The best part of 2012 so far: 2011's obituaries

I like to start the New Year on a happy note, so I always turn first to the obituary page. There's nothing quite so pleasant as being unable to find your name there, and confirming you're beginning another year on the right side of the dirt!

Besides, the obits are always about people (and the occasional animal) who have done good things - like that obit the other day about Cheetah, the chimpanzee in all the Tarzan movies back in the '30s.

Debbie Cobb who works at the Florida animal sanctuary where Cheetah lived out his last years told The New York Times the old fellow - I like that better than "old ape" - was 80 years old.

Trouble is, ape experts say they've never heard of an ape living that long, so they are dubious that Cheetah was who he said he was. Of course he never said anything, so we have to take Mrs. Cobb's word for it but she does sound truthful.

However, the actress Mia Farrow whose mother, Maureen O'Sullivan, was in the movies with Cheetah, said her mom didn't care for Cheetah - and that's understandable, since he was always biting her.

So if this was the real Cheetah, he must have mellowed with age.

The woman at the animal sanctuary said he was compassionate, loved finger painting, watching football on TV, and found Christian music relaxing.

Still, we may never know for sure. All we have are pictures and as film archivist Eve Gordon told the Times, "Basically all chimps look like George Burns."

I love the obits.

[ByronKindig]

I grew up in Tarpon Springs, Florida and my father was friends with Debbie Cobb's grandparents, the Noells. I remember seeing Cheetah Mike (Mike was his real name, Cheetah was the role he played) from when he came to the sanctuary until I moved away in 2005. I was saddened to hear of his passing. I can't say enough about how much I appreciate all that the Noells and their granddaughter Debbie have done for all these animals. The long life is testament to the care they gave them.

[ByronKindig]

I grew up in Tarpon Springs, Florida and my father was friends with Debbie Cobb's grandparents, the Noells. I remember seeing Cheetah Mike (Mike was his real name, Cheetah was the role he played) from when he came to the sanctuary until I moved away in 2005. I was saddened to hear of his passing. I can't say enough about how much I appreciate all that the Noells and their granddaughter Debbie have done for all these animals. The long life is testament to the care they gave them.

[rwsmith29456]

This article sounds rather inane to me, like somebody had to make up an excuse for something to write about.

[MichaelGaree]

Bob,

No one can say anything better in just a few hundred words than you!

Happy New Year!

Michael Garee

[venusvegasvada]

Hmmm, so when Cheetah was a young Chimp he was typical Hollywood actor- out of control, biting people and slinging his stuff around at people. He mellowed with age into the finger painting, loving chimp we saw before his passing.

Sounds a lot like Alec Baldwin if you ask me. Only time will tell though if he will mellow too when he's about 80 years old...

[andrewjsacks]

I sense a bit of the ghost of Andy Rooney in this...

[Goldwater64s6]

As usual another great commentary.
Bob, you are the best.

[imnho]

Did the chip ever say "You trazan and you Jane?

[Jaylah54]

Wow, three misspellings in a ten word sentence. Your first grade teacher must be mighty proud of you.

[phwtb100]

To Jaylah54,

Maybe his first grade teacher and your third grade teacher should get together. Surely one of them could explain to you the difference between punctuation and "misspelling".

But great job pointing out other peoples errors so quickly! I'm sure your momma, like his teacher, will be very proud of you, too!

[kevjustice]

the chimp was a tea party member/founder! lol!!!