Tom Tomorrow highlights this Trib column on Bill Mauldin, the greatest editorial cartoonist in the history of the form. Mauldin’s old, disabled, and seriously alone in a nursing home in Orange County, California. The Trib story offers points of contact for well-wishers. WWII vets particularly are encouraged to drop a line.
Plus, this is probably the only time you’ll read a plug for the OC Register on Tomorrow’s website ;).
Seriously, think about sending the guy a card – we did it for Sparky, and his brilliant gentleness was what moved us to gratitude. Mauldin helped people deal with a big, ugly world of hell and blood fifty years ago – it’s worth a thank you card.
Here’s how. Send a card or letter to:
Bil Mauldin
c/o Gordon Dillow
Orange County Register
625 N. Grand Ave.
Santa Ana, CA 92701
UPDATE
Bill Mauldin died on January 22, 2003 of complications from Alzheimer’s. This site, and specifically this entry, has become a clearinghouse for both messages to the cartoonist prior to his death and condolences thereafter.
Several correspondents asked me to put them in touch with the Mauldin family in order to arrange for flowers or memorial contributions.
His grandson, Bruce Mauldin, has asked me to post the following information. I’ll add it here and in the comments on the original entry as well as emailing the people who commented originally.
Here’s Bruce’s information concerning services, donations, and so forth.
Mike:
Thank you for allowing my grandfather’s “friends” to accidentally post their thoughts on your web page. It really does mean a lot to see them.
I have actually received several emails since posting to your site. Interestingly enough, my father Bruce [Sr.] (Bill’s son) was a Colonel in the Army, and his Executive Officer from his assignment in Savannah, GA from 1976-1979 contacted me (I was just 13, but do remember him well). It really is a small world!
To answer your question, flower arrangements can be sent directly to Arlington Cemetery. The information is as follows:
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington, Virginia
Wednesday, January 29th
Bill Mauldin Funeral at 2 PMIf anyone wants to contribute monetarily, it would have meant a lot to Bill (and Charles Schulz, god bless them both) if donations could be made to the Bill Mauldin Wing at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, VA. The address is as follows, as well as their website:
National D-Day Memorial Foundation
202 East Main Street
Bedford, VA 24523
http://www.dday.org/Please make sure that the donations are earmarked specifically for the Bill Mauldin Wing, and not the general construction fund.
Again, Mike, thank you for keeping your site up, and making it available. I’m sure your bandwidth is being stretched to it’s limits!
Take care, and best regards!
Bruce P. Mauldin, II
