Bidding a fond farewell to royalty of all

Lee A. Dean screendoor@sbcglobal.net

Some of the most memorable people are considered to be “royalty” because of heredity or due to their achievements and character. A notable group of royal figures left this world for the next in 2022.

The obvious place to begin is Queen Elizabeth II. As a young girl, she had plenty of training to fulfill the official duties she would inherit, but she was also an ambulance driver during World War II. Her love for fast cars and horses endured, but her top priority was duty, a priority that never wavered.

Edson de Nascimento took on a new name as many Brazilian soccer players do and became famous as Pele.

To futbol fans worldwide, he was also known simply as “the King.” His flair on the pitch introduced many Americans to “the beautiful game.”

Popes are called “His Holiness,” and Joseph Ratzinger eventually was called something no other person had been called in 600 years: Pope Emeritus. As

Pope Benedict XVI, he had a tough act to follow, succeeding Pope John Paul II. “We need grace and forgiveness,” he said. Who could argue with that?

Mikhail Gorbachev was called “general secretary.” At first, we saw him as an enemy. As his personal bond with President Ronald Reagan deepened, Gorbachev became better known as a partner for peace. I believe he is one of the five most important figures during the last half of the 20th century. Spasibo, and do svidaniya, good sir.

Barbara Walters didn’t have an official title, but she can deservedly be called “pioneer.” Her interviews were mustsee television because she was adept at asking tough questions and getting honest answers. Best of all (as my female friends in journalism said after her passing) she blazed a trail for so many women in our profession. Only one baseball announcer could hold a candle to Ernie Harvell. His given first name was Vincent, but we all knew him as Vin – Vin Scully. His approach to broadcasting was perfect for baseball. He knew when to speak and when to let the game do the talking.

“In a year that has been so improbable the impossible has happened,” he said during Kirk Gibson’s wobbly home run trot in Game One of the 1988 World

Series. It was the perfect call for an iconic moment.

There are arguments over who should be called the GOAT (greatest of all time) player in NBA history. My vote goes to Bill Russell. He was the consummate team player as a force on both ends of the court. He played 13 years, during which his Boston Celtics won 11 titles. His memoir “Second Wind” is unequaled as a sports autobiography.

The music world lost two giants, both with unique nicknames. Jerry Lee Lewis, aka “The Killer,” may not have led the most exemplary lifestyle, but he was a rock trailblazer, belting out vocals and pounding the piano with fingers, arms and even feet. He even found country chart success for a few years.

Speaking of country, Loretta Lynn really was a “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” She sang country music in a different tone of voice than most other women of her era. She gave no quarter in her songs to men who were unfaithful, an entirely laudable attitude.

Madeline Albright was known as “Madame Secretary.” Her life journey from fleeing the Communist government of her native Czechoslovakia to being the first female Secretary of State was remarkable and oh-so-American. Other people who left us in 2022 didn’t have an official title or nickname. We can simply call them “superb.”

The world of letters lost two giants. P. J. O’Rourke was the modern master of political satire, displaying a delightful sense of snark and a keen nose for BS. David McCullough was a brilliant historian and biographer. His massive biography of Harry Truman is an enthralling work (and makes me pine for leaders like the feisty little man from Missouri).

Along with Dave Bing, Bob Lanier was the first of the truly great players for the Detroit Pistons. At first, fans marveled at his huge feet (size 22). But he was a complete player from head to toe, having his uniform number retired by two NBA franchises and making eight All-Star games. He was an all-star off the court, working in charitable and youth work.

We must mention three other contributors to the performing arts. Sidney Poitier portrayed Mr. Tibbs, a noteworthy dinner guest and many other roles in a storied acting career. Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac was indeed a songbird, with her warm and soothing voice. As Lieutenant Uhura, Nichelle Nichols was a key part of the original “Star Trek” cast, breaking a few TV barriers along the way.