His wishes, in his own words

I want a celebration of life, not a solemn funeral. • Cremation — no embalming. • Hold the gathering at the lake house, late afternoon, with food and music. • Dress code: colour, not black. If anyone wears a tie, it had better be a fishing lure. • Ask David to say a few words, and let the grandchildren each share one memory. • In lieu of flowers, donations to the Asheville Habitat for Humanity.

This isn’t the legal will — that’s with Ellen Harrison. This is just me, explaining the why. The house goes to Peggy, of course, for as long as she wants it. After that, I’d like it kept in the family if anyone can manage it; sold and split if not — no guilt either way. Divide the rest equally between David, Emily and Thomas. You have always been generous with each other. Don’t let a lamp or a fishing rod change that.

If I can’t speak for myself: Peggy decides, and if she can’t, David. They both know my mind. I do not want to be kept alive by machines if the doctors don’t see a real path back to a life I’d recognise. Keep me comfortable, keep me clean, and let me hear music and the people I love. A signed living will and DNR are on file with Dr. Okafor.

I’m a registered donor. Take whatever can help someone else keep going — eyes, tissue, all of it. I spent a life building things that outlast me. This is just one more.