAMES Kemsley, the artist behind the Ginger Meggs comic strip, died yesterday of motor neuron disease at the age of 59.

Ginger Meggs has a legion of loyal readers and is the most syndicated Australian comic strip, appearing in more than 120 newspapers in Australia and around the world.

Kemsley became the fourth artist to draw the comic strip following the death of Lloyd Piper in 1984.

In 1982, Kemsley was recruited to work on the Ginger Meggs movie, released at a time when the comic strip's popularity was flagging.

But under Kemsley, Ginger Meggs has enjoyed unprecedented popularity.

In 1999, Kemsley and Ginger Meggs signed with the US-based Atlantic Syndication for worldwide distribution, and the comic strip is now distributed across 30 countries.

Kemsley leaves behind his wife Helen and three sons.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22864583-2,00.html