Memorial for the Magical, Brilliant Blackie the Cat
From the Archives (August 25, 2021)
Today, we stand on the burial ground of thousands of Ice Age creatures, some of whom are Blackie the Cat’s ancestors like the saber-toothed cat. The La Brea Tar Pits is just one place where there are fossils and oil goo that are evidence of creatures long gone. We’re reminded of the passage of time and change that is inevitable. The hope through all of it is to learn and live with compassion. – Gary Baseman
On Sunday, August 22, 2021, Gary Baseman gathered with Bosko and a small group of family, friends, and fans at the west hillside of La Brea Tar Pits Museum to commemorate his long-time friend and collaborator, Blackie the Cat, on the one-year anniversary of his passing. At arrival, guests were greeted with a special booklet that compiles the origin story of Blackie the Cat and a handkerchief with a special enamel pin featuring the image of a winged Blackie.
With Bosko at his side, Baseman shared with attendees some of his sweetest memories of Blackie, and included a moment of Blackie’s healing triple purr. Musician Troy Everett played evocative melodies on his viola and accompanied Baseman in his vocal rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “The Butcher.” At the end of the ceremony, attendees joined Baseman on a Blackie tribute stroll around the park.
To those who attended this memorial and to Baseman’s fans who reached out to send their support, Baseman and his Studio would like to thank you all for the continuous support. A special shout out to Annabel de Vetten who kindly made a Blackie the Cat Memorial Cake based on the Blackie the Cat plush, and also Yukari Fujimoto of Flat Bonnie for making the Blackie hats to celebrate this special cat’s life.
To those who were not able to attend this special morning honoring the magical, brilliant Blackie the Cat, here are some of the amazing images captured by The1Point8 / Carlos Gonzalez.
If you’d like to honor Blackie’s life, please consider donating to or adopting a pet from your local animal shelter. What better way to celebrate his life than helping another animal find a second chance.
