The Gazette from Montreal, Quebec, Canada • 32

OBITUARIES THE GAZETTE, MONTREAL, WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 2006 IRVING GREEN Helped break colour barriers "We had no colour line. Artists like DiINFLUENTIAL POPULAR- -MUSIC PRODUCER nah Washington or the Platters or Clyde Co- founder of Mercury Records helped set up first national TV show with black and white singers LOS ANGELES Irving Green, the cofounder of Mercury Records who helped break colour barriers in popular music while turning his small independent company into one of the music industry's major labels, has died. He was 90. Green, who had a successful second career in real-estate development, died on Saturday of natural causes at Desert Regional Medical Centre in Palm Springs, said his grandson, Jonathan Ross. "This is one of the pioneers, the last of the great entrepreneurs, said Lou Dennis, who was product manager of Records, a subsidiary of Mercury Records, in the 1960s.

"Today, the record companies are all owned by big conglomerates," Dennis said. "This is a guy that started a label in Chicago, and it became one of the major labels in the United States." Founded in Chicago in 1944 by Green, Berle Adams and Arthur Talmadge, Mercury Records quickly rose to prominence by using an alternative form of promotion to make hit records. Instead of depending on radio airplay to promote new releases, as did the major labels RCA Victor, Columbia, Decca and Capitol Green used the distributors of jukeboxes to spur interest in new releases. Record buyers would first hear a new Mercury record on the jukebox, rather than the radio. "It was a cheaper alternative means for artists to become popular," Ross said.

"That alternative route quickly got Mercury up to the level of the existing powerhouses." Mercury, which was known for signing regional bands and singers, became a major force in jazz and blues, classical DENNIS MCLELLAN LOS ANGELES TIMES music and pop. Among the diverse roster of Mercury artists under Green were: Patti Page (Tennessee Waltz, (How Much Is) That Doggie in the Window); Frankie Laine (That's My Desire, Rawhide); The Platters (Only You, The Great Pretender); the Big Bopper (Chantilly Lace); Sarah Vaughan (My Funny Valentine); Dinah Washington (Harbour Lights); Vic Damone (You're Breaking My Heart); Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs (Foggy Mountain Breakdown); Brook Benton (It's Just a Matter of Time); Lesley Gore (It's My Party); the Four Seasons (Dawn (Go Away), Rag Doll; and the Smothers Brothers (Mom Always Liked You Best.) In April, the Pacific Southwest Region of the National Academy of Television Arts Sciences honoured Green for his multiracial promotions of musicians by inducting him into its Gold Circle. In 1948, Green was among a number of record producers who lobbied to change "This is a guy that started a label in Chicago, and it became one of the major labels in the United States." LOU DENNIS OF RECORDS the American Federation of Music rule that prohibited live performances of music on television. Green then convinced Ed Sullivan to feature jazz and blues artists on his Sunday night variety show, and Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, Dinah Washington and other Mercury artists made their TV debuts. "I think we were very instrumental in breaking down some of the colour line," Green said in an interview with the Desert Sun in February.

McPhatter, we had no colour restrictions of any kind." In 1957, when Nat (King) Cole's musical variety show was having ratings and sponsorship problems, Green arranged to have Frankie Laine appear on the show for free reportedly the first time white and black singers had performed together on national TV. In 1964, Quincy Jones became the first top black executive at a major label when Green made him vice president in charge of artists and repertoire. Born Feb. 6, 1916, in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Green grew up on the poor west side of Chicago. (Although his birth certificate lists his first name as Irvin, he went by Irving).

He attended two years at St. John's University, but dropped out to work during the Depression. After working for his father's paint contracting company, he went into the sheet-metal business, with a partner, in which they made hydraulic presses and pressed records. In 1952, Green and five other record industry chief executives formed the Recording Industry Association of America, whose mission was to "foster a business and legal climate that supports and promotes its members' creativity and financial vitality." As a record producer and distributor, Green was known for allowing artists to own their copyrights. After Green sold Mercury in the late 1960s, his grandson said, he continued to run the label for five more years.

He then turned his hobby of building homes into a second career. In partnership with developer Bill Levitt, he built 18,000 homes in southern Iran. When the Shah of Iran was driven out of the country in 1979, Green and Levitt's company was taken over by the new government and Green and his associates were provided safe passage back to the U.S. Green then started Landau Development in Palm Springs, which has built hundreds of homes in the area. Until about a week before he died, Green's grandson said, he continued to make weekly site inspections.

HERTY LEWITES Ex-Sandinista was campaigning Smuggled guns from U.S. to Nicaragua in 1970s STEPHEN KINZER NEW YORK TIMES NEW YORK Herty Lewites, a contender in the race for the Nicaraguan presidency and an innovative minister of tourism under the Sandinistas, died Sunday of a heart attack in Managua. He was 66. His death was confirmed by President Enrique Bolanos. At 19, Lewites joined the rebellion against the dynastic Somoza government.

He later joined the leftist Sandinista National Liberation Front. In the 1970s, the Sandinistas sent him to California with the assignment of smuggling guns to Nicaragua. After several successful runs, carrying weapons concealed in trucks, he was arrested by U.S. agents and spent six months in federal prison. After the Sandinistas won their revolutionary war in 1979, Lewites was appointed minister of tourism.

He won fame and funds by opening beach resorts and "dollar stores" where diplomats and other foreigners could buy imported goods that were otherwise unavailable in Nicaragua. When the Sandinistas lost power in an election in 1990 amid charges of corrup- Supporters of Herty Lewites cry in front of his coffin in Managua on Monday. tion and sexual misconduct against their leader, Daniel Ortega, Lewites remained popular, especially after he opened an amusement park called Hertylandia. In 2000, after serving a term in Congress, he was easily elected mayor of Managua, the capital. Lewites became increasingly critical of the Sandinista leadership.

Expelled from the Sandinista Front, he founded his own party, the Movement for Sandinista Renewal. He centered his presidential campaign on a promise to end the system of strongman rule. He was considered a threat to the continued power of the country's two old-style political bosses, Ortega and the leader of the Liberal party, Arnoldo Aleman, a former president who was convicted on corruption charges. Several of the most prominent members of the Sandinista government that ruled during the 1980s worked actively on Lewites's campaign, which was in third place in recent polls. Herty Lewites was born in the Nicaraguan province of Jinotepe on Dec.

24, 1939, the son of a Jewish candy manufacturer from Poland who had fallen in love with a Nicaraguan woman JIM BAEN Sci-fi publisher used Internet as a key tool MARY ROURKE ure in the world of science fiction and science-fiction writers whose books he LOS ANGELES TIMES fantasy," said Jack Romanos, president later published. of Simon and Schuster, which distrib- He also created Baen's Library, a link LOS ANGELES Jim Baen, a founder of a utes Baen Books, in a statement. "Jim on his website where readers can science-fiction book publishing compa- and his authors exerted a wide -ranging download books electronically, some ny who understood the potential for influence on the world of science fiction for free. marketing the printed word on the Web, today." Others are new works that Baen made has died. He was 62.

From the time he launched his compa- available to paying subscribers before Baen died Wednesday of complica- ny in 1984, Baen expanded the business the books were sold ins stores. tions from a stroke he suffered June 12, in then-untypical ways, using the Inter- He allowed readers to download texts said David Drake, a friend. Baen was a net as a main tool. using their choice of word-processing resident of Wake Forest, N.C., home Visitors to the website www.baen.com program and was a vocal critic of texts base of Baen Books. can connect to Baen's Bar, a chat room that can only be downloaded in one Baen was a truly legendary fig- where Baen made contact with several mat.

remembering.ca Stones, pictures and tributes to life. OBITUARIES Obituaries mother CREIGHTON, and Beverly excellent Ann friend. (Petty). Novelist, Wife, Adams, Gwendoline Joan Beryl journalist, explorer, adventurer. She passed Beliveau, Jacques away July 1, at home after suffering the Bird, Dorothy misery and distress of Alzheimer's for many Broccolini, Santina and years, with son-in-law her Ed husband her side.

Paul, She daughter was Amy Buchanan, Richard Trevor seven old. at She is also survived sixty- by Charles, Milly beloved years son Christopher, daughter-in-law Christopoulos, Theodore Minako and grandson Yuki Leslie. She was a Creighton, Beverly Ann bright light and a source of comfort, creativity Cullen, Clifford Neil and inspiration for many including brother-inDaemen, Albert Georges law Jon and sister-in-law Carol, beloved aunts Demers, Jean-Guy Sue Sumner (John John Jr. and Bill) and Di Michele, Costanzo Antonio Gerry McNamara. will be a memorial There service on Friday, July 7, at 2 p.m.

at St. Fairhurst, Peter Frederick Matthias Church Church Hill, Westmount, Freeman, Brenda Quebec. 514 933-4295) Futamura, Shigeru Goossens, Pauline E. MOUNT ROYAL Hare, Nicholas John COMMEMORATIVE Lepore, Leonardo SERVICES Masse, Yves Moffatt, Kathleen Ellen Rassenti, Nicholas H. Roberts, Darrill Robertson, Dorothy Helen Samuels, Fred Leo Sklavos, Andreas CULLEN, Clifford Neil.

At the Barrie Memorial Sokalski, Mary Hospital in Ormstown Sunday, July 2, 2006 Stirling, Robert James in his fifty-fifth year. Son of the late William Strudensky, Barbara Cullen and Ruby (nee McCaig). Brother to Tanton, Philippa Jane James (Joan), Sheryle (Rodney Reddick), Tarczy, Elizabeth Margaret (deceased), George, Dawn (Rick Wilkie, Geraldine Grace Ward), Stirling; Heckenast). Dwight, Karen (deceased), and Wylie, Elizabeth (Betty) by his (Joe family and friends. He will Visitation be sadly took missed place on Tuesday, July 4 from 7 to 9 p.m.

at the McGerrigle Funeral Home, Ormstown, Quebec. Funeral service will be held on OBITUARIES Wednesday, July 5 at 1 p.m. at the Georgetown ADAMS, Joan Beryl (Frith). Presbyterian Church, Howick, Quebec. Passed Cavendoline 2006 at the Lakeshore of the late Lloyd Adams.

Dearest mother of General in her eighty sixth year. Beloved wife Veronica (Jack), Glenda (Ken), Gloria (Ken), Patrick Louise (Salvatore). She will also be Faith, Dereck, Andrew, Mark, DEMERS, Jean-Guy. 1934 2006. In sadly missed by her grandchildren Jeffrey, Lisa, Diana, Brent, at the of Montreal, Anthony, Alex and many great-grandchildren, on passed July 3, 2006, Jean-Guy age Demers, seventy-one, of the to 5 p.m.

and 7 to 9 at J.J. Cardinal Funeral estimation centre of Chomedey, J-G Demers family and friends. Visitation Tuesday July 4, 2 away 2125 Notre p.m. Lachine Tel. Inc.

He leaves to mourn his son Michel, his Service to take sister Huguette (Leonard Kay), his Home, Dame, (514) 639-1511. place at godchild Resurrection of Our Lord Church 34, 34 Ave, Danielle Kay (Benoit Trempe) and their Lachine on Wednesday, July 5 at 11 a.m. Burial daughters, and Kayla, as well as Katia at Field of Honour, 703 Pointe numerous other relatives and friends. The Claire. family will receive condolences at Urgel Donegani, Bourgie, 3517 boul.

Levesque Ouest, Laval, Thursday, July 6, 2006 from 2 to 5 and 7 to 10 p.m. and Friday starting at 9:30 a.m. The funeral will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. at StBELIVEAU, Jacques. 1934 2006.

Of Ste- Maxime church, 3700 boul. Levesque Ouest, on July 1, 2006, at the age of seventy- Laval. one. Husband of Clusiau. Besides his wife, he leaves to mourn his daughter Louise URGEL BOURGIE (Jean Ramsay), his grandson Vincent, his son www.urgelbourgie.com Pierre (Chantal his grandchildren: 514-735-2025 Pierre-Olivier and Caroline, as well as their mother Line Lantin; his sisters, his brothers-inlaw and sisters-in-law, as well as other relatives and friends.

The family will receive condolences at Complexe funeraire Regional Guay 418 boul. Labelle (corner of autoroute 640), Rosemere. The funeral will be DI MICHELE, Costanzo Antonio. 1914-2006. held on Saturday, July 8 at 11 a.m.

at d'Avila Church. Visiting hours: Friday from 7 to 10 p.m. and Saturday starting at 9 a.m. BIRD, Dorothy. Passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on July 2, 2006, at the age of ninety-four.

Predeceased by her beloved husband Robin. Loving mother of Vicki (Ed Steenhorst). Dear grandmother of Chris (Shelly Steenhorst-Baker) and Katherine (Jeremy Solomon). Great-grandmother to Jacob. Friends may visit at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair McGarry, 315 McLeod Street, Ottawa Sunday, July 9, 2006 from 1:30 p.m.

until Service time in the Chapel at 2:30 p.m. Interment Mount Royal Cemetery, Montreal. In memoriam donations to World Vision or The Mission would be appreciated. A thank you to the nurses at the Queensway Carleton Hospital for their care and support. BROCCOLINI, Santina.

1939-2006. Passed away unexpectedly in Europe. Loving wife of Nello. Mother of Mary, mother-in-law to Raymond and grandmother to Christopher, daughter of the late Catherina Ignazio Broccolini. She will sadly be missed by her brother Sabatino, Antonio (Linda), Michele (Annette), Rinaldo (Giuseppina), Nicola (Phyllis) and by all her nephews and nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins and all her friends.

A memorial mass will be held on Thursday, July 6 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Monica's Church, 6405 Terrebonne (one street east of Cavendish), Mtl, PQ. CHARLES, Milly (nee Langdon). At Grace Dart Hospital, Montreal, on Saturday, July 1, 2006, Milly Isabel Charles (nee Langdon), in her ninety-fourth year.

Dear mother of Johnson Langdon, Phyllis Langdon (Harvey Robinson), Pearl Langdon, Jovaita Langdon (David Le Grand), and the late Eugene. Devoted grandmother of Christine, Suzanne, James, Keita, Christopher, Aliyma, Aamel, Wade and Neil, and great-grandmother of three. Sister of the late Lawrence Langdon, the late Henry Langdon, and the late O'Brien, and a sister of the Edwards: Frank, Leeroy, Amy Deleon, Frederick, the late Cedrick, and the late Ada Margaret James. Survived by many nieces and nephews. Visitation at the Kane Fetterly Funeral Home, 5301 Decarie Blvd.

(corner Isabella) on Wednesday, July 5 from 7 to 9 p.m. and on Thursday, July 6 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. The funeral service will take place in the Chapel at the Funeral Home on Thursday, July 6 at 1 p.m. followed by interment in Mount Royal Cemetery. CHRISTOPOULOS, Theodore.

Passed away on July 4, 2006 at the age of seventy-three. He leaves to mourn his wife Ellen, his children Vicky, Ira, Olympia (Bill), Costa (Marie) and Chris (Anna), his grandchildren Chelsea, Theodore, Assymina, Theodore, Yllena and Myra. Visitation at Rideau Funeral Home, 4275 Sources DDO, 514-685-3344 on Friday, July 7, 2006, from 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral service at St. Constantine St.

Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 20 Brunswick, DDO, on Saturday, July 8, 2006 at 11 a.m. Paperman Sons WEDNESDAY, July 5 BLOOMFIELD, Irwin 10:45 a.m. Graveside THURSDAY, July 6 STRUDENSKY, Barbara 10:00 a.m. SAMUELS, Fred 11:30 a.m. ANANOU, Leon Service details available at www.paperman.com Serving our Community for over 90 years 3888 Jean Talon West (514) 733-7101 Surrounded by his family, on Monday, July 3, 2006, at the Montreal General Hospital, Costanzo Di Michele husband of the late Maddalena Montanaro, passed away peacefully at the age of ninety-two years.

Dear father of Lina (Giuseppe Vaccaro), Antonietta and Joe (Mimma Francescangeli), and loving grandfather of Giovanna and Patrizia (Tony Martino). He is also survived by many relatives and friends. Resting at YVES Dallaina 7200 Newman Blvd, La Salle www.adyl.com 514.595.1500 Funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 6 at 11 a.m., at Madre Dei Cristiani Church, 1600 Thierry Street, LaSalle, thence to the Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery. Visitation Tuesday, July 4 from 7 to 10 p.m., Wednesday, July 5 from 2 to 5 and 7 to 10 p.m., Thursday from 9 a.m. FAIRHURST, Peter Frederick.

1954-2006. On July 1, 2006. Peter be beloved son of the late Claire and Arthur, caring and loving father to Alison, soul mate to Ann-Louise, devoted brother to Barry (Lise), Daniel (Susan) and proud uncle to Katherine and Jaclyn. Peter will be remembered for his contagious laugh and great sense of humour. Taken far too early, all who knew him will cherish the time they spent with him and remember his love for them.

As per Peter's request, a private family gathering will be held at a later date. Donations in his memory to the charity of your choice would be appreciated. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Rideau Funeral Home 514-685-3344. OSWALDO RIVAS REUTERS FREEMAN, Brenda (nee Denham). 1923-2006.

Passed away at the CHSLD Reine Elizabeth on June 24, 2006. Wife of the late Bruce Freeman. Mourned by numerous family and friends. A memorial service, preceded by half hour visitation, will be held at Rideau Funeral Home, 4275 Sources Blvd, DDO, (514) 685-3344 on Wednesday, July 12, at 2 p.m. Graveside committal to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Alzheimer's Society of Canada would be appreciated. FUTAMURA, Shigeru. Killed in a tragic accident on July 2, 2006, at the age of twentynine, he was everything a person should be. Always humble and caring, he was loved and respected by friends and family. He meant so much to those around him that no words can describe the loss we have to endure.

Born in Montreal, Quebec, on May 11 1977, he was the younger son of Seigo and Kano Futamura and a visible leader in the Japanese community of Montreal. Survived by his loving family including beloved wife, Na Young An, his parents, Seigo and Kano Futamura, his brother, Ken Futamura, his parents-in-law, Yun Sik An and Young Sook Chang, his brotherin-law, Tae Hynn An, and friends who care so much about him. We will miss your smile. We will miss your mischievous ways. We will miss your work ethic.

We will miss everything about you. Service at Rideau Funeral Home, 4275 Sources D.D.O. 514-685-3344 on Saturday, July 8, 2006 at 6 p.m. Visitation starting at 2 p.m. Rest In Peace, from your loving family and friends.

HARE, Nicholas John. Passed away peacefully on July 3, 2006 at the age of ninetythree at the Verdun General Hospital. Beloved husband of Ivy Seymour. Loving father of Penny (Ken) and grandfather of Andrea. Dear brother of Sonja (Victor) and Jane (the late Johnny).

Predeceased by his brother Martin. (Wanda) and his sisters Suzie (Joe) and Alice (Bob). He will be greatly missed by everyone. Visitation on Thursday, July 6, 2006 from 2-5: p.m. and 7-9 p.m.

at J.F. Wilson Funeral Home, 5784 Verdun Avenue, Verdun. The funeral service will be held on Friday, July 7, 2006 at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas More Church, 980 Moffat: Avenue, Verdun.

In lieu of flowers, donations: may be made to the Quebec Lung Association..