Bob Hope 1903-2003

Bob Hope has died.

Now may seem like an appropriate time to say "thanks for the memory", but recently, the memories are all we had of the illustrious Mr. Hope, as old age finally caught up to the man and he retreated into seclusion sometime in his 90's.

Which Bob Hope will I remember? Possibly the 1940's-1950's era model, when he gained his greatest fame to that point in motion pictures. Sure he was a comedian, but for a funny guy he made a terrific leading man! And you know, those "Road" romps weren't too bad either, paired with perennial nemesis/pal Bing Crosby.

But he encompassed the world of entertainment. He did it all. Music hall, radio, theatre, film, television, live performance. Millions of soldiers' tenuous existence was buoyed by a holiday visit by Hope and his USO troupe, with the Les Brown Band Of Renown in tow, from all theatres of war from the Second World War through to the Persian Gulf War.