In Remembrance...2008

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Donald Westlake, considered one of the most successful and versatile mystery writers in the United States, died December 31 of a heart attack. He was 75.

Westlake wrote more than 90 books and won three Edgar awards. He also wrote the screenplay for The Grifters, for which he was nominated for an Oscar.

 

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Actor Bernie Hamilton, best known for playing Captain Harold Dobey on Starsky and Hutch, died December 30 of a heart attack. He was 80.

After Starsky and Hutch, Hamilton had his own record label, Chocolate Snowman, which produced R&B and gospel records.

 

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Vincent Ford, a Jamaican songwriter who worked with Bob Marley (he was credited with "No Woman, No Cry"), died December 28 from diabetes. He was 68.

 

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Edward Cartier, who illustrated numerous science fiction and mystery stories, most notably stories featuring the Shadow, died on Christmas. He was 94.

 

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Alfred Shaheen, who popularized the Hawaiian shirt, died December 22 from complications of diabetes. He was 86.