Tributes to Bonanza and its  Stars

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                                     MICHAEL LANDON
                      b. October 31st 1936 d. July 1st 1991


Another year has passed us by, I cant believe its so.
Another year without you here; we miss you lots, you know
We loved to watch you on the screen, laughing with your pal Johnny*
Or making terrific TV shows, which were sometimes sad, and sometimes funny.

That amazing giggle of yours, always made me laugh.
And I loved to catch a glimpse of you, soaking in the bath.
You were perfect to me; from the top of your head to the very tips of your toes.
I loved your ears, your eyes, your butt, and even the end of your nose!

And yet I know you said you werent perfect, but then, nobody is.
There were sides to your character you didnt like, you sometimes got in a tizz.
But that just made you human, and even more special to me.
And I loved the way you succeeded, despite a lot of adversity.

Love and miss you, Mike
Little Joe forever
Lynne
July 1st 2010
*Johnny Carson

                   

PERNELL ROBERTS b. MAY 18TH 1928 d. JAN.24TH 2010

I cannot believe that I can no longer send
A birthday greeting to this particular `friend.
Okay, friend is maybe not quite what Pernell was to me,
But when someones been part of your life for fifty years, it feels that way,
you must agree.

He was great to look at and had a nice singing voice, its true.
And even though I loved his little brother, best, I could admire his qualities,
too.
I know that he had every right to choose to leave,
But I was one of the many, who felt it was an occasion to grieve

However, now we have a more genuine reason to be sad,
For Pernell has left the stage called life, hes given us all he had.
And I can only cope with that, if I think of him in Heaven above,
With Lorne, Dan, Mike and Victor, the family who gave him love.

For Pernell
We love and miss you

Little Joe forever
Lynne
May 18th 2010

                            

13th May, 2010

Dear Dan,

Memories of you call from across the skies...
Of laughter, tears and admiration.
If only we had met.
The sound of your voice,
The twinkling of your blue eyes.
What a special day that would have been!
I can but guess at my exultation.

The passing of years has not dimmed my feelings of respect and love.
Ride the clouds for me, my special friend,
Until I can join you on the celestial plane.
A shower of stars I wish you.
Catch them and think of me.

My Mom is 95 today. If only you could have lived that long.....

Love Wendy

        

Today is such a sad day, true.
And times like this just make me blue.
The world lost a great man, the day you died.
And Im pretty sure, a lot of us cried.

But I bet you wouldnt want the tears,
Youd really rather hear some cheers,
As Joe led Hoss into another plan,
Which often left Hoss, covered in flan!

For all their tricks, they loved one another.
And Dan knew that Mike saw him as a brother.
Poor Lorne was often the butt of their jokes.
But he laughed it off; thats why we love these folks.

Tribute to Dan Blocker
born Dec 10th 1928
died May 13th 1972

Little Joe forever
Lynne

              

                         HAPPY BIRTHDAY LORNE
Born February 12th 1915, died September 11th 1987

Another year has passed us by, and now its that time again.
To wish a happy birthday to Lorne, better known as Ben.
Oh boy, I wished hed been my Pa, and Id had some of his love.
But now there is no chance of that, as hes in heaven above.

However, I know that wherever he is, hell be looking out for his boys.
Because thats what he loved to do, ever since they played with their toys.
And now he has all three of them, once more, there, under his wing.
And as his birthday starts, today, I bet hell hear them sing.

Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you.
Happy Birthday, dear Pa, happy birthday to you.
Today, on your birthday, we want to wish you all the best
And let you know that youre the greatest Pa, better than all the rest.

With love to you, Lorne, and sincere thanks for breathing life into Ben
Cartwright
Little Joe forever
Lynne
February 12th 2010.

          

         Lorne Greene

Lorne Greene born february 12Th 1915,
happy birthday to you dear Lorne,
a father to many although really a few
theirs your Linda and Charles then little Gillian..
you loved them all and treasured the time you had
with them so.
on bonanza a dad to three Adam,hoss and that little Joe
who even off screen you gave advices only a father could
a strong man and you loved them as well
you were a very special man who taught us a lots
respect,love and fairness and understanding
our fellow man...
a radio star ,movies and TV you were a star in so many
sadly on Sept 11Th 1987 we lost you dear Lorne gone to
be with our father above..
so today we hope the sun shines for you and a party above
is waiting for you..
happy birthday to you...

Val

                
                     

                               A letter to Dan.............

Dear Dan,

As I enjoy a meal with my friends Ill be thinking of you, wishing you
could join us on your special day.  This year has flown and, as I raise my glass
of fruit juice in your honour, I think of all the hours I wish I could have
watched you on TV :)

My feelings for you have not diminished over the many years.  Youre still my
mentor and I love you.

God bless you and keep you safe.  Hopefully one day well meet and I can give
you a birthday kiss and hug :)

Sincerely,
Wendy

                    

A DRABBLE FOR MOTHERING SUNDAY
The three boys, usually so noisy and full of fun, stood silently, in a row
Eldest to youngest, although Hoss, at 16, was already taller than his big
brother
They had come to pay respect to their mothers; Little Joes, buried in the earth
beneath them, Adams back in Boston, alongside her mother, and Hoss, in Ash
Hollow, on the trail out west.
Each had known a mothers love, although not always their own, and each had at
least one to mourn.
But Ben, alone, mourned them all, whilst thanking them for the gift they each
left him; a son.

I know that Mothering Sunday didnt exist in the time of the Cartwrights, but
this is my drabble to mark it, if it had.
Little Joe forever
Lynne March 14th 2010

           

 Lynne

Found myself with a bit of spare time, so decided to write
something to mark Valentines Day. Not that it means anything to
 me, with no partner to share it, its a bit of a non event, but
I like the idea of the Cartwrights enjoying the day
(well, hoping to, but it might not work out that way, not if Joe has
anything to do with it LOL)

Valentines Day Revenge

It was nine thirty on Valentines Day evening and
Joe had the house to himself.Well, no other Cartwright
was there, but he did have a cute little blonde called 
Lindy-loo to keep him company.
He leaned back, closed his eyes and smiled.`Aw, revenge is
sweet, he thought. Hed set Adam up with
Abigail Jones, Hoss with Miss Victoria Gates*, and
Ben with Clementine Hawkins.
He had reasons to get back at the family and the forged
letters had done the trick.
"Im ready," cooed Lindy-loo from upstairs.
"Im coming," replied Joe.
"JOSEPH!"
It was the voice of doom.

The End (and probably the end of Little Joe LOL)
February 14th 2010
Little Joe forever
Lynne
*One of the spinster ladies from the episode Land Grab

                      

Hi all,
A while ago I dedicated a tree in memory of Pernell...
I have now received the documents.

Lesley

                  

                           A BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE TO DAN


Happy Birthday dear Dan, I hope it will be fun.
Most knew you as Hoss, Ben Cartwrights middle son.
A big man you were, so much larger than life.
Well loved by all, especially your kids, and your wife.

And today will bring them mixed feelings, some happy and some sad,
As they think about their loss, but then laugh about their Dad.
A man, whom they knew, liked to live life to the full.
Who always remembered his roots, and didnt take no `bull.

And on this special day for you, I wanted to let you know.
That your fans will never forget you; we all still love you so.
You made us laugh, you made us cry; no task was too big for you.
And up there in Heaven, as you celebrate, please dont turn the air blue!

Happy Birthday Dan
December 10th 2009


Little Joe forever
Lynne

                           

                        BIRTHDAY GREETINGS  
                                               FOR MIKE
                                   born October 31st 1936

Another year has flown by, again; I cant believe its so. And its time to send you birthday greetings, cos I want to let you know. Ive loved you nearly all my life, for fifty years, you see. And thats one heck of a long time, on that you must agree. Not that its been a hard thing to do; in fact its a whole lot of fun. Watching you on the TV screen, as you work and you play, in the sun. Coping with the bad times, relishing the good. Loving your Pa and brothers, and teasing ole Hoss, about food. And now that youre up there in heaven, Im sure that the fun doesnt stop. Youre still happy on the ranch, with Hop Sing, Hoss, and your Pop. And on this special day, you ride off on Buck, Cochise and Chubb. And get to Virginia City in time, for a beer and a snack, in the pub LOL (well, saloon to you, but it doesnt rhyme with Chubb) Happy Birthday Mike Love you forever Lynne October 31st 2009                             Dear Michael You left a legacy of love and brought me friends who I hold dear. So upon your special day, I want to thank you and hope the thousands of good wishes reach you, because you mean so much to so many people. God bless you, Dan and Lorne who I hope are celebrating with you today.                                              Wendy October 31st 2009                                                             Michael Landon remembered                                                       By Val  Michael Landon,, A name we all know maybe as pa or little Joe or the angel from up high. for myself on main its little Joe the fun loving boy who we watched grow. from a teen to a lad from boy to man . who help his brothers and pa on the great ponderosa land.. every week we settled near our TV to watch them fight and protect the land ,and if he was hurt,, would he pull through, my dad bless his heart would say cause he will.. but Michael was real and unlike the show when he became ill no magic to show. no doc martin to make him well.. o he fought tooth and nail and didnt want to go.but god decided he wanted him their so Michael said his final farewell..to his loved ones and family and fans alike remember me with laughter not tears he said.. today would have been his birthday and on his cake 73 candles would Adorn his cake and all his family would help him to celebrate.. so today lets all think of Michael and the memories we hold what ever the show bonanza,little house or highway to heaven one thing we each loved him so.. so Michael and with a smile in my heart ,I wish you a happy birthday and sorry you had to go...   October 31st 2009

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TRIBUTE AT THE AUTRY MUSEUM, LOS ANGELES

David Dortort.

After all the excitement at the convention, those of us who were lucky enough to still be in the vicinity were able to attend yet another tribute to BONANZA and, more to the point, to the wonderful man who created the were first up to tell us how happy they were to have the archive under their roof and how it would soon be on display in a new section of the museum that was going to be dedicated to the TV Western.

Then we heard from Andy Klyde, lawyer for Bonanza Ventures, about the release of the first season of BONANZA, to coincide with the 50th anniversary.

We were also treated to some wonderful stories, about things that happened on the set, courtesy of Mitch Vogel (Jamie Cartwright) and Kent McCray (who worked on Bonanza, Little House and Highway to Heaven) and, along with his wife, Susan, were close friends, as well as work colleagues, to Michael Landon.

We heard about how the death of Dan Blocker, who died after they had finished filming season 13, was a bitter blow to Mike and Lorne, who both regarded him as a member of their family. And when they came to film a scene in Forever, in which they were required to cry over the death of another character, it was Dan they were crying for.

And we also heard some fun stories about how poor Mitch, who was only a boy at the time, had to try and deliver his lines, when sat at the dining table in the Ponderosa ranch house, with Dan and Mike conducting a food fight over his head.

And everyone who spoke also had some great things to say about Mr Dortort, how he was generous to unknown actors, the way he fought to get them accepted by the studio, and the way he persevered, and was proved right, in having so much faith in the show.

To be in the same room as my hero and to hear him being honoured in this way was certainly a magical moment for me, and one I will cherish forever.

Little Joe forever
Lynne Coulson (UK)

                                                             Photos taken by Lynne at the museum

BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE TO LORNE GREENE

Happy Birthday to Pa
Thats who we think you are.
A father to all, who saw you on the screen.
Your love for your sons shone through,
You knew how to turn grey skies to blue
By just a hug and a few words, in a scene.

But we know it was only what we fans wanted to see
And reality isnt quite the way wed hoped it would be.
But, maybe, at least for a little while,
We could hope that our lives could be that good.
And all our problems could be solved, the way they should.
By going home, for a hug, a brandy, and a smile.

Happy Birthday Lorne
Enjoy your special day with Dan, Victor and Mike
And thank you for the memories and the friends

Little Joe forever
Lynne
February 12th 2008

BIRTHDAY TRIBUTES TO DAN 
December 10th 2007 would have been the 79th birthday of Dan
Blocker

A letter for the 10th December 2007.......

Dear Dan

We forget teenage crushes, but my feelings for you have never waned. Thank you
for Hoss, and for the other characters you portrayed so well. Youve been a
special part of my life for many years and, on your birthday, I wish I could
tell you in person how much you mean to me.

Tomorrow night Ill be thinking of you and your family as I laugh with friends.
Its a pity you cant join us as its fancy dress. You could be the Sheikh!
With love,
Wendy

Tribute by BV

The time of year has come again when people like me remember December the tenth
Happy Birthday doesnt cut it And remembering that seventy nine years ago, Ora
and Mary Blocker became the proud parents of one Bobby Dan Blocker doesnt add
up to a hill of beans

What does matter is that there is a woman who loved D for more than twenty years
and that there are sons, daughters and grand children who can claim D as there
own
My wish for them is that they all have a happy and healthy new year and that
they are blessed
Although it is only I wish, I do wish that D could have stayed with us

For what its worth, Ill remember to keep my family first and to invest
something, if only time in the future
In my heart, D will always have a place, in memory, D will always be strong and
alive

Tomorrow I will count my blessings and
look forward to be with family and friends

Thank you, D for being a special part of my life

BV

BIRTHDAY TRIBUTES TO MICHAEL LANDON
b.October 31st 1936 d. July 1st 1991

Today would have been Michael Landons 71st birthday. Fond birthday memories of
him and the pleasure he gave us in his role as the baby of the Cartwright
family, Little Joe.

Remember him with love and laughter.

Kate Pitts

Life rushes by.......
It seems like only yesterday
You first rode across our screens,
With an endearing smile and infectious chuckle
That set our hearts aflutter :)

Oh, I may have loved another
But still could appreciate your boyish ways.
You brought so much joy and happiness
With an easy, forthright charm.
A rare talent sadly plucked from us too soon.

I hope, I feel, on this your special day,
Youre close to friends who love you, never far away.
So, keep smiling and laughing
With those who love you dear
And remember, your time on earth was special,
The warmth and love still lingers
In this humble little prayer.

Wendy Drinkwater

We are at that time of the year, again, when we remember Mikes
birthday, and wish he was still here to celebrate it.
But he isnt, and our thoughts and prayers turn to those whom he loved
and left behind, his lovely wife and all his wonderful children and
grandchildren.


BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL LANDON
b.October 31st 1936 d. July 1st 1991
By Lynne Coulson

Happy Birthday dear Michael, I look up into the sky
And I can see your star is winking, as you were that kind of a guy.
You loved to have a laugh; you loved to tell a joke.
Your pranks on set were legendary; you were just that sort of bloke.

And yet you had a childhood that can only be described as tough.
Your parents didnt get along; at times things were pretty rough.
For the sensitive boy that we know you were, it hurt to see them fight.
And so you escaped, in your mind, at least, to a place of love and light.

And, finally, you found that place, albeit on a TV screen.
With Pa, and Adam and Hoss, you had a family, the best theres ever been.
And while on that show, the boy grew up, and you began to learn a trade
How to write, direct and produce the shows, the kind you wanted made

So, as much as I mourned your passing, today I will only smile
And raise a glass, to Mike, the man, who went that extra mile
To make the kind of shows that all the family could embrace
And while doing so, it meant I could also gaze on your lovely face.

Happy Birthday Mike
Have fun with Lorne, Dan and Victor, at your Ponderosa in Heaven
Little Joe forever
Lynne
October 31st 2007

Remembering Michael
By Val David

Today your birthday ,our special friend
a day we remember the joy you brought .
from little Joe to Jonathan we watched you mature
bringing us wonderful new shows .
sadly then along came something you couldnt fight and you were gone from us but
you live on in your films and tv shows ,
to some of us you will always be little Joe and we watch you ride across our
screen ,
its hard to believe you are no longer here..
so Michael we will always remember you with love and smiles and thank you for the
happiness you brought us ..
god bless you and I hope you can see
yes we do love you and smile as we remember thee.

 Tribute to Rose Dortort on behalf of Bonanzabrits

 I was never fortunate enough to meet Rose Dortort in person, but a to  Roses a member of several of the Bonanza lists, on the internt, I heard, time and again, about this lovely lady and her wonderful sense of humour. It made my heart glad to hear about her happy life with Mr Dortort and I know how important family was to them both, something which was reflected in Bonanza, my favourite of Mr Dortort’s shows.

Not only was Rose, Mr Dortort’s wife, and a loving mother to their children, but she was also a really good judge when it came to choosing actors. She is reported as having said to her husband that Michael Landon had the face of an angel. I will always be grateful to her for saying that, as he got the part on Bonanza, and ever since the day, when, as a six year old, I first saw the show, I have been in love with Little Joe.

On behalf of all the members of the Bonanzabrits list, I wish to extend my heartfelt sympathy to Mr Dortort, their children, the family, and their friends, who will all be missing her, terribly. However, in time, I hope they will also be able to remember her with smiles and laughter, as I am sure that is what she would want.