Vale Michael Leunig

I was trying to think of something to write tonight. 

Would I write about the fact that I have nearly completely checked out of work for the year? No. I have one more day, and one of my managers regularly reads this blog. Not that I've actually checked out, but I think most of us are at the stage where something comes up and it's not automatically a "January Problem." So yeah. Meter Testing Protocols. January Problem? Pre-paid electricity vouchers? January problem. Confluence repository structure for various parts of the business. Umm, better get that out of the way. 

Then I thought about writing about the book I'm listening to. Philip Pullman, where have you been all my life? I'm listening to the second book of the His Dark Materials trilogy and he's incredible. I still don't get how these buttoned up, repressed Oxbridge types can have access to such imagination and emotion. Think about CS Lewis... or TS Eliot...or.... the list goes on. 

The I hear the news that hit me with a thump. 

Michael Leunig has passed away, aged 79. 

Michael Leunig, the much maligned, rather controversial, always poking the bear cartoonist who's work adorned The Age for years. He is no more. Mind you, he's been in semi-retirement for years. 

Leunig's calendar, which came with The Age every year for decades, used to adorn my kitchen wall. 

Leunig, who used to make you think, and feel, with his witty and pithy observations. Sometimes they got a bit close to the mark. 

He was a left of centre thinker. I wasn't afraid to court controversy, and make you smile while he was doing it. 

And he'd go to places other were afraid to, which much success. 

I liked that saw the world a little differently. I could relate to his cartoons. 

He was a poet at heart. 

And he was never afraid to get political. 

And I've admired him for the 25 years I've lived in Melbourne. Love him or loathe him, as he was always polarising, it was great to see this man stir for such a long time. 

Vale Mr Leunig. May you, and Mr Curly and the ducks rest in peace.

Today's song: