The final days of December are traditionally a time when media outlets take a few moments in a slow-news lull to mark notable deaths in the preceding year. And this year metro Detroit lost some titans. The Free Press takes note today.
Former U.S. Reps. John Dingell and John Conyers, U.S. District Judge Damon Keith, Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson -- all took their leave in 2019, all reminders of a different era in Detroit. This year also saw the passing of sports and cultural figures, including Red Wings great Ted LIndsay, Grande Ballroom impresario Russ Gibb and Olga's Kitchen founder Olga Loizon.
Besides Loizon, there are few women on the list. Ernie Harwell's wife, Lulu, and Detroit Police Sgt. Eren Stephens were the only other females of note on the list.