Shari Lewis

* Re “Entertainer Shari Lewis Dies at 65,” Aug. 4: From the time I was a boy growing up in the ‘60s, I loved Shari Lewis. Whether it was her own show or appearances on others, I never missed a chance to see Lamb Chop. Perhaps one of the most talented ventriloquists to ever grace our presence, Shari had a way of capturing our hearts. I remember being in the military, far from home, turning the television on in our day room and watching reruns of her show every Saturday. She made me feel less homesick.

I now have two daughters, ages 1 and 2. The 2-year-old was just getting introduced to Lewis’ latest show and loves “The Charlie Horse Music Pizza.” Both girls will enjoy reruns of Shari’s many characters. And I’ll watch them too. I pray that when we’re all in heaven, she’s there to teach us to laugh and enjoy the life God has given us.

RICK OCKER

Fontana

*

I met Shari in New York the summer we were both 18 and her parents directed the summer camp where I worked. Shari often entertained the kids doing magic tricks with her dad at the microphone and her mom at the piano. The campers loved her. She appeared with Charlie Horse on the Arthur Godfrey show at the end of that summer. Her dad was with her.

Along with others, my grandchildren will miss her presence on TV very much, but I’d like to tell them that somewhere up there her star will still be shining in the galaxy where imaginations start and humor reigns supreme.

ELLIE BERNER

San Diego

*

When I arrived home from work Aug. 3, my son Christopher ran up to me, fighting for my attention, saying, “Daddy, Daddy. Shari Lewis died.” I broke away from my adult conversation and was instantly sad. I asked him how he was doing, and with a 4-year-old’s innocence, he leaned his head sideways and said “I’m fine.” But I wasn’t. Goodbye, Shari Lewis, and thanks for the love and educational children’s programming. Just like her closing music’s theme, her life and legacy will never end, they go on and on, my friends.

DERRICK MIMS

Los Angeles