Thaindian News

May 27 (THAINDIAN NEWS) Art Linkletter, host if such shows as “Kids Say The Darndest Things” and “People are Funny” has died at the age of 97. Linkletter was born with the name Arthur Gordon Kelly on July 17, 1912, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. He was placed up for adoption by his unwed mother, and moved to the US with his adoptive parents when he was 7. His father was a preacher, and Art was thankful for the faith his dad instilled in him.

Before the news of his death had even made headlines, Tweeters from all over the world were giving their condolences, and thanking Mr. Linkletter for his contributions to comedy. Mr. Linkletter passed away on May 26, 2010, and left his wife of 74 years behind.

Celebrities such as Bill Cosby (’The Cosby Show’ was Art Linkletter’s creation), Allyssa Milano, and more bid their goodbyes on the popular social media,’Twitter’ to the man who hosted ‘Kids Say The Darndest Things’, ‘People Are Funny’, and ‘House Party’. People who grew up watching the work of Mr. Linkletter joined in with their Tweets as well:

* BillCosby: Thank you, Art Linkletter.
* Msbitty: Always wanted Art linkletter to offer me money for items in my purse. I am always prepared and I would have taken his $ every time
* TooOldToBeCool: God bless, Art Linkletter - there will never be another of your kind.
* kicksatsixtysix: Aw art linkletter :(
* Alyssa_Milano: Rest in peace, Art Linkletter.
* sherbev: “Things turn out best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out.” - Art Linkletter 1912-2010
* wandastarkewxii: Rememering Art Linkletter.Spoke a few years ago for Children’s Home Society in GSO. Gave the most engaging hour long speech I’ve ever heard.

His son-in-law, Art Hershey, the husband of Sharon Linkletter-Hershey had this to say, “He lived a long, full, pure life, and the Lord had need for him.” Linkletter had been ill “in the last few weeks time, but bear in mind he was 97 years old. He wasn’t eating well, and the aging process took him,” he added.

Mr. Linkletter and his wife had five children. They lost their 20 year old daughter after she jumped to her death in 1969. Although Linkletter believed her death was due to LSD, none of the drug was found in her system. They lost their son, Robert in a car accident in 1980, and another son, Jack died at the age of 70 with lymphoma. His life with his wife was kept private. He leaves behind his wife, Lois, two daughters, Dawn Griffin and Sharon Linkletter, seven grandchildren, and 15 great grand children. Services have not yet been planned.