Icons

We know that we are getting on in years when the icons of our adulthood pass away, and they're younger than we are.

Whitney Houston not only had the voice of an angel; she controlled it as magnificently as Da Vinci wielded a paint brush. She could hold a note perfectly and unwaveringly, or let it skip up and down the scale, keeping it separate from the accompaniment until the end when they all landed together in major triumph. And she was beautiful, too, as beautiful as Taylor Swift is today, but her voice was much stronger and clearer than Taylor's. When Whitney Houston was at the height of her powers she succumbed to human weakness and was hurt by those who should have helped her. Her death on Saturday, after a long decline, was not shocking, but the event does throw cold water on our belief (hope) that it's never too late to correct our mistakes or improve our lives.

Freddie Solomon, who played on two of the 49er Super Bowl teams, died of cancer today. Freddie Solomon was the "speed" wide receiver that was essential to the operation of the Bill Walsh offense, which spread passes around to tight ends, running backs, and "possession" wide receivers like Dwight Clark. Freddie tutored Jerry Rice though he knew Jerry would take his job. A relaxing retirement was not for Freddie.

After his playing days, he devoted himself to community service in Tampa. He worked with youths for 20 years through a program with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. He also teamed with former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo, a Tampa resident and close friend, on an annual Christmas celebration for foster children.

Freddie Solomon did not receive the awards given to his more famous teammates, but in character and generosity he was among the greatest of 49ers.