I can't help but feel that this has been one bad year for losing people. And RIP to all above, especially Alvin and Acker. I have great memories of aping Alvin as a small boy, doing the actions to 'My Coo-ca-Choo' at family parties like you do. My dad played lots of Acker Bilk too usually on sunday mornings after a blast of Dino.
But my worst loss was my beloved Tabby monster, Elsa the cat (named after the Lioness she so resembled). There's still a huge hole in the house two weeks after losing her. I've just got her casket back, so at least she's back with us. Here she is in her favourite environment, next to a warm heater. Miss you Bab.