Inevitability Checklist: Taxes done ...

Recent events have me thinking about the inevitable future (NOT taxes).

My life in terms of assets/liabilities is pretty simple these days, so the complicated stuff is thinking about what I'd want in a memorial/funeral service.

The Remains
- Cremated
- Returned to "earth" at Kealakekua Bay, on the Big Island of Hawaii.

I've spent the happiest days of my life in Hawaii, and I have always considered Kealakekua one of my favorite spots.

This should happen at a time when my beloved family and friends could get reasonable get together and share another memory of me in one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.

Swim in the amazing water. Eat some amazing food, and have a Sapphire gin and tonic (with extra lime) for me.

The Service
I'm not a religious person. I don't know if there is a God, and I don't think it matters; if we're to be "judged" after death, judge me on my character and deeds, not on my beliefs.

To paraphrase Groucho Marx:
"I don't want to be in a heaven that would have Pat Robertson or Oral Roberts as a member."

And while I know members of my family would take comfort in something religious, I would feel hypocritical and wasteful to have a Catholic funeral service.

While I like the ritual and tradition that a Catholic service offers, I'd prefer to have attendees taking comfort in one another and (hopefully) thinking about good times with me.

I'd rather have a superb emcee than a priest leading things ... and the memorials I've found most memorable and moving where those lots of shared memories from family and friends of all the person's life-eras.

The Soundtrack
Music is a huge part of my life, and I often joke about what song is "now playing in the soundtrack of my life."

So, here is the soundtrack of my memorial, more or less in order. I imagine a few speakers, sharing memories of thoughts about their role in my life (or mine in theirs), between songs.


"You Can't Always Get What You Want" - The Rolling Stones
I know some will think this a little cliche, since "The Big Chill," but if it's not being played at the service, I'm thinking it.

I think we open the service with this song ... it's long enough and would be a good "call to seats" for the attendees:



"In My Life" - The Beatles
I remember thinking how much this song meant to me when I was 18. EIGHTEEN!?

I was so blessed to have had this life - the people and experiences -- and I've shown you the gratitude I feel.



"The Long and Winding Road" - The Beatles
A sentimental guilty pleasure ...



"Let it Be" - The Beatles
Because I love this song.



"Forever Young" - Bob Dylan
Because I love this song, not because I lived the sentiment, though I will continue to try:



"Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
I heard a National Public Radio tribute in to Israel Kamakawiwo'ole on his death in 1997, during which, they played this amazing recording.

I think this is the right song to close with. Joyous and poignant, it's always made me smile.