A Great Obituary
An obituary is a news article that reports the recent death of a person, typically along with an account of the person’s life and information about the upcoming funeral or memorial.
So many obituaries are little more than, name, date of birth, date of death and an address of where to send flowers. This truncation of a life was the result of newsprint costing money and thus printing as much in as little space as possible. But the digital world is changing that. It also represents the ability to share for so many who have lived rich and full lives which should be celebrated – if even in just on last moment post mortem. Here is an example of such a “celebration”:
Blanchard, Michael “Flathead”
1944 ~ 2012
A Celebration of the life of Michael “Flathead” Blanchard will be held on April 14th, 3 pm 8160 Rosemary St, Commerce City. Weary of reading obituaries noting someone’s courageous battle with death, Mike wanted it known that he died as a result of being stubborn, refusing to follow doctors’ orders and raising hell for more than six decades. He enjoyed booze, guns, cars and younger women until the day he died.
Mike was born July 1944 in Colorado to Clyde and Ethel Blanchard. A community activist, he is noted for saving the Dr. Justina Ford house from demolition and defending those who could not defend themselves. He was a Republican delegate, life member of the NRA, founder and President of the Dead Cats MC. He loved music.
Mike was preceded in death by Clyde and Ethel Blanchard, survived by his beloved sons Mike and Chopper, former wife Jane Transue, brother Stephen Blanchard (Susan), Uncle Don and Aunt Cynthia Blanchard (his favorite); Uncle Dill and Aunt Dot, cousins and nephews, Baba Yaga can kiss his butt. So many of his childhood friends that weren’t killed in Vietnam went on to become criminals, prostitutes and/or Democrats. He asks that you stop by and re-tell the stories he can no longer tell. As the Celebration will contain Adult material we respectfully ask that no children under 18 attend.
In a few short paragraphs someone has taken the time to get both the life and the spirit of the man. Well done!
