Death of Desi Arnaz

Another senseless death due to lung cancer! Why is it that gifted artists like Desi Arnaz and others must destroy themselves in such a prolonged and tortured fashion? These beautiful people have so much to offer us and such a great deal to live for.

As a child growing up in the 1950s, I vividly recall how Lucy and Ricky practically became household fixtures as they entered our living rooms, first in live shows and then in years and years of reruns of which we never tired. I would sit before the screen enthralled as Lucy pulled off her latest far-fetched scheme. Much of the fun, of course, was anticipating Ricky’s hilarious and sometimes unpredictable reactions.

I was saddened to learn of Arnaz’s death Dec. 2. This one was particularly close to home, as my parents live in Del Mar and I had resided there for much of my life, often passing the elaborate celebrity beach houses along Camino Del Mar in the northern section of town.

This should, once again, drive home the tragic consequences of heavy smoking. By our own choosing, we can cut down considerably these needless deaths. Let us learn from this, and let us live!

JAN RENFROW

Oceanside