don lafontaine – requiescat in pace

don-lafontaine

It was a bit of a jolt to be awakened this morning to hear on the radio (via CBS News) of the death of voice over legend Don LaFontaine. Over the past week the internet had been buzzing about his illness and hoping for Don’s full recovery.

It’s a discussion I pretty much stayed out of first off until I could ascertain the information about his illness was credible (not a awful internet hoax) and then because aside from a prayer I offered, there wasn’t much else for me to do.

Now the gift has ended for Don, as it will for all of us.

There was no bigger name in the modern day voice over world based not only on his talent but also his great income from his talent (he was the “stars” in many voice over newbies’ eyes). Don said many times he knew he was the luckiest man in the world which gave me a sense that he was probably a good fella, I never personally knew the man save for a few emails we traded. Participants in the VOICES 2007 conference enjoyed the opportunity to meet with Don during a panel discussion and it’s a memory I know they will cherish.

While this is a very sad loss for the voice over world, it’s a sadder loss for Don’s wife, his three children, family and close friends. For them and for whatever its worth, I offer my deepest condolences.

Requiescat In Pace.

5 Responses to “don lafontaine – requiescat in pace”

  1. To me, he was a “gift bearer” whenever he was interviewed, albeit TV, radio or print. I seemed to always glean something each time I read, saw or heard him…thus, I’m full from those “gifts”, however, his wife Nita and children Christine, Skye and Elyse are the ones with empty arms right now and may God grant them comfort…great comfort as they traverse the waters of sorrow at this time. We certainly want them to know we are thinking of them.

    Brian in Charlotte

  2. Peter,

    Meeting Don at VOICE 2007 was indeed a memory for a life time. You’ve done a good thing here today with your kind comments, Peter and even more so for the many kind comments you’ve left on other blogs.

    Be well,
    Bob

  3. Hi Brian:

    Your right…the best teachers are the ones who never seem to be teaching but from whom we seem to learn the most.

    Hi Bob:

    Thanks to you and so many more articulate folks, Don won’t be forgotten. I certainly hope the folks at the Emmys and the Oscars will make proper note of him in their productions.

    Best always to both of you,
    – Peter

  4. Thank you Peter. Don will be missed but remembered and loved.

    Best,

    Steph

  5. Steph:

    Thank you for your great tributes on your sites as well. Very well done.

    Best always,
    – Peter