Patrick Swayze

"Patrick Swayze passed away peacefully today with family at his side after facing the challenges of his illness for the last 20 months."  

"Patrick was a rare and beautiful combination of raw masculinity and amazing grace. ... He was a real cowboy with a tender heart. He was fearless and insisted on always doing his own stunts, so it was not surprising to me that the war he waged on his cancer was so courageous and dignified," Michelle Grey said in a statement Monday."

Patrick Wayne Swayze was born on August 18, 1952, in Houston, Texas. His father was an engineering draftsman; his mother was a ballet dancer and later the director of the Houston Ballet Dance Company.She led her son into the dancing world, which wasn't always easy for a Texas male. Indeed, the young Swayze played football, practiced martial arts and was an accomplished diver and track star while growing up, though he was good enough at dance to earn a college scholarship.  CNN.com

Such an amazing actor and individual... His life and death touched me! I remember watching "Dirty Dancing" as a young teen and just "falling in love!" It will remain one of my ALL TIME FAVS!! Love his other films, too.. esp. Ghost! A true talent, that's hard to match! Such style and grace and a free spirt... 
It's a shame to see him go... I know it was a great struggle for him since he was diagnosed... When I saw the interview on BW, it had me in tears... (My mom died of breast metatasized liver cancer).. His positive attitude and fighting spirit were truly an inspiration to others... 

 

It's so hard to watch someone who is dying and there is nothing you can do.... My heart goes out to his lovely wife and family... friends and fans, too... RIP Patrick! You will be remembered in the hearts and memories of millions.... Hope you had the time of your life!! 

** All photos taken from internet.