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You’re exploring a read-only demo — the Smith family’s sample account. Nothing here is editable.

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The Vault

Everything, in one private place

In John’s real vault, every item below is encrypted with a passphrase only he holds — not even we can read it. It’s shown decrypted here so you can see what a finished vault feels like.

Messages & Goodbyes

· Letters and videos for the people he loves.

To my family — read this first

Farewell letter

Complete

If you are reading this, then my long, lucky run has come to an end. Don’t be sad for too long. We built something good together…

Released to: Everyone

For Peggy

Letter to my wife

Complete

Forty-seven years and I still reach for your hand in the dark. Thank you for every ordinary Tuesday…

Released to: Margaret

Happy 18th, Ava

Future letter

Complete

Scheduled to open on her 18th birthday. “The world is going to tell you to hurry. Don’t.”

Released to: Granddaughter (2031)

A few words on video

Video message

Complete

4:12 — recorded in the workshop, last autumn.

Released to: Everyone

Legal & Financial

· Where everything is, so no one has to hunt.

Last Will & Testament

Will location

Complete

Original held by Harrison & Bell, Attorneys (Asheville). A signed copy is in the safe deposit box, First Carolina Bank, Box 318.

Smith Family Living Trust

Trust

Complete

Revocable trust, executed 2019. Trustee: David Smith. Documents with the attorney.

Term life insurance — Northwestern

Life insurance

Complete

Policy NW-2231180. Benefit $400,000. Beneficiary: Margaret Smith (100%).

State pension & 401(k)

Retirement

Complete

NC Engineers’ Pension (survivor benefit elected) + Fidelity 401(k). Beneficiary forms current as of Jan 2026.

Funeral Wishes

· Clear wishes, so grief isn’t spent guessing.

A celebration, not a fuss

Service style

Complete

Cremation. A gathering at the lake house, not a funeral home. Wear colour. Tell the embarrassing stories.

The playlist

Music

Complete

“What a Wonderful World” · Dave Brubeck, “Take Five” · “Here Comes the Sun.” No hymns, please.

Where to scatter

Final wishes

Complete

Half at Bent Creek where we fished; half stays with Peggy until she’s ready.

Life Story

· The stories only he can tell.

My life, the short version

Biography

Complete

Born in a mill town, built bridges for 38 years, married the prettiest schoolteacher in three counties…

The workshop rules

Life lessons

Complete

Measure twice. Keep your word. Call your mother. Always carry a pocketknife and a clean handkerchief.

Sunday gravy (Nonna’s recipe)

Recipe

Draft

Half a draft — needs the secret about the browned butter.

Medical

· Decisions made in calm, not crisis.

Advance directive

Living will

Complete

No extraordinary measures if there’s no reasonable chance of recovery. Comfort first. Peggy is my healthcare proxy.

Medications & allergies

Medical info

Complete

Lisinopril 10mg, atorvastatin 20mg. Allergic to penicillin. Blood type O+.

Key Contacts

· The people his family will need to call.

Attorney — Ellen Harrison

Estate attorney

Complete

Harrison & Bell · (828) 555-0142 · holds the will, trust & power of attorney.

Scout’s care

Pet care

Complete

Our Lab, Scout. Vet: Asheville Animal Hospital. He goes to David. Two cups, twice a day. He hates fireworks.