As the year 2016 progressed, it seemed we were continually punched in the gut with news of yet another beloved (and occasionally not so beloved) person passing away. Some lived long fulfilling lives; others were taken way too soon, sometimes in their prime. This list is by no means all-inclusive, and some may argue I've left off someone important, but that is of course subjective. This is my personal list of people that were larger than life in my world (mostly good, but a few bad apples as well). Your results may vary - feel free to add your own in the comments.

In chronological order:

• David Bowie
• Alan Rickman
• Glen Frey
• Abe Vigoda
• Paul Kantner
• Maurice White
• Antonin Scalia
• Harper Lee
• Pat Conroy
• Nancy Reagan
• George Martin
• Garry Shandling
• Patty Duke
• Merle Haggard
• Doris Roberts
• Prince
• Billy Paul
• Morley Safer
• Muhammed Ali
• Elie Wiesel
• Michael Cimino
• Fyvush Finkel
• John McLaughlin
• Toots Thielemans
• Gene Wilder
• Phyllis Schlafly
• Lady Chablis
• Stanley “Buckwheat” Dural Jr.
• Janet Reno
• Leonard Cohen
• The American Dream (election day)
• Robert Vaughn
• Leon Russell
• Gwen Ifill
• Florence Henderson
• Fidel Castro
• John Glenn
• Alan Thicke
• Zsa Zsa Gabor
• George Michael
• Carrie Fisher

We look forward to 2017 with some trepidation. No one knows for sure what the future will bring, but after Jan 20th, things will be very different indeed, and likely not for the better. Here's hoping our list is shorter at the end of next year.