Octopus of Odstock

So Robert (Bobby) Mailman has been on the radar of some teams since January due to his terminal diagnosis. So when reading this news - https://torontosun.com/news/national/wrongfully-convicted-n-b-man-dies-four-months-after-exoneration - it is with great surprise it's actually the other half of the wrongfully jailed duo - Walter Gillespie - that's died. Can't see Mailman making 2025.

I must admit, I forgot this chap was on the list. Anyway, he's coming over to the UK to perform at the Proms - https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/apr/25/bbc-unveils-2024-proms-lineup-daniel-barenboim-daleks-and-disco If he's well enough to travel and conduct, I think he'll make it through the year.

Matt James to return to the stage, seems to be slowly recovering.. https://purplesneakers.tv/news/mashd-n-kutcher-issues-health-update-reveals-new-album-on-the-way/IQGfNTQ3Njk/26-04-24

Clarkson's Farm 'star' Gerald Cooper has been diagnosed with cancer. Sorry for the link, it's from GB News. It was either that or the Daily Express, neither satisfactory... https://www.gbnews.com/celebrity/clarksons-farm-gerald-cooper-cancer-jeremy-clarkson

Carol Klein, of Gardener's World 'fame', has been diagnosed with breast cancer and has had a double mastectomy. Currently recovering after surgery -https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/news/celebs-tv/bbc-gardeners-world-star-carol-9266544

Jim Rodger, one of the last remaining players from St.Mirren's 1959 Scottish Cup winning team has died, aged 90. https://www.stmirren.com/all-news/5401-st-mirren-pay-condolences-following-sad-passing-of-jim-rodger Also had a spell in the football league with Newport County.

BBC have it https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-68962192.amp

According to the man himself on X, Mark Steel is cancer-free: A nice man from UCL Hospital called this week, to say a scan of me showed the cancer I had has all gone. The treatment worked, the cancer bottled it and ran off, the wimp.

A racing colleague of mine rang Griffith Airport today. Not only is Mr Goldsmith still alive, but he's at the airport working, as he apparently is every day.

Thank you. I think the fact his airport wish him happy birthday is a big hmmm, I think its fake.

According to a post on the Family Search ancestry site, Goldsmith died off-radar 2022. His aviation website say he's living. I'd be surprised if he died without any notice, but I guess its possible. There is a Facebook post wishing him a happy 98th as well from the airport. I'll do a full and thorough search tonight but in the meantime: @Gisooo anything on accurint? Paul Goldsmith was born on 2 October 1925, in Parkersburg, Wood, West Virginia, United States as the son of Edward Goldsmith and Maysel Geraldine Henderson. He had at least 1 son with Helen. He lived in Zanesville, Muskingum, Ohio, United States in 1930 and Columbus, Franklin, Ohio, United States in 1940. He died in 2022, in Griffith, Calumet Township, Lake, Indiana, United States, at the age of 97, and was buried in Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Schererville, Lake, Indiana, United States.

I think, on balance, this is the saddest death of the year for me personally. Even if he was in his nineties and in failing health. An absolute legend for Wales. RIP

A great shame, but I'd have to agree with you. It's a nasty cancer to treat.

Danny O'Donnell, Brentford winger in the 1960's, who also played for Brechin City, has died, according to Brentford's official club X account :

Sri Lankan high jumper Nagalingam Ethirveerasingam, who competed in the 1952 and 1956 Olympic Games, but greatest success was winning Sri Lanka's first ever Gold Medal in the Asian Games in 1958 has died, aged 89 https://island.lk/legendary-high-jumper-ethirveerasingam-passes-away/ Also became a university lecturer and worked for UNESCO. Died in Los Angeles on the 18th April.