Death comes in threes: Pete Rose, Kris Kristoferson, Dikembe Mutombo

[Jolly Blue Giant]

A whole lot of dying going on today...sports icons Pete Rose and Dikembe Mutombo, and musician/actor Kris Kristoferson

Did you know? I didn't:  Kris Kristoferson was a "military brat", living all around the world, pushed by his father (a General) to pursue a military career. Kris wanted to be a musician and a writer. His early writing included prize-winning essays: "The Rock" and "Gone Are the Days" that were published in The Atlantic. He was a Rhodes scholar, and afterward, went into the army, where he was a 2nd Lieutenant and a chopper pilot.

While a Rhodes scholar in England, he played on the rugby team, and was awarded the status of "Blue" in boxing (blue was a recognition of the highest athletic order at colleges in England). But he really wanted to spend his life as a musician

His family disowned him after Kris left the army, for his choice. Meanwhile, he had multiple hit records and became a successful actor in some major movies. He won multiple awards and nominations, including Grammy's for his music.

As far as I know, his family never had anything to do with him...which is really sad. But he had an incredible life that I don't think most people know anything about at all. I know I didn't.