Following my previous post, about people's reaction to Michael Jackson's (apparent) death, I've been wondering which public figures' deaths I would/will find shocking, sad, or even devastating?
Absurdly in a way, the first person that comes to my mind is Fidel Castro. I have never been a Communist Party member and have long had criticisms of his rule in Cuba - as well as great admiration. He has been in power (okay, now self-sidelined) since before JFK was US President. The "end of an era" cliche will never be truer. It will feel - for a few weeks only, maybe - as the end of socialism.
Other public figures - well, sudden deaths of anyone young always feel tragic... But someone else have a go and suggest someone.
brokendownangel
Pro 
I am not sure anyone touches me in that way anymore. I was shocked when the last pope died a few years ago, not personally, but because we were living in Northern Ireland and the people were so shocked by it, as the pope is always ancient when he even takes up office I have no idea why they are always so shocked when one pops his clogs!
The death of the queen wouldn't even have much of an effect I don't think, even on royalists as she doesn't seem to have much of a defined role anymore.
Most people would be more affected by the death of Britney Spears!
Sad, but true, there are few people that touch our lives these days x