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Michael Bond
1926 - 2017
Michael Bond
1926 - 2017
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1926
DIED
2017
Michael Bond Obituary
The death also was confirmed by the author's publisher, HarperCollins.
Although Bond started writing in 1945 while he was stationed in the British army in Cairo, Egypt, his first book wasn't published until 13 years later when Bond was working for the BBC. But that 1958 book was "A Bear Called Paddington," about a bear from deepest, "darkest Peru," sent to the U.K. by his aunt Lucy. Paddington Bear carried a jar of marmalade and a note to his finder to "please look after this bear." The character was adopted by the Brown family, who named him after Paddington Station where they found him.
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Paddington Bear proved so popular that by 1965, Bond quit his BBC job to devote his full-time efforts to writing. Bond's books recounting Paddington Bear's world adventures have sold more than 35 million copies that have been published in nearly 20 countries. The books have been translated into more than 40 languages. Paddington has inspired pop bands, race horses, plays, hot air balloons, a TV series, and two movies.
The 2014 movie "Paddington" starred Ben Whishaw as the voice of the title character, along with Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Peter Capaldi, and Nicole Kidman. The film has grossed more than $265 million worldwide on a $44 million budget.
In a 2014 interview with Michelle Pauli of The Guardian, Bond said he drew inspiration for his ursine character from the evacuee children he saw at a London transit station.
“They all had a label round their neck with their name and address on and a little case or package containing all their treasured possessions," Bond said. "So Paddington, in a sense, was a refugee, and I do think that there’s no sadder sight than refugees.”
Paddington Bear's creator was born Thomas Michael Bond Jan. 13, 1926, in Newbury, Berkshire, England.
In 2015, Bond was named a commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II as part of her birthday celebration.
35 Entries
December 29, 2017
May your family find comfort in 'the God of all comfort'. May the One who yearns to reunite us with our loved ones help you through.
Renee Buchanan
October 7, 2017
I would like to express my deepest condolences for the loss of Mr. Bond. Paddington Bear was such a beloved character in children's literature, my husband even has a stuffed little Paddington Bear from his childhood. Job 2:11 says, "to go and sympathize with Job and comfort him." What a talent and I do hope that this small note brings some comfort to you the family and friends. May Mr. Bond rest in peace knowing that he brought such joy and happiness to so many children.
Kind Regards,
Renee Buchanan
D W
July 15, 2017
I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family for their loss of a talented man, whom I enjoyed reading his book when I was young child. May you find comfort and help in God during this time of sorrow.
Jessica Turner
July 7, 2017
My condolences to the family and friends of Michael. He leaves behind a legacy of books about Paddington and his many adventures living with a family in London.
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July 4, 2017
..."But those who promote peace have joy." Prov12:20.
Mr. Michael Bond created a character that was appreciated by many. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. May our Heavenly Father grant you of his strength to help you endure, for he can become our stronghold in difficult moments like this.
July 3, 2017
My deepest sympathies for your loss of Michael Bond. May you find comfort.
Christian
July 3, 2017
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Michael. His work will be remembered and cherished by many who grew up with the beloved Paddington bear stories. Rest assured our Creator cherishes all our dear loved ones in his memory. He promises to act in our behalf.
1 Corinthians 15:26
July 3, 2017
My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Sidney Jones
July 1, 2017
My sincere condolences at times such as this,few words of comfort maybe all that you can bear,so rely on God of all comfort and he will comfort you every morning in times of distress Isaiah 33:2.
Phillips
July 1, 2017
May the God of comfort and peace grant you the strength needed during this time
Many have benefited from your love one gift
We all look forward to the the time when death and pain will be no more
My prayers are with you
N.S.
July 1, 2017
A wonderful writer that has inspired children of all ages with his Paddington bear books. Children stay silent when one reads his books to a classroom of children. Good job well done Paddington Bear will be treasured. Now you are at peace Mr.Bond
Betty Armour-Fowler
June 30, 2017
My sincere condolences to the family of Michael Bond. Psalms 90:10 shows how he lived a long life of special mightiness from God. Keep his many, many, many memories close in your hearts and minds and cherish them forever. May the comfort of God be with you all during this time of grief.
T John
June 30, 2017
To the love ones of Michael Bond I'm sorry for your loss. May the "God of all comfort" 2 Cor. 1:3 be with you guys during such a painful time in your life.
June 29, 2017
Sorry to hear. Thank you for sharing Paddington Bear with the world. Michael Bond has brought so much happiness to so many children.
June 29, 2017
To the Bond Family, please accept my sincere condolences. I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Bond, but through his stories I can tell he was one of a kind. I know he would be truly missed. Continue to cherish the wonderful time you shared with him and hope that the peace of God be with you to help you cope. (Philippians 4:6,7)
Nadine Donat
June 29, 2017
Thank for Paddington- many happy memories of him. May your memory be eternal.
Fans Pittsburgh, Pa.
June 29, 2017
Frances C. Uva
June 29, 2017
Thank you for creating this beloved bear that my children and now grandchildren adore. To his family and friends please accept my deepest sympathy. May Mr. Bond rest in peace knowing he brought countless hours of joy to so many families.
June 28, 2017
I have always loved the story of Paddington Bear and I am sorry to hear of the author's passing. My prayers go out to the Bond family as they grieve their loss and lean upon the God of comfort for guidance (Psalms 119:76).
June 28, 2017
My condolences to the Bond Family and friends for the loss of your beloved Michael. May you continue to be blessed with his memory and legacy and may your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times you shared together (Daniel 12:13) ~ Linda, Queens, NY
Averil Carroll
June 28, 2017
Goodbye Paddington, loved you as a child and forever.
Averil Carroll
June 28, 2017
Goodbye Paddington, love you forever.
Bill & Jan
June 28, 2017
Dear Mr Bond, Thank you for our happy childhood memories of Paddington.
Harry Simpson
June 28, 2017
Godspeed, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
June 28, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
G. Freeman
June 28, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
June 28, 2017
Such a sad loss. He has touched the hearts of many children around the world with his stories. Because of his stories many will continue to remember him after his death. Remember your fond memories with him and turn to God in prayer for strength.
Mcghee
June 28, 2017
At the end of a life is a legacy of love and memories...Hold tight to those memories and let the God of comfort bring you strength to endure the difficult days ahead.
June 28, 2017
It was really nice reading about Paddington's adventures and learning about how they began. We hate that Mr Bond is gone but that want be forever. In God's word we find many promises for a happy future with our loved ones. God love you.
Jillian
June 28, 2017
Mr. Bond, thank you for rescuing the bear the world got to know as "The Paddington Bear." My mother received one in 1975 for her birthday, and it was passed on to me, I recently passed it on to my daughter Bella. She loves him so much. Thanks again, your friends in Florida.
Scott Chamberland
June 28, 2017
Rest in Peace
D E
June 28, 2017
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
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