Beyond the Eulogies

It seems there are rare occasions when a eulogy is filled with humor rather than remembrances. I suppose I have a warped idea of funerals. Yes, they should be a moment in time to pay tribute to the unwilling guest of honor but I don't think they should be depressing. They should be a celebration of the deceased's life and all they gave to their loved ones and friends.

Perhaps, one of the greatest attributes they could pass along is a sense of humor. For hundreds of years, on both sides of the Atlantic ocean, headstones have recorded such traits. Here are just a few:

Harry Edsel Smith of Albany, New York:

Born 1903 - Died 1942

Looked up the elevator shaft to see if the car was on the way down. 

It was.

In a Thurmont, Maryland cemetery:

Here lies an Atheist

All dressed up

And nowhere to go.

On the grave of Ezekial Aikle in East Dalhousie, Nova Scotia:

Here lies Ezekial Aikle, Age 102

The Good Die Young.

In a Ruidoso, New Mexico cemetery:

Here lies Johnny Yeast

Pardon me

For not rising.

In a Silver City, Nevada cemetery:

Here lays The Kid.

We planted him raw.

He was quick on the trigger.

But slow on the draw.

On a lawyer's tombstone in England:

Sir John Strange

Here lies an honest lawyer,

And that is Strange.

Found in another cemetery in England:

Remember man, as you walk by,

As you are now, so once was I.

Remember this and follow me.

To which some enterprising passer-by replied by writing on the tombstone:

To follow you, I'll not consent.

Until I know which way you went.

And discovered in Key West, Florida, etched into the stone, the simple words:

I told you I was sick.

Have a great weekend.