I’m not sure when the bunny became a running gag with me.When Linda noticed! she got on board with gusto. We had so much fun with it. Sometimes trying to out cute each other.Fun, fun, fun! I’m going to miss that very much.It’s a strange new world we are living in. Linda became a friend. We never set eyes on each other, and even had she not left us, we were never going to meet. But we were still friends.That’s one of the wonderful things about this strange new web connected social world.We have new was to make and keep friends.I shall miss my friend Linda. My bunny buddy.
On this forum there are a group of us “ladies” , around the same age, who I feel close to.Linda was one of those. Linda and I had fun trying to outdo each other in posting pictures of cats. I admired her spirit in the face of her many health problems. She taught us to love life, enjoy each day we are given, love unconditionally, and most of all keep on keeping on.I know all those she loved were waiting for her and she is now surrounded with light.We will miss you, but we will take your message of hope with us for all our lives.And we will keep on keeping on
Bev, this is a beautiful tribute and thank you for sharing Linda’s email with us. it’s hard to find the words to express the beauty that was Linda Dean. I think you have said it all in your tribute; Linda will be missed by all of us who knew her through the comics. She was an example to us all of a strong person coping with adversity without complaint.
It is very late for me tonight, but I’ve been up late Skyping with my son-in-law in Glasgow (from Phoenix, AZ) and just heard from StelBel.
I only knew Linda from her few posts on Ballard Street (as I do not read some of her other faves) but I still considered her an online friend, so I hope to give my condolences with the others here.
I only “knew” Linda Dean through Go-comics and mainly through the Ten Cats site. She shared so much humor, warmth and plain cuteness with us all and I shall always be grateful. Sometimes her posts cheered me up more than she could possibly know. I shall miss her but I know she is at peace with our Lord. God bless you Linda Dean.
(Although this video may appear sad or macabre, it actually isn’t. It is more comforting, hopeful and joyful…indeed, it is about dancing in the graveyard with your loved ones, of being close to their spirits.)
Keep on dancing……….
[posted yesterday at Ten Cats and Citizen Dog, as well]
Beviek, thanks for posting this. It helps us (especially us Ten Cats newbie posters) to know more about Linda and what a great person she was. She had more than her share of sadness in her life, but she kept on and tried to stay optimistic. The word is way overused these days, but she truly was an inspiration. It’s true that none of us will probably ever meet in person, but isn’t it great that we’ve all had a chance to meet through posting on here?
Thank you so much for who you all are. I recently discovered your 10 cats posts and have enjoyed the pictures and the obvious love and care you all have for each other. It’s now one of the places I go to when my day needs a bit of a lift. I work for a Hospice and some days are hard – most days are filled with what I have seen here – friendship, compassion, love and laughter. Thank you all!
Thank you Bev… I had to wander off the “B Street” to read this… I caught wind of this sad news yesterday…I will always miss my “LDean”…until we meet…. again…
Bev, thank you for sharing this sad news but also thank you for the wonderful tribute to one of the Ballard Street Stalwarts. I did not know Linda but I did read her many contributions to life on Ballard Street and will miss her.
In following the Go Comics community over the last several years there have been too many who have simply “gone away” with no explanation. In some cases a friend or family member will log on to share some information but in all too many instances there is none.
Linda was the most loving, sweet, kind and not to mention hilarious lady you ever met. When I first read about her passing, It took a while to sink in and then I broke down. It was just so hard to believe. I managed to find her last comment to me. Here it is:-“@ #3…Sound of Silence by Simon and Garfunkle is one of my favorite songs…but then I am from that era…I am so glad you like it! Also, I am so glad this interview went well, and I pray that you get the call back for the 20th…You know of course, that you are the girl child that we all pray for and wish you to do well….I never had a daughter, but I wish that if I had, that she would be like you…God Bless You Child!”-You can see as clear as day that she had the most uplifting spirit and warm heart.-A few years ago, She gave me the nickname “Half Pint” which I loved and still do. It’s cute as well as appropriate since I am only 5’2 in real life.-She mentioned to me that she was a reciever of donated blood. I have been a blood donor for 2 years now and I think very often about how many lives I might have saved and that I would jump to the chance to meet my recievers if this was allowed but unfortunately it’s not. In that case my 9th blood donation which will take place near the end of September will be dedicated to Linda.-Before logging off GoComics that Sunday night, I felt I had to go and visit another strip (Peanuts) where a very special friend of mine comments. I told him all about Linda’s passing and how us Cappers were grieving and I also felt the need to tell him under the circumstances that our friendship meant the world to me. He wrote a lovely response back and even went to Andy Capp to give his condolences despite not knowing Linda but seeing her comments every now and then. -Linda is not gone from us. She will live in our hearts always and forever.X
I remember when Linda used Flo from Flo and Friends as her avatar and we would banter back and forth at Daddy’s Home. When I saw that avatar I thought, “I’ll bet that Girl has Hutzpah, that’s why she chose that avatar!” As I got to know her here, the more I liked and admired her. Sometimes in certain places she would go into details about some things. Again I thought, "Wow, she is AWESOME! And her spirit and cheerful attitude reminded me a lot of Carmy, someone I did know very well from here, who also passed away after a long term illness.
This place, this gocomics site brings people together in many ways. It gives us camaraderie, support when it’s needed, and a chance to “speak” to people from all over the world. And let’s not forget all the laughs and giggles.
I wish Linda and I had had a chance to play off of our Wet and Soggy and Dry and Dusty personas! It was maybe that day or the next, after we decided to do that, that she ended up in the hospital. Funny how things can change so quickly.
Linda you are in good hands now. And to your Son, Daughter in Law and Ruth, my deepest and most sincere condolences. Remember that she is in no pain now and watching down on you. You may not be able to see her anymore, but she is there, always. And she lives in you. A lot of what you are is what came from her love for you.
I just posted this at Ten Cats, and feel I need to put it here as well. Thank you so much. It really is going to bring joy to Lennie and Judith, even though like me, its going to make them cry their hearts out. God bless and keep you all.
Linda would be the first person to be asking, where are the pics? Cats/Dogs/Funny Sayings aint gonna post themselves, so get busy!I will be here, and with Lindas tutorials, I am going to try to get my geek on and post some of my own. Linda left me her house here in Chicago. The other 2 floors are rented out to a Dr. who is in her residency and an older retired couple, and the rents will go to her son Lennie and he will pay the taxes, and the lawn service. Basically all I will have to do is pay my own utilities. Chicago is a lot more fun than our small town in Rockford, MN, lots to do, see, eat, etc. and Lennie and Judith are family to me having known Lennie since before he had his first pimple, and I am Aunt Ruth to them. I am going to try to get our friend Ramona to join me. I am listing my house in Rockford for sale, and I know that it will sell quickly as its in great shape, new plumbing and electrical was put in a year or so ago. Ramonas house was done around the same time. She loved Chicago when she visited with us, so we will see. We are shipping Lindas ashes to Athens, Texas this week and will go down to see them interred in her mothers grave and spend time with her Texas relatives. She made sure there was a fund so that there could be a big party down there. Not a wake, a celebration of life and of love. She found that part of her family not that long ago, and truly fell in love with all of them. Her bequests to different members of that family reflect that. College scolarships to some. Money for boats or new trucks for others, and a new barn for one who lost his to a lightening strike and his cows(longhorns) were roughing it so to speak. She left a goodly sum to our local animal rescue back in Rockford, and left a hefty sum for me to look after the girls in thier own home to insure they get good vet care and lots of Whisker Licking treats. For me, this is a bonus because I have come to love Tinker and Belle almost as much as she did. They are beautiful, intelligent creatures and very, very loving, with a purr motor on Tinker that just wont quit. I know that Linda is walking with the love of her life; Ron, and holding their grandson; Little Ronnie and she is probably trying to talk God into letting her adopt all the big cats, and if thats not possible then to at lest let her feed and pet and play with them. I am so glad to have known and loved her. She was special, and didnt seem to know it. I have a very strong feeling that she will be reading Ten Cats, (her absolute favorite) Citizen Dog, Cleo and Company, Andy Capp, and Flo and Friends, Diamond Lil, and Speechless and guffawing loudly from where ever she is. As she would say, Ya’ll laugh and love each other and hold every moment precious, because it is!
AW GEE RUTH, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR VISITING US TODAY! MAY GOD BLESS YOU, LENNIE, JUDITH, TINKER AND BELLE, AND HER LITTLE DOG THAT JUDITH HAS ADOPTED, AND ALL OF YOU. LINDA IS RIGHT, AND WE FORGET THAT ALL TOO OFTEN, HOLD EACH MOMENT PRECIOUS BECAUSE IT IS! AND FROM WHAT I HAVE KNOWN OF HER, THAT IS WHAT SHE DID!
Linda Dean, wir beiden haben uns nicht weiter gekannt noch gesehen, aber doch warst Du mir so vertraut und hast mich erfreut mit Deinen wunderschönen Bildern. Dein Ableben ist wie das eines guten Freundes und schmerzt wie im richtigen Leben, auch wenn unsere Bekanntschaft nur virtueller Natur war – Internet-Freunde! Linda Dean – Ruhe in Frieden! Sorry -‘Ten Cats’-Friends, I have to say my condolences in German, pardon me. My English is not fluent enough to say my expressions in your language. But after I have written my words in German I try to translate this for you: Linda Dean, we both have not seen us yet not known, but you were so familiar to me and have me pleased with your beautiful images. Your death is like as if a good friend is gone and hurts as in real life, even if our acquaintance was only virtual nature – internet friends! Linda Dean – rest in peace!
God saw her gertting tired, a cure not meant to be, so He put his arms around her, and whispered…..Come with Me.
I have read the comments for over a year, just do not comment. I have come to think of all of the group here as family. There have been times I have read the comments needing to feel better. I have loved the pics and all.Ruth, every one should have a friend such as you. Please do not stay away as this group needs to stay together.When someone dies, the one thing that changes is that there will be no new memories added to the ones we have. That makes the ones we have that much more precious.
I first “met” Linda over at Andy Kapp, and thought of her as the lady with the (((((hugs))))). When I started reading Ten Cats, there she was, with her always apt comments and cutest of cat pictures. Though I don’t comment often, I always appreciated her and and felt we were family.
Now I miss her as a family member who has passed and will always remember her fondly.
I am glad that Ruth will be carrying on, in the Wet and Soggy tradition.
I have learned so much more about Linda; first of all that she is such a young thing. :) more about her family, and her loves…all makes me miss her more. I can tell we would have been besties, had we lived near each other. I’m an “old” hippie also, peace activist, civil right worker in Miss. in the 60’s, traveled all over and wound back on my family farm, with the best of companions…my animals. Oh, Linda, I am glad I got to know you, and I wish you could have visited with me. Rest in peace…the peace of the universe.
Linda, I tweeted to you- hope you get it!I always looked for Linda Dean. I thought you must be one of the artists on GoComics, or maybe a movie star to use that name. When Linda Dean disappeared and WET appeared, I missed the connection and wondered where you went. But the photos gave you away. I figured it out and then discovered one day that Wet had become Wet and Soggy, and then Ruth appeared.Your love and funny sense of the sublime to the ridiculous shone in every post and what you revealed in tiny fragments of yourself. Your created a beautiful mosaic of Linda Dean aka Wet aka Wet and Soggy.And your cats drew me first. Then the dogs, the pugs, the bunnies. You could lift my mood with the click of a mouse.I am proud and humbled at the same time to have been noticed by you.Thank you for your farewell to one and all, and to me at Ballard Street. Your dancing cats will live on in my heart as your gift to me.Dance as though no one were looking. Laugh as though everyone is in on the joke. Love with all your heart and draw all the wounded animals and people into your warm circle of light.
Farewell, Linda, until we meet again on the golden Ballard Street with Ten Cats, Citizens of Dog and all the wacky cartoons we love and cherish. Adieu et Bonne Nuit.
And thank you for yet another update.What wonderful bequests to come of such a tragedy…Linda truly loved her friends and family….and I can tell that it was returned. A gracious ending to a sad tale…. though it’s not really an ending, cos the story goes on, in the hearts and minds of so many people, including those whose lives she touched here on GoComics, and in her e-mails.
Linda also loved a strip called Ballard Street…. that’s where we met…As it is with several strips on GoComics, we have a little community going on there… a welcoming one, if any of you care to drop by.Linda took to it immediately, and fell right into the role-playing and storyline that is made up day by day in that forum.Social life tends to center around the Tiki Bar, owned by Sheriff MonkeyBlues.
As the night shift manager, I had “hired” a bartender named Fenton…. a tall well-dressed boxer…. of the canine variety.
Linda took to him right off the bat… talked to him, played with him, invited him over….To the consternation of some of the human regulars, they started to …. become …well, somewhat of an “item.”
I “took” this picture of them at the 2012 Tiki Christmas party, and gave Linda a copy at her January 2013 birthday celebration there.
She loved it!
Of course, a dog/human relationship doesn’t really have anywhere to go…and Linda left Fenton not long after..but they remained good friends.
I tried posting yesterday, but guess the submit button didn’t work. I started reading GoComics a couple of years ago and Ten Cats quickly became a favourite. I always enjoyed Linda’s comments and pictures. When I started commenting, she was always so warm and welcoming to me with her comments that I felt instant kinship with her. I will miss her sorely, but all the comments from everyone and the warmth everyone shows give me the courage I need to go on each day. Love you all. Linda, ave atque vale!
Linda – thanks for all the laughs and smiles and all your precious pictures. Thanks for the courage and strength we all saw in you that reminds us we all have it in us. You lived a great Linda kind of life that will remain in our thoughts and hearts.
I’ve only been coming to GoComics regularly for the last few months, but I quickly recognized Linda as the shining light at its heart. I look forward every day to not only seeing the funnies but all the comments and pictures as well. You folks make my day, and I feel so lucky to have found you. And somehow, though she was my age, Linda felt like the mother of us all. I believe she will always remain the heart of us.
Thank you for this lovely tribute page and Linda’s obituary. How I would have loved to know this special, tireless loving lady – and how lucky were all those who came into contact with her, including all those sweet rescues!
Dry…. actually, it’s about a 25-30 year span, I’d say… Most of us born 1934-ish to 1962-ish…with the greatest concentration being baby boomers, 1945 on….plus a few outside of that, especially the younger ones, like #’s 6 and especially 3.
All I know for a fact is that Linda was far too young to leave us.
Anyway,I meant to say that I did the picture with Fenton back when Linda was using Flo, as you pointed out, for her avatar.
Although I didn’t know Linda as well as most of you, I know Linda is in a better place. She will be missed. Linda’s family and Ruth, you will be in my prayers. >^..^<
In my lifetime I have lost my parents, my wife, my brother, my best friend, many other friends including Gocomics friends, such as Linda Dean and others, but this is the disadvantage of living as long as I have, 86 years. The one ultimate loss I hope I never live to see is that of a child.
WOW! Wonderful comments, all of you! I did not know Linda as well as some of you but I enjoyed her comments often. Obviously, she was a very special person who meant a lot to the readers here at GoComics. God bless you all for your compassionate hearts. All of you, especially Ruth and Bev, are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
And, Bev… Thank you so much for posting the obit, information, and the pics that I know Linda would love! Peace and Comfort to all of you.
BTW, Bev… “Home Where I Belong” was a favorite song of mine when it was first released in the 1970s. Very appropriate for this tribute to Linda. Thanks again!
I have intended to come back here and post many times. However, ever time I do, I start reading the posts and just lose it. God Bless You all. There is much to share, but I find myself incapable of doing so. Time heals, and maybe more time will allow me to come back and tell you all about her passing and her memorial as well as a bit more of her life. And Lord there was such a life in her! While she loved and lost a few people, more people loved and lost her. I know that no one is chicking back here at this late date, so maybe that will let me talk about it all finally and post her obituary etc. However, right now, I still cant bring myself to do so. I do know now why she loved you all. You are some awesome, amazingly caring folks and I thank God that she found you and steered me in this direction. But dang it, she got me hooked too! Shame on you Linda Dean!
I wonder if you know how many times I have had to clean my glasses from all the tears that these posts have caused? She would have loved these tributes as much as she loved all of you. Andy Cappers were some of her favorite folks and I simply cant go there to post or to talk, because I just melt thinking about it. Number 6 and 3, Bev, Affi, Gweedo, Eldo, PColli, Fanolio, you rocked her at Andy Capp, and she loved posting things she thought would tickle your funny bones, or make you think. She thought Ballard street was the epitome of coolness and absurdity so of course it fit into her sense of humor like a hand in a glove. StelBel tickled her funny bone, Monkey and the Veteran were a hoot, and Susan was special because she gave Linda Fenton, who Linda fell in love with. If he had been a man, we would have heard wedding bells! Fenton was a dog she loved to the point that she broke up laughing telling me that she had finally reached the point of cybering with someone and that someone was a boxer with a heart of gold. That dog didnt just serve her drinks, he served her his heart and she protected it and him as best she could. The Ten Cats crew she considered her own family and the strip her home. She adored cats and dogs and basically most critters, and swore that heaven would be full of all of them plus the ones that she would be afraid of here, she would get to love on in heaven. Tigers, and Lions, and Bears, Oh My! -lol – I am sitting here typing this with tears streaming, but even though its late to be answering any of you, I want and need you to know that she would have loved it, even as she love you all. I will get to her obit and her memorial in Texas as soon as I am able, but I have to tell you that her Texas family and friends also tear my heart to pieces. My God, I didnt know my best friend had so many who loved her, seemingly as much as I did. Her finest memorial in her mind I am sure is that of a cat rescue organization called the Caboodle Ranch. Housing only cats who will never be adopted, but simply loved and cared for, she donated quite a bit of money to it, and would have moved there and given her time as well, but her MS stopped that desire and it was truly a strong desire. She would have done anything for any creature that needed help, and that included people, not just critters. Thank you for loving my friend. I will come back to this in a bit. Maybe after the holidays. They are going to be hard to get through without her, but I have to, and I have to help her son and daughter in love get through thier first Christmas without her and without their son that they lost to Tay Sachs. (Linda considered her to be her real daughter, not just an in law) I miss my friend but you all have helped me a great deal and your caring feels like a blessing, so thank you so much for that. Losing a loved one sucks does it not?
Falling behind on some of my comics I missed the Jul. 12 tribute but am going through Comments now when I picked it up. Yup. I/We miss our dear old “Granny”. :-)
Gilda Blackmore about 12 years ago
NoNo!! Where’s today’s strip?????
StrangerCoug about 12 years ago
I’m liking this story line.
pierreandnicole about 12 years ago
Ungrateful gnats!!!!
MysteryCat about 12 years ago
Love the last panel! :)
rush.diana about 12 years ago
“Scratched off at Fourth & Fir” LOL this is too good
rolleg about 12 years ago
The Black Flag I know is/was a punk group from Los Angeles. 1980s. Henry Rollins. Probably not what is being referred to here.
neatslob Premium Member about 12 years ago
Black Flag is also a bug killer, like Raid.
StelBel about 10 years ago
Happy, happy, happy!!! Premium Member about 10 years ago
I’m not sure when the bunny became a running gag with me.When Linda noticed! she got on board with gusto. We had so much fun with it. Sometimes trying to out cute each other.Fun, fun, fun! I’m going to miss that very much.It’s a strange new world we are living in. Linda became a friend. We never set eyes on each other, and even had she not left us, we were never going to meet. But we were still friends.That’s one of the wonderful things about this strange new web connected social world.We have new was to make and keep friends.I shall miss my friend Linda. My bunny buddy.
Happy, happy, happy!!! Premium Member about 10 years ago
Last Rose Of Summer Premium Member about 10 years ago
On this forum there are a group of us “ladies” , around the same age, who I feel close to.Linda was one of those. Linda and I had fun trying to outdo each other in posting pictures of cats. I admired her spirit in the face of her many health problems. She taught us to love life, enjoy each day we are given, love unconditionally, and most of all keep on keeping on.I know all those she loved were waiting for her and she is now surrounded with light.We will miss you, but we will take your message of hope with us for all our lives.And we will keep on keeping on
Last Rose Of Summer Premium Member about 10 years ago
JoanHelen about 10 years ago
Bev, this is a beautiful tribute and thank you for sharing Linda’s email with us. it’s hard to find the words to express the beauty that was Linda Dean. I think you have said it all in your tribute; Linda will be missed by all of us who knew her through the comics. She was an example to us all of a strong person coping with adversity without complaint.
vldazzle about 10 years ago
It is very late for me tonight, but I’ve been up late Skyping with my son-in-law in Glasgow (from Phoenix, AZ) and just heard from StelBel.
I only knew Linda from her few posts on Ballard Street (as I do not read some of her other faves) but I still considered her an online friend, so I hope to give my condolences with the others here.
Spotted Owl about 10 years ago
I only “knew” Linda Dean through Go-comics and mainly through the Ten Cats site. She shared so much humor, warmth and plain cuteness with us all and I shall always be grateful. Sometimes her posts cheered me up more than she could possibly know. I shall miss her but I know she is at peace with our Lord. God bless you Linda Dean.
pcolli about 10 years ago
It is only the body that dies……. the inner self is eternal. Linda has moved to the next level. She has left “Hell” behind her.
StelBel about 10 years ago
(Although this video may appear sad or macabre, it actually isn’t. It is more comforting, hopeful and joyful…indeed, it is about dancing in the graveyard with your loved ones, of being close to their spirits.)
Keep on dancing……….
[posted yesterday at Ten Cats and Citizen Dog, as well]
Mary about 10 years ago
Beviek, thanks for posting this. It helps us (especially us Ten Cats newbie posters) to know more about Linda and what a great person she was. She had more than her share of sadness in her life, but she kept on and tried to stay optimistic. The word is way overused these days, but she truly was an inspiration. It’s true that none of us will probably ever meet in person, but isn’t it great that we’ve all had a chance to meet through posting on here?
T_Lexi about 10 years ago
Linda brought me SO many smiles. I’m going to think of her when I dance, and while smelling the flowers… Bless you, Linda.
GROG Premium Member about 10 years ago
R.I.P., Linda. You will be missed.
Margaret Rogers Premium Member about 10 years ago
Thank you so much for who you all are. I recently discovered your 10 cats posts and have enjoyed the pictures and the obvious love and care you all have for each other. It’s now one of the places I go to when my day needs a bit of a lift. I work for a Hospice and some days are hard – most days are filled with what I have seen here – friendship, compassion, love and laughter. Thank you all!
jadoo823 about 10 years ago
Vichnaya Pamyat – Eternal Memory!…
Dr Sheriff MB esq PhD DML about 10 years ago
Thank you Bev… I had to wander off the “B Street” to read this… I caught wind of this sad news yesterday…I will always miss my “LDean”…until we meet…. again…
She Mc about 10 years ago
Strange to actually miss someone I never met but Ten cats just isn’t the same without you, I do hope things will get back to normal one of these days.
Fan o’ Lio. about 10 years ago
Don’t mourn Linda’s death – celebrate her life – she certainly did – in spite of all her personal tragedies – RIP Linda!
meowlin about 10 years ago
A cat is pictured, but this applies to Linda as well…
pnorman1 about 10 years ago
Bev, thank you for sharing this sad news but also thank you for the wonderful tribute to one of the Ballard Street Stalwarts. I did not know Linda but I did read her many contributions to life on Ballard Street and will miss her.
In following the Go Comics community over the last several years there have been too many who have simply “gone away” with no explanation. In some cases a friend or family member will log on to share some information but in all too many instances there is none.
Number Three about 10 years ago
Linda was the most loving, sweet, kind and not to mention hilarious lady you ever met. When I first read about her passing, It took a while to sink in and then I broke down. It was just so hard to believe. I managed to find her last comment to me. Here it is:-“@ #3…Sound of Silence by Simon and Garfunkle is one of my favorite songs…but then I am from that era…I am so glad you like it! Also, I am so glad this interview went well, and I pray that you get the call back for the 20th…You know of course, that you are the girl child that we all pray for and wish you to do well….I never had a daughter, but I wish that if I had, that she would be like you…God Bless You Child!”-You can see as clear as day that she had the most uplifting spirit and warm heart.-A few years ago, She gave me the nickname “Half Pint” which I loved and still do. It’s cute as well as appropriate since I am only 5’2 in real life.-She mentioned to me that she was a reciever of donated blood. I have been a blood donor for 2 years now and I think very often about how many lives I might have saved and that I would jump to the chance to meet my recievers if this was allowed but unfortunately it’s not. In that case my 9th blood donation which will take place near the end of September will be dedicated to Linda.-Before logging off GoComics that Sunday night, I felt I had to go and visit another strip (Peanuts) where a very special friend of mine comments. I told him all about Linda’s passing and how us Cappers were grieving and I also felt the need to tell him under the circumstances that our friendship meant the world to me. He wrote a lovely response back and even went to Andy Capp to give his condolences despite not knowing Linda but seeing her comments every now and then. -Linda is not gone from us. She will live in our hearts always and forever.X
missjunebug about 10 years ago
Thanks, Bev. Linda was memorable.
Dry and Dusty Premium Member about 10 years ago
I remember when Linda used Flo from Flo and Friends as her avatar and we would banter back and forth at Daddy’s Home. When I saw that avatar I thought, “I’ll bet that Girl has Hutzpah, that’s why she chose that avatar!” As I got to know her here, the more I liked and admired her. Sometimes in certain places she would go into details about some things. Again I thought, "Wow, she is AWESOME! And her spirit and cheerful attitude reminded me a lot of Carmy, someone I did know very well from here, who also passed away after a long term illness.
This place, this gocomics site brings people together in many ways. It gives us camaraderie, support when it’s needed, and a chance to “speak” to people from all over the world. And let’s not forget all the laughs and giggles.
I wish Linda and I had had a chance to play off of our Wet and Soggy and Dry and Dusty personas! It was maybe that day or the next, after we decided to do that, that she ended up in the hospital. Funny how things can change so quickly.
Linda you are in good hands now. And to your Son, Daughter in Law and Ruth, my deepest and most sincere condolences. Remember that she is in no pain now and watching down on you. You may not be able to see her anymore, but she is there, always. And she lives in you. A lot of what you are is what came from her love for you.
Nighthawks Premium Member about 10 years ago
zippykatz about 10 years ago
Linda, you must have been quite a person to generate this much affection. I wish I’d known you. Rest in peace, dear lady.
Linda Solomon about 10 years ago
I just posted this at Ten Cats, and feel I need to put it here as well. Thank you so much. It really is going to bring joy to Lennie and Judith, even though like me, its going to make them cry their hearts out. God bless and keep you all.
Linda Solomon about 10 years ago
Linda would be the first person to be asking, where are the pics? Cats/Dogs/Funny Sayings aint gonna post themselves, so get busy!I will be here, and with Lindas tutorials, I am going to try to get my geek on and post some of my own. Linda left me her house here in Chicago. The other 2 floors are rented out to a Dr. who is in her residency and an older retired couple, and the rents will go to her son Lennie and he will pay the taxes, and the lawn service. Basically all I will have to do is pay my own utilities. Chicago is a lot more fun than our small town in Rockford, MN, lots to do, see, eat, etc. and Lennie and Judith are family to me having known Lennie since before he had his first pimple, and I am Aunt Ruth to them. I am going to try to get our friend Ramona to join me. I am listing my house in Rockford for sale, and I know that it will sell quickly as its in great shape, new plumbing and electrical was put in a year or so ago. Ramonas house was done around the same time. She loved Chicago when she visited with us, so we will see. We are shipping Lindas ashes to Athens, Texas this week and will go down to see them interred in her mothers grave and spend time with her Texas relatives. She made sure there was a fund so that there could be a big party down there. Not a wake, a celebration of life and of love. She found that part of her family not that long ago, and truly fell in love with all of them. Her bequests to different members of that family reflect that. College scolarships to some. Money for boats or new trucks for others, and a new barn for one who lost his to a lightening strike and his cows(longhorns) were roughing it so to speak. She left a goodly sum to our local animal rescue back in Rockford, and left a hefty sum for me to look after the girls in thier own home to insure they get good vet care and lots of Whisker Licking treats. For me, this is a bonus because I have come to love Tinker and Belle almost as much as she did. They are beautiful, intelligent creatures and very, very loving, with a purr motor on Tinker that just wont quit. I know that Linda is walking with the love of her life; Ron, and holding their grandson; Little Ronnie and she is probably trying to talk God into letting her adopt all the big cats, and if thats not possible then to at lest let her feed and pet and play with them. I am so glad to have known and loved her. She was special, and didnt seem to know it. I have a very strong feeling that she will be reading Ten Cats, (her absolute favorite) Citizen Dog, Cleo and Company, Andy Capp, and Flo and Friends, Diamond Lil, and Speechless and guffawing loudly from where ever she is. As she would say, Ya’ll laugh and love each other and hold every moment precious, because it is!
Dry and Dusty Premium Member about 10 years ago
NIGHTHAWKS, WHAT A LOVELY, LOVELY TRIBUTE!
Dry and Dusty Premium Member about 10 years ago
AW GEE RUTH, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR VISITING US TODAY! MAY GOD BLESS YOU, LENNIE, JUDITH, TINKER AND BELLE, AND HER LITTLE DOG THAT JUDITH HAS ADOPTED, AND ALL OF YOU. LINDA IS RIGHT, AND WE FORGET THAT ALL TOO OFTEN, HOLD EACH MOMENT PRECIOUS BECAUSE IT IS! AND FROM WHAT I HAVE KNOWN OF HER, THAT IS WHAT SHE DID!
JP Steve Premium Member about 10 years ago
…………………………………
Marge Premium Member about 10 years ago
Linda Dean, wir beiden haben uns nicht weiter gekannt noch gesehen, aber doch warst Du mir so vertraut und hast mich erfreut mit Deinen wunderschönen Bildern. Dein Ableben ist wie das eines guten Freundes und schmerzt wie im richtigen Leben, auch wenn unsere Bekanntschaft nur virtueller Natur war – Internet-Freunde! Linda Dean – Ruhe in Frieden! Sorry -‘Ten Cats’-Friends, I have to say my condolences in German, pardon me. My English is not fluent enough to say my expressions in your language. But after I have written my words in German I try to translate this for you: Linda Dean, we both have not seen us yet not known, but you were so familiar to me and have me pleased with your beautiful images. Your death is like as if a good friend is gone and hurts as in real life, even if our acquaintance was only virtual nature – internet friends! Linda Dean – rest in peace!
Ppyfss about 10 years ago
God saw her gertting tired, a cure not meant to be, so He put his arms around her, and whispered…..Come with Me.
I have read the comments for over a year, just do not comment. I have come to think of all of the group here as family. There have been times I have read the comments needing to feel better. I have loved the pics and all.Ruth, every one should have a friend such as you. Please do not stay away as this group needs to stay together.When someone dies, the one thing that changes is that there will be no new memories added to the ones we have. That makes the ones we have that much more precious.
MysteryCat about 10 years ago
I first “met” Linda over at Andy Kapp, and thought of her as the lady with the (((((hugs))))). When I started reading Ten Cats, there she was, with her always apt comments and cutest of cat pictures. Though I don’t comment often, I always appreciated her and and felt we were family.
Now I miss her as a family member who has passed and will always remember her fondly.
I am glad that Ruth will be carrying on, in the Wet and Soggy tradition.
Dry and Dusty Premium Member about 10 years ago
Marge you did fine! Wonderful message for Linda!
StelBel about 10 years ago
There IS a Ballard Street…….and, there IS a Hollywood…up in Heaven…………………..just so everybody knows!
Dry and Dusty Premium Member about 10 years ago
AH STEL! YOU OUTDID YOURSELF, GIRLFRIEND!
(wish I could do that stuff you do!)
sweetpeapete about 10 years ago
I have learned so much more about Linda; first of all that she is such a young thing. :) more about her family, and her loves…all makes me miss her more. I can tell we would have been besties, had we lived near each other. I’m an “old” hippie also, peace activist, civil right worker in Miss. in the 60’s, traveled all over and wound back on my family farm, with the best of companions…my animals. Oh, Linda, I am glad I got to know you, and I wish you could have visited with me. Rest in peace…the peace of the universe.
sweetpeapete about 10 years ago
This is from a face book page called cats with fruit hats. Just the sort of silly thing to which Linda would find some magical comment to add.
Happy, happy, happy!!! Premium Member about 10 years ago
And lets not forget, Linda also loved the ones that were just plain cute…
Shikamoo Premium Member about 10 years ago
Linda, I tweeted to you- hope you get it!I always looked for Linda Dean. I thought you must be one of the artists on GoComics, or maybe a movie star to use that name. When Linda Dean disappeared and WET appeared, I missed the connection and wondered where you went. But the photos gave you away. I figured it out and then discovered one day that Wet had become Wet and Soggy, and then Ruth appeared.Your love and funny sense of the sublime to the ridiculous shone in every post and what you revealed in tiny fragments of yourself. Your created a beautiful mosaic of Linda Dean aka Wet aka Wet and Soggy.And your cats drew me first. Then the dogs, the pugs, the bunnies. You could lift my mood with the click of a mouse.I am proud and humbled at the same time to have been noticed by you.Thank you for your farewell to one and all, and to me at Ballard Street. Your dancing cats will live on in my heart as your gift to me.Dance as though no one were looking. Laugh as though everyone is in on the joke. Love with all your heart and draw all the wounded animals and people into your warm circle of light.
Farewell, Linda, until we meet again on the golden Ballard Street with Ten Cats, Citizens of Dog and all the wacky cartoons we love and cherish. Adieu et Bonne Nuit.
love from Shika aka Shikamoo aka ShikaMua.
Shikamoo Premium Member about 10 years ago
HAPPY, your kissing bunnies are so adorable, looking into the camera as though to say, “Go away. This is private!”
SusanSunshine Premium Member about 10 years ago
Ruth!I’m so glad you came back!
And thank you for yet another update.What wonderful bequests to come of such a tragedy…Linda truly loved her friends and family….and I can tell that it was returned. A gracious ending to a sad tale…. though it’s not really an ending, cos the story goes on, in the hearts and minds of so many people, including those whose lives she touched here on GoComics, and in her e-mails.
I know she is one person who won’t be forgotten!
SusanSunshine Premium Member about 10 years ago
Linda also loved a strip called Ballard Street…. that’s where we met…As it is with several strips on GoComics, we have a little community going on there… a welcoming one, if any of you care to drop by.Linda took to it immediately, and fell right into the role-playing and storyline that is made up day by day in that forum.Social life tends to center around the Tiki Bar, owned by Sheriff MonkeyBlues.
As the night shift manager, I had “hired” a bartender named Fenton…. a tall well-dressed boxer…. of the canine variety.
Linda took to him right off the bat… talked to him, played with him, invited him over….To the consternation of some of the human regulars, they started to …. become …well, somewhat of an “item.”
I “took” this picture of them at the 2012 Tiki Christmas party, and gave Linda a copy at her January 2013 birthday celebration there.
She loved it!
Of course, a dog/human relationship doesn’t really have anywhere to go…and Linda left Fenton not long after..but they remained good friends.
SusanSunshine Premium Member about 10 years ago
So of course, this memorial wouldn’t be complete without Fenton…who has come to read a poem he wrote, on the passing of his dear friend….
Good night, Linda.
ladykat about 10 years ago
I tried posting yesterday, but guess the submit button didn’t work. I started reading GoComics a couple of years ago and Ten Cats quickly became a favourite. I always enjoyed Linda’s comments and pictures. When I started commenting, she was always so warm and welcoming to me with her comments that I felt instant kinship with her. I will miss her sorely, but all the comments from everyone and the warmth everyone shows give me the courage I need to go on each day. Love you all. Linda, ave atque vale!
Perkycat about 10 years ago
Linda – thanks for all the laughs and smiles and all your precious pictures. Thanks for the courage and strength we all saw in you that reminds us we all have it in us. You lived a great Linda kind of life that will remain in our thoughts and hearts.
koredbr about 10 years ago
RIP Linda Dean. You will be fondly remembered.
SallyLin about 10 years ago
I’ve only been coming to GoComics regularly for the last few months, but I quickly recognized Linda as the shining light at its heart. I look forward every day to not only seeing the funnies but all the comments and pictures as well. You folks make my day, and I feel so lucky to have found you. And somehow, though she was my age, Linda felt like the mother of us all. I believe she will always remain the heart of us.
Dry and Dusty Premium Member about 10 years ago
Looks like a lot of us ladies are the same age give or take a year or two. I suspect many of the fellows are as well.
jessegooddoggy about 10 years ago
Thank you for this lovely tribute page and Linda’s obituary. How I would have loved to know this special, tireless loving lady – and how lucky were all those who came into contact with her, including all those sweet rescues!
SusanSunshine Premium Member about 10 years ago
Dry…. actually, it’s about a 25-30 year span, I’d say… Most of us born 1934-ish to 1962-ish…with the greatest concentration being baby boomers, 1945 on….plus a few outside of that, especially the younger ones, like #’s 6 and especially 3.
All I know for a fact is that Linda was far too young to leave us.
Anyway,I meant to say that I did the picture with Fenton back when Linda was using Flo, as you pointed out, for her avatar.
Jazz Cat about 10 years ago
Although I didn’t know Linda as well as most of you, I know Linda is in a better place. She will be missed. Linda’s family and Ruth, you will be in my prayers. >^..^<
Dry and Dusty Premium Member about 10 years ago
GOODNIGHT:
Fan o’ Lio. about 10 years ago
In my lifetime I have lost my parents, my wife, my brother, my best friend, many other friends including Gocomics friends, such as Linda Dean and others, but this is the disadvantage of living as long as I have, 86 years. The one ultimate loss I hope I never live to see is that of a child.
StelBel about 10 years ago
Snoopy_Fan about 10 years ago
WOW! Wonderful comments, all of you! I did not know Linda as well as some of you but I enjoyed her comments often. Obviously, she was a very special person who meant a lot to the readers here at GoComics. God bless you all for your compassionate hearts. All of you, especially Ruth and Bev, are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
And, Bev… Thank you so much for posting the obit, information, and the pics that I know Linda would love! Peace and Comfort to all of you.
Snoopy_Fan about 10 years ago
BTW, Bev… “Home Where I Belong” was a favorite song of mine when it was first released in the 1970s. Very appropriate for this tribute to Linda. Thanks again!
StelBel about 10 years ago
(Graham Harrop’s strip in memory of Linda Dean. Posted on GoComics and on this tribute page on July 20, 2014)
Linda Solomon almost 10 years ago
I have intended to come back here and post many times. However, ever time I do, I start reading the posts and just lose it. God Bless You all. There is much to share, but I find myself incapable of doing so. Time heals, and maybe more time will allow me to come back and tell you all about her passing and her memorial as well as a bit more of her life. And Lord there was such a life in her! While she loved and lost a few people, more people loved and lost her. I know that no one is chicking back here at this late date, so maybe that will let me talk about it all finally and post her obituary etc. However, right now, I still cant bring myself to do so. I do know now why she loved you all. You are some awesome, amazingly caring folks and I thank God that she found you and steered me in this direction. But dang it, she got me hooked too! Shame on you Linda Dean!
Linda Solomon almost 10 years ago
I wonder if you know how many times I have had to clean my glasses from all the tears that these posts have caused? She would have loved these tributes as much as she loved all of you. Andy Cappers were some of her favorite folks and I simply cant go there to post or to talk, because I just melt thinking about it. Number 6 and 3, Bev, Affi, Gweedo, Eldo, PColli, Fanolio, you rocked her at Andy Capp, and she loved posting things she thought would tickle your funny bones, or make you think. She thought Ballard street was the epitome of coolness and absurdity so of course it fit into her sense of humor like a hand in a glove. StelBel tickled her funny bone, Monkey and the Veteran were a hoot, and Susan was special because she gave Linda Fenton, who Linda fell in love with. If he had been a man, we would have heard wedding bells! Fenton was a dog she loved to the point that she broke up laughing telling me that she had finally reached the point of cybering with someone and that someone was a boxer with a heart of gold. That dog didnt just serve her drinks, he served her his heart and she protected it and him as best she could. The Ten Cats crew she considered her own family and the strip her home. She adored cats and dogs and basically most critters, and swore that heaven would be full of all of them plus the ones that she would be afraid of here, she would get to love on in heaven. Tigers, and Lions, and Bears, Oh My! -lol – I am sitting here typing this with tears streaming, but even though its late to be answering any of you, I want and need you to know that she would have loved it, even as she love you all. I will get to her obit and her memorial in Texas as soon as I am able, but I have to tell you that her Texas family and friends also tear my heart to pieces. My God, I didnt know my best friend had so many who loved her, seemingly as much as I did. Her finest memorial in her mind I am sure is that of a cat rescue organization called the Caboodle Ranch. Housing only cats who will never be adopted, but simply loved and cared for, she donated quite a bit of money to it, and would have moved there and given her time as well, but her MS stopped that desire and it was truly a strong desire. She would have done anything for any creature that needed help, and that included people, not just critters. Thank you for loving my friend. I will come back to this in a bit. Maybe after the holidays. They are going to be hard to get through without her, but I have to, and I have to help her son and daughter in love get through thier first Christmas without her and without their son that they lost to Tay Sachs. (Linda considered her to be her real daughter, not just an in law) I miss my friend but you all have helped me a great deal and your caring feels like a blessing, so thank you so much for that. Losing a loved one sucks does it not?
SusanSunshine Premium Member over 9 years ago
It was pointed out on today’s Ballard Street that Graham Harrop has apparently removed the words “Goodbye Linda” from her tribute strip….
probably to make it more general, and more useful to future readers.
I don’t blame him… cartooning is his job, and his strips need to have universal appeal.
Thanks, JP Steve, for the alert.
I’d saved the strip, with its inscription, so I’m happy to be able to post it here.
(Click to view it larger in a separate window.)
BaconBoyCamper over 7 years ago
Me too, Susan
http://i.imgur.com/WkA5qKT.jpg
Gweedo -it's legal here- Murray about 2 years ago
Falling behind on some of my comics I missed the Jul. 12 tribute but am going through Comments now when I picked it up. Yup. I/We miss our dear old “Granny”. :-)