Robert Ayres - Created "Bonanza" Map`

Robert Ayres designed the map of the Ponderosa Ranch that appeared in the opening credits for "Bonanza which had a 13 year run on NBC starting in 1959. The map was shown for seconds and then burst into flames revealing the "Cartwrights" played by Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, Dan Blocker and Michael Landon. The show followed the lives of Ben Cartwright and his sons on their Ponderosa Ranch in Nevada in the late 1800's.

Illustrators made copies of it to before filming the burning scene. The original map was in the home of the show's creator and producer for 50 years. After David Dotort died in 2010, his family donated the map to the Autry Center of the American West.

Ironically, Mr Ayres visited the Center three days before his death on February 25, 2012. He was 98 and lived in Cherry valley, CA.

He spent his career as an illustrator, landing a gig at MGM where he did illustrations for "Ben Hur" and other movies. He also did drawings for set builders, using their blue prints.

When he saw the map before his death, he remarked that he had not seen it in over 50 years.

Maxwell Keith - Attorney In Manson Case

Maxwell Keith spent his career as a defense attorney in California, but the biggest case of his career was in 1970 when he became the court-appointed defender for two members of the Charles Manson Family.

The murders of actress Sharon Tate and several others by the Manson Family became one of the biggest stories in 1969. He was selected to represent Leslie Van Houton and Charles "Tex" Watson.

Mr Keith attempted to use a defense based on the theory that his clients were brainwashed into following the orders of Manson. All of the defendant were convicted and received life sentences.

Mr Keith, 87, died on March 6, 2011 at his home in Templeton, CA of complications from pneumonia.

After serving in World War II, he received a degree from Princeton University and attended law school at Loyola College. He passed the bar in 1953, beginning his career in the Los Angeles area.

Charles Anthony - Opera Ironman

Charles Anthony, 82, was the ironman of the New York City Metropolitan Opera. In a career that spanned from 1954-2010, he sang in 2,928 performances at the Met. It included 11 roles in 69 operas. He died on February 15, 2012.

He was born Calegero Antonio Caruso in New Orleans in 1929. In 1952, he entered a Met competition called "Auditions of the Air" and secured a spot. The Met general manager changed his name 30 minutes before air time because he didn't want the audience to think he was related to Enrico Caruso.

Steve Kordek - Developed Pinball Flippers

Steve Kordek spent his career designing pinball machines for various game manufacturers. In 1947, flippers were first introduced to players.

Mr Kordek was working for Genco at the time. His firm wanted to compete with the others in this new design. He changed the design from six flippers down to two which he located at the bottom of the playing field before the balls fall into he drain. He debut his design at the 1948 pinball trade show where it became an immediate hit with players.

Mr Kordek, 100, died on February 19, 2011 in Park Ridge Illinois.

He left Genco in 1960 and began working at Williams, one of the top pinball game manufacturers. He led a group of designers who developed some of the most popular arcade games that continue to enjoy success.

John Faifax - Rower

John Fairfax became the first person to row across the Atlantic Ocean back in 1969. His achievement made him an international celebrity at the time. Two years later he rowed across the Pacific Ocean with his girl friend. They were the first two-person crew to accomplish the feat.

Mr Faifax, 74, died of a heart attack at his home in Las Vegas on February 8, 2011.

His Atlantic Ocean crossing started on January 20, 1969 from the Canary Islands to Miami. It took 180 days, covering 5,300 miles. He was blown off course many times, ending up along the west coast of Africa before he was able to get back on track.

His Pacific Ocean attempt started April 26, 1971 from San Francisco with the goal of reaching Australia's Great Barrier Reef. His journey, accompanied by his girl friend lasted 361 days.

He spent the rest of his years living a life of adventure. At various times, he was a shark fighter, ocelot hunter, mink farm operator and authority on baccarat.

Dick Turfield - Voice of Robot

From 1965-1968 Dick Tufield was the voice of the robot on the television show "Lost in Space". He often uttered the phrase "Danger Will Robinson.

Tufield, 85, died on January 22, 2012 at his home in Los Angeles.

He made a career of doing voice-overs in hundreds of commercials as well as sporting events and news programs. His other tv shows included "Zorro" and "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea".

Cecil Pond - Popularized Riding Lawn Mowers

Cecil Pond will be known for introducing the riding lawn mower to the American family. He founded Pond Tractor Co, later named Wheel Horse Products, which built two-wheeled tractors that the operator could walk behind.

After World War II, his company developed a riding lawn-mower. With the growth of suburbs, sales increased every year. The company made a total of 22 attachments, including those for snow plowing, and plows for backyard gardens.

Mr Pond, 87, died on December 30, 2011 at a hospital in his hometown of South Bend, Indiana.

In 1975, Pond's company had over 500 employees when he sold it to American Motors Company. AMC later sold it to Toro.

James Ramseur - Shot By Bernard Goetz

A brief encounter on a New York City subway on December 22, 1984 changed the life of James Ramseur forever. He was one of the four teenagers who accosted Bernard Goetz and was subsequently shot by the "Subway Vigilante".

The shootings attracted world-wide attention and highlighted the problem of crime and danger on the subway system. All four teens were shot, including one who was paralyzed and suffered permanent brain damage.

In 1987, Goetz was acquitted of attempted murder,but found guilty of illegal possession of a gun, He served 8 1/2 months in prison.

Ramseur, 45, died on December 22, 2011 which was the 27th anniversary of the shootings. He was found dead in a Bronx motel room, the apparent victim of a drug overdose and possible suicide.

Ramseur was incarcerated at the time of Goetz's trail. He had been sentenced for raping and robbing a pregnant woman in 1986. He was released in 2002, but returned to prison in 2005 for a parole violation. He was released in July 2010.

Edie Stevenson- Created "Mikey" Commercial

Edie Stevenson spent her career as a copywriter for print and television ads. Her biggest hit was the "Mikey, He likes It" spot that she did for LIFE cereal in 1973.

The ad became a staple on television throughout the 70's and 80's and was selected in 1999 by TV Guide as number 10 in a list of the top 50 commercials.

Ms Stevenson, 81, died on December 19, 2001 at an assisted living facility in Westport, Mass. from complications resulting from Alzheimer's Disease.

She landed a job as a junior copywriter after her divorce in 1966. She also worked on commercials for Volkswagon, Cutty Sark scotch and Smirnoff vodka.

Paul Leka - Songwriter

Paul Leka was a song writer and producer who wrote and worked for many recording artists dunig the late 60's and early 70's. He wrote "Green Tambourine" for the Lemon Pipers. It went to # 1 in 1967. He also signed REO Speedwagon to their first record contact. He moved onto producing four albums for Harry Chapin, including his only #1 hit: "Cat In the Cradle".

He is best known for co-writing the song "Kiss Him Goodbye". It reached #1 in 1969. It included a long chorus of the band singing "Na, na, na, na, na,na,na, na hye, hye, goodbye."

In 1977, the organist for the Chicago White Sox starting to play the chorus to excite the home fans when the visiting players struck out or a relief pitcher came in. It soon became a staple at stadiums and arenas around the country. It became a way for the home to to taunt the losing visiting team. It continues to enjoy great success today.

Mr Leka died from the effects of lung cancer on October 12, 2011 at his home in Sharon, Conn. at the age of 68.