Dear all,

I personally think that the best thing anyone can say about George Carlin is that he makes them think. He wants you to think about your life, love, religion and especially society/government and their rules. I think its a common thread in all his work.

We will miss you George

-From a guy halfway around the world

Bravo to you for your spirit, love of morning stillness, and joy. I lost my Mom four months ago, and I miss her voice, her courage, her wisdom, her love of nature, her positive spirit, her encouragement, and her enthusiasm whenever I called her. As a struggling writer/comedienne, I met your dad once, at the 25th anniversary of the Improv. He winked at me, and in an instant i felt a surge of optimism and sincerity. Because I have an odd linguistic talent (I talk backwards), and incorporate lots of word stuff into my act, I felt some kinship with his incredible use of language. As the daughter of two amazingly gifted and sharing parents (dad was a jazz pianist, painter, cryptographer, astronomer and court stenographer; mom played mandolin and adored the ocean), I am blessed but feel the loss so deeply. I wanted to share my limerick as an ode to your father:

’Twas sorta like fishin’ for Marlin;

Or cavortin’ around with your darlin’ –

Endearing, atomic,

And searing, this comic:

To hear master craftsman George Carlin!

Love, Randee Mia
randeemia@aol.com

Dear Kelly - I've watched your Dad ever since the Hippie Dippie mailman days, and from then on wanted to be a comedienne. I am heartbroken for you and all of us, and in light of having lost my mom just months ago, i understand the simultaneous void and blessing... mia

Hi.. Nice going! I now realise that your little website here has become a virtual repository to mourn You dad, George Carlin. I was compelled to write that you must have had an interesting childhood having been raised by this man.

In fact, you might be interested to know that a lot of people have been raised to some extent by your Dad. He was like having a querky man, an affluent uncle if you will, that would never know you.. but always knew what to, and what not to say but said it anyways.

We always knew that Uncle George would die someday.. but we would put it out of our minds.. like a guy this idiosyncratically bound to the universe could not possible die.

But he did.. and thankfully you are still here. Best Wishes, Cousin Kelly!

I would also like to extend my condolences. Even though your father probably didn't think much of me (I am a practicing Catholic) and I'm sure my religion was mocked at his service, I wish you and your family the best.

Kelly...Your dad will live on forever !!! You are an amazing women !!!

Hi Kelly,

I am one of so many people who will miss your Dad and especially the qualities and light he so generously brought to our world. I will attempt to send you a more personal note on Electric Coaching re- some information you may find relevant re- your Dad. Warmly, Ben - Boston, Mass.

My wife (Paulette) and I (Chuck) are so saddened by your loss of your father. We'll miss the joy he brought to our lives. At a time like this no words seem enough to help you through this. Our thoughts and prayers for you your husband and puppies.
Charles E. Kirkley Bloomfield, Indiana

Your Dad was the best and brightest observer of the human condition since Mark Twain. How I will miss his (on-the-money) pot shots taken at such an absurd and hypocritical species as we all are. I suppose that someone as bright and sensitive as he was, would have had a great deal of trouble just being alive, let alone being a parent! Thank you so much for surviving the family life, and for allowing us to write to you of our own grief and sense of loss at his death. He said the things I thought myself, and there will never be another like him. Bless you, Kelly.

Ms. Carlin-McCall,

Thank you so much for sharing a bit about yourself and your journey with us, and offering people a space to connect with you. Your intelligent sensitivity reflects whose daughter you are and I am sure that stems from *both* your parents.

I remember listening to "Class Clown" with my own father when I was 11 years old and how my father regarded your father's insight and delivery. I had never laughed in that way before and I listened until I had the album memorized. I saw your father the last time he toured in Raleigh, NC - a mini-oddessy for me: went alone and imagined I was sitting with my own dad (then dead too) my guess is he was there through the power of my own memory and DNA, and therein lay the magic of keeping that connection.

I share this with respect and humility. I see you have thought much about what this life is already.

Namaste'.

Warmly,

Joy Cagle-Harper
Durham, NC

Clarification: My dad regarded the work in "Class Clown" *highly*.

JCH

Clarification of above post: my dad regarded the work on Class Clown highly.

JCH

It was long long ago and I was a little kid living on 122nd St. in New York. It was a big Irish neighborhood then and we all went to Corpus Christi Church and school. Everybody knew everybody else and our parents never worried about us because it was one for all and all for one. Actually, your father is semi related, having been a cousin of my uncle. Haha, my Uncle John used to call him "my cousin with the mouth".
I hope your spirit is healing, Kelly.

Dear Kelly,

I just read this, laughed out loud (the Alzheimer's remarks), but got misty-eyed:
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/P/PEOPLE_GEORGE_CARLIN?SITE=1010WIN...
George Carlin was a dear & funny "friend" to so many of us. I hope that you & Patrick will keep your father "alive" through whatever means is comfortable for you. I feel certain that all will be respectful of the memory of a unique man. We miss him. It's a wonderful thing, though, to be able to watch a dvd or bring his books out to enjoy again & again.

Kelly

I had a 2 hour drive to a wedding this weekend with my 15 year old son. For the trip I went out got 3 of your Dad's cd's, I got to know a side of my son I have never knew before. The little shit has just a warped sense of humor as his old man.

Listening to "Modern Man" I almost had to pull over because we were both about to piss our pants laughing. Genius pure genius, Gotta share this, at wedding there was one very fat bridesmaid, I mean HUGE, my son is into physics and science, so taking photos the photographer lined people up, right before picture Justin said " You may want to adjust the lens because large objects gravity tend to bend light and you may need to compensate. COMPLETELY over the heads of people, the cameraman got it, thought he would drop the camera, subtle but like a smart bomb to the point. George is gone but the wit lives on.

Warmest regards

JT

Kelly your father always had us in stiches too but of course in the frontal lobe I was thinking, wow that stuff makes a lot of sense! I think some know "things" before departing the earth. I truly believe or at least got a sense that your father did. This tribe is most grateful for his generous gifts and will pass them on. We hold you close to our hearts and thoughts through this deep time in life.
Much Peace to you Kelly
The Moonlight Tribe
Colorado

I was thinking the other day:
I was born in 1964 and discovered George in fifth grade through the albums.
Growing up as an only child, I really had an extra parent in George.
He was an extra parent to many of us, giving us wisdom and smiles.

You have a lot of brothers and sisters.

Ed Jollimore
Trenton NJ

Kelly Carlin McCall,

I have three children and when they were entering their teens, I made it a "point" for them to be exposed to George Carlin beginning with "STUFF", just for starters. They are now, each, close to thirty and ardent fans.

I have always tried to stress "thinking outside the box" with my family and I always believed that George Carlin"s "mind" was unparalleled in the 20th Century. He spoke the truth with a passion, clarity and sense of reality that no one else had and in a style that no one else did. No one came closer to the the truth than George Carlin. His outrage was clearly an indication of his gentleness and his capacity for love. Whenever he spoke, I stopped whatever I was doing and listened. I never saw him so much as a comic as I did the only real modern day philosopher.

While I know that you must feel a tremendous sense of loss, know that your life and that of so many others, is the richer because of his existence. I am now 67, and in my heart, soul and mind, feel that be he still is and will continue to be the very BEST of the best.

Having been unaware that you are a published author, I look forward to reading your work.

My very best to you,
Sandra in Los Angeles

In the late 1970’s, my husband and I, then a married stand-up comedy team, moved to Los Angeles with our 4-year-old daughter. It wasn’t long after that, though the year escapes me, that we got an audition for a George Carlin movie. We were to improvise on a concept that George had for a sketch… a couple checking in for a flight and deciding whether to get seats in the “fucking” or ‘Non’fucking” section of the plane. The shock…. when we walked into the audition, there he was, George Carlin, our comedy hero. I want to say that he was larger than life, but he was so real, so down to earth, that he made it clear he was just George Carlin, another guy. He loved the work we brought in… he got everything we intended. That had never happened to us in an audition. And that was the beginning of many more encounters with George in our early years, who encouraged us in our craft, shared experiences of his own as part of a comedy team with Jack Burns, introduced us to his wife Brenda… so we could see them as a couple who loved each other and worked together on projects. We also connected as parents of a daughter and speculated what it must be like for our daughters to have parents in comedy. Truth: we were sort of “in comedy”… George was IN COMEDY, but he never made the distinction between our work and his even then giant body of work. We were all in the same community.

When as young comedians, we and many of our peers went on strike at the Comedy Store and formed The American Federation of Comedians in an effort to get paid for our craft, it was George Carlin who contacted our group to support the cause both morally and financially. When Steve and I, in one of our hair-brained schemes, hosted a live talk show in a nightclub and called celebrities to come be our guest and be interviewed, it was George Carlin who not only agreed to be on our show, but suggested we use his name to advertise it in an effort to get some butts in some seats.

And even though he made us feel special, there are a million Carlin stories like that. Comedians, writers, talent coordinators, producers all over the place who some time in their career got a call from Carlin that said “I like your stuff” or “you made me laugh” or “you did good, babe.” He made us feel special because he was special.

George had it all… brilliance as a comic and word-smith, the ability to evolve as a performer, decade after decade, so that his comedy was not only his voice, but his current voice that reflected his personal growth and changing perspective, creating the ability to reach every age group, to speak truth, but always in a funny way…. All of that. But what is most unique is that though he was always at the top of his game comedically, he was also always at the top of his humanity game… finding the way to relate to each and every person, encouraging young performers, appreciating whatever made HIM laugh, no matter who delivered it. Never competitive, it seemed that George always believed that one and one equaled three, and when you reached out, you created magic.

Though we had not seen each other for four or five years, we will miss knowing he is still on the planet… and wherever he has gone… hopefully reunited with Brenda… like this planet, that place is way better off for having him there. I know you already know this, but it bears mentioning... you have an amazing father.

Barb North
Los Angeles

Seven Words You Can’t Say In Heaven

I’ve spent some time over the last few months channeling your father, and I don’t mean on HBO. The legendary comic still has lots to say.

“Well, looks like I’m dead. It actually takes a while to make death stick. Junk mail keeps coming addressed to ‘resident.’ I haven’t been returning many phone calls. I haven’t used up all my free minutes or my toenail fungus medication. I’ve been lethargic. I’ve gotten a few comments that I’m just not behaving like myself. Maybe I could use a little pick-me-up or a laxative.

Yep, I’m gone. Passed; Expired; Deceased; Gone to pasture. Six feet under; No more; No longer with us; Kicked the bucket. Worm food; Met his Maker- thou I’ve yet to meet anyone actually making anything. Gone to the great beyond; Stiff; Laid out. I’m on permanent out of office reply and I won’t be checking my voicemail, as I won’t be getting back to you. I got promoted to subterranean Truffle Inspector-I’ve cashed in my chips and bought the farm.

My domain name is suspended. My server has crashed. I’ve been bumped for a summer replacement series. Put a fork in me, cause I’m fettuccine al dead-o.

Do I have any regrets? Sure. I regret that I didn’t videotape my passing and post it on YouTube. Bet you it would have gotten a lot of hits. I regret not dying a moment after someone in the room laid a big fart, so he’d think, ‘Hey, I didn’t mean to kill anyone!’ I regret not renting a whole lot of DVDs from Blockbuster and dying the day they were due. They’d keep calling my home for years. ‘Our records show you have not returned Pipi Longstocking.’

But I look on the bright side. It’s always good to die before the autopsy. And now I get to think about things even I never had the time to think about before. Like if all the times I was late and all the times I was early add up to zero. I don’t have to listen to anyone yelling ‘Marco!’ or anyone, for that matter, yelling ‘Polo!’ I don’t have to wait on line while the person ahead of me pays for a dining room set with rolls of pennies.

They say you can’t help getting older. Well, I finally got a handle on that situation. I’m going to stay 71 for a long, long time. And talk about going cold turkey, I’m no longer addicted to a wide variety of substances, including oxygen. I can no longer be bored. And I can no longer die. Most important of all, I can no longer be bored to death. Not to mention all the time I’ll be saving. No more time wasted doing a number one, or a number two. No more number three either, whatever the hell that is. Plus, there’s no more getting ready for my day in the morning, or getting ready for bed at night. All those activities cancelled each other out anyway.

Come to think of it, all the things I did when I got up and all the things I did when I went to bed were getting so overwhelming they were threatening to meet in the middle somewhere around noon. Between breathing in and breathing out, there was just no time left. Not unless I was David Blaine. Now, you could say, I have a lot of time on my hands. Problem is, I don’t have hands.

I know what you’re asking. Are there seven words you can’t say in heaven? As a matter of fact, there are. These are the seven words you can’t say in heaven: Bush, Taxes, Arafat, Hussein, Wolfowitz, Pelosi, and Libby. And Libby doesn’t even belong on the list, man. It’s such a friendly word. Sounds like a nickname. Scooter Libby. Come on--the first name is a pie, the last name is a canned fruit.”

My condolences to you Kelly & your kin
Its not everyday one comes across a personality with such profound wisdom as George Carlin. I've just discovered his material off youtube and if it weren't for the Net I would never have come to experience an amazing personality that can touch the hearts of many. He sure passed thru in style.

Andrew

Hi Kelly you probably don't remember me but i was you hair sylist many many moons ago.
I just wanted to say how sorry i am for the loss of your father i remember meeting him and
how neet i thought he was. I am still a stylist married now for 5 years and have a little girl and one on the way.
Much love to you....... Lea Feigenblatt Mizrahilea@yahoo.com

KELLY MY NAME IS DONALD BONGARZONE (BONGO)YOUR DAD AND I WERE IN THE AIRFORCE TOGEATHER FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS. GEORGE AND I SPENT A LOT OF TIME TOGEATHER. GEORGE BECAME FAMOUS AND I BECAME A COP IN A SMALL TOWN IN THE BOSTON AREA-NOW RETIRED IN NAPLES FL. I KEPT IN TOUCH WITH GEORGE OVER THE YEARS, HE WAS KIND ENOUGH TO SEND AN AUDIO TAPE TO MY RETIREMENT, WHICH I WILL ALWAYS CHERRISH. I MISS GEORGE AS WELL AS MANY THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE DO. GEORGE WAS A CARRYING PERSON, AND IN MY OPINION, HE NEVER FORGOT WHERE HE CAME FROM,WHICH I FEEL IS ONE OF THE GREATEST ATTRIBUTES IN LIFE. I AND MY FAMILY FEEL DEEPLY OF YOUR LOSS.IT IS WONDERFUL THAT HE AND BRENDA HAD YOU TO KEEP HIM OUT THERE.
BONGIAIRPORT@COMCAST.NET

Hello Kelly,
I read your essay "The Day The Sun Exploded".
Your father's "humor"...always had a way of causing me to look more thoroughly at the world around us. (While also providing heart-felt laughter)
As one often knows...living with someone is a completely different reality.

I'm sorry for your loss....however I know your Dad now has answers to the cosmic questions he so often hinted to.

Looking forward to future writings!

Cherie Lester
Genoa Ohio

Hope this finds you on a day when you need to hear it. Thought this should go to family of Mr. Carlin's. George was my friend and neighbor; not literally, but he lived close by in an "Orgy of George" daily calendar. Through his calendar he became a neighbor who I would visit on occasion. On days when I was ready for his unique slant on life, I would turn the page and have a nice visit. His comments, quips, observations and ranting never failed to make me think. I can't say I always agreed with him, saying to him, "Oh George, you need to see more of the beauty of this world and not get so riled up about things" but he would immediately answer with "now that really wouldn't be funny then would it? asshole!" I would laugh, and then have to agree with him. My neighbor George just couldn't enjoy a rainbow with out imagining a dead leprechaun and a missing pot of gold at the end of it. He always saw life from a different angle then most. And that is why he was more then just my cantankerous next-door neighbor, but became a cherished friend who always challenged me to view the world from a different perspective then my own and made me laugh doing it. And I just wanted to say - Thank You George! I will always remember that the glass is not half-full, or is it half-empty, but that the glass is just too damn big! Take care George, and call me some time; I miss you.

Hi Kelly

I will miss your father. He was and is an inspiration. A gracious man whose work provided ballast and buoyancy on this ship.
Still swimming !
Wishing you and yours Peace
David M

LOVED YOUR FATHER...HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE PRESIDENT OF OUR GALAXY...I MISS HIM....

Kelly,

I want to start off by saying your Father literally changed my life. I was blessed to have seen him live yeas ago in Vegas. I'm 36 years old and first heard him when I was a teenager and it changed me in so many ways. I was a rebel and class clown like your dad and when I saw him do standup and more importantly what he was talking about, it made me feel normal and special (in a good way..:)..). I remember thinking somewhere along the lines of Wow, I think a lot like someone so intelligent, successful and famous; I can't be crazy!

I have just spent the last couple hours listening to the new book and it is fascinating; what an interesting life. Eventhough I grew up in a different time, different city, etc. I have even more in common with him than I relaized. I grew up without a dad as well, have a similar relationship with my Mom that he did with his, was raised very similar and Catholic, was mischevious and a rebel as he was, independant thinker, etc, etc.. This might sound weird, but I literally Love your Father! I'm not a pshycotic person I promise (LOL..) and I'm not even into celebrities at all but your dad is the only famous person I felt I had a persoanl connection with because he profoundly impacted my life the way he did. To sum it up, I think it was his beautiful honesty and sincerity no matter how scary it might have seemed. He had the guts to confornt and talk about any topic no matter how tabboo. I think one of his biggest talents/blessings was the power to get someone that might not agree with him to totally understand where he was coming from and quite possibly change their mind.

There is even a part of me that thinks I knew him in a past life. I don't want to weird you out in any way but everytime I have heard or seen him, I felt a strange familiarality. I grew up in Miami but I also have a deep Love for NYC as your father did, to the point that everytime I have visited, I literally feel deep sadness when I leave. I have traveled all over the place and only feel that nostalgia and love, for NYC. I know, it sounds a little weird but it's hard to explain. I could go on forever but I won't bore or freak you out anymore for that matter (LOL..).

You are so blessed to have had a Father like that. I know he wasn't around a lot because of his demanding career but you are very blessed to have had all the moments you did with him. I only wish I could have met him in person to have personally thanked him myself. I did have one encounter with your dad, if you can call it that. When I did see him live in Vegas (approximately 10 years ago), I was in the front row, a little typsy and I dropped my Jack and Coke, it shattered and made a loud sound. I remember feeling so nervous when he came out as if I was meeting my Father for the first time or something and there went the slippage of the hand. Your dad locked eyes with me and I thought he was gonna tear into me as it happened right when he was starting his bit. He gave me a brief semi smile and just continued. I thought it was such a sensitive/nice thing to do. It's like, he told me with his eyes don't worry, I'm not gonna embarrass you, your ok!

I wish you nothing but happiness, peace, growth and a blessed future.

Sincerely,

Leo Rubio

The passing of your father touched many of us. I voted for him twice (write in) for NY Senator. I quote him often in the courses I teach. A terrible loss to all of us.

Its 7:30 am i haven't slept all night. I was watching Georges shows and all i can think of is.. He was a Man that i really respected and he really changed my life. His words was like a cure to me:) I really miss him and, I hope My words mean somethin to you:)
He spoke the truth, He was like a teacher to me. I know it is a bit lite for condelences, but I'm not much of a internet person, only though i'm 23:)
Your husband was a really unique person.
All the best from Poland.
Dawid

I meant your father, not husbant
Sorry for that.
I dont know what to say, only that i'm sorry for your loss.