Three Fine Men

They say celebreties and famous people pass on from this life to the next in groups of three. Yesterday we were saddened by the loss of three individuals who contributed much to our world and our modern culture.

Ingmar Bergman, the Swedish film director and icon to film buffs worldwide died at the age of 89. "It's an unbelievable loss for Sweden, but even more so internationally," Astrid Soderbergh Widding, president of The Ingmar Bergman Foundation, which administers the directors' archives, told The Associated Press.

Bergman's film career spanned nearly seven decades and was celebrated by movie lovers for his insightful and compelling treatment of difficult subjects.

The Associated Press notes that Bergman, approached difficult subjects such as plague and madness with inventive technique and carefully honed writing, became one of the towering figures of serious filmmaking.

According to the TT, the Swedish news agency a date for Bergman's funeral has not been set but will be attended by friends and family.

Broadcasting Pioneer Tom Snyder died in San Francisco yesterday of complications from lukemia reported KNBC TV in Los Angeles.

Tom Snyder's smoke filled interviews of notables became a staple of late night television. Over the years Snyder had interviewed luminaries from the worlds of entertainment and popular culture. John Lennon's final televised interview was conducted on Tom Snyder's "Tommorrow" show.

A overview of Mr. Snyder's career and accomplishments can be see here.

And former San Francisco 49rs head coach Bill Walsh died at the age of 75 following a long battle with lukemia according to Stanford University where he had also served as coach and athletic director. Coach Walsh developed what would be known as the West Coast offense that would lead the 49rs to Super Bowl glory. The Pro Football Hall of Fame has a bio of Bill Walsh that can be viewed here.

The Niners have a picture of their beloved coach admired by athletes, fans and rivals up on their website.

God's rest and peace be upon these three fine men and God's comforting grace be upon their loved ones at this time.