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Doctor Writes Own Witty Obituary Before Dying Aged 48

Doctor Writes Own Witty Obituary Before Dying Aged 48

He joked that he had 'joined the likes of Princess Diana, John Belushi, and Steve Irwin the Crocodile Hunter'

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

A US doctor wrote his own humorous obituary shortly before his death last week aged just 48.

Dr Thomas Lee Flanigan, from Ohio, sadly passed away on 27 April. Ahead of his death he penned his own witty obituary, in which he wrote he had a 'great run' but following an 'unexpected, yet fabulous, exit' had now 'joined the likes of Princess Diana, John Belushi, and Steve Irwin the Crocodile Hunter in leaving while still at the top of my game as an iconic superhero who seemed almost too good to be true'.

Dr Flanigan was married to wife Amy with whom he shared four kids - Joey, 14, Evelyn, 13, and Sylvia, ten.

In the touching post, he referred to his family as 'the absolute best' before adding: "Please take good care of them like the priceless treasures they are."

Facebook/Thomas Flanigan

He then joked: "I will admit that I originally got married for the husband jokes and had kids for the dad jokes. It did not disappoint. The jokes I mean, but Amy and the kids were pretty good too."

The surgeon went on to list his impressive achievements, which included a stint in the army, where he reached the level of Lieutenant Colonel before going on to become a surgeon and MD.

However, he then added: "Let's talk about my real legacy, though... The dad jokes, the New Year's letters, the Facebook memes.

"What was I to this world if not a beacon of light shining upon those who couldn't scan the internet for their own hilarious and entertaining comic relief?

"I guess what I am trying to say is that you're welcome and you owe me big time."

He goes on: "I know it's impossible to believe, but I, the Ginger God of Surgery and Shenanigans, have fought my last cow (you're welcome Tim) and ridden off into the glorious sunset after re-enlisting with a new unit.

"Due to the unknown and cosmic nature of my next mission, this will be our last communication. It will self-destruct in five minutes.

"My whereabouts are now top secret, but let's just say I have made some new friends by the names of Elvis and Kenny."

Facebook/Thomas Flanigan

He ends the post: "Church of Tom is closed for business, but please continue to worship me, light candles, and send money.

"You know the deal."

Following the news of his death, the doctor's former patients have paid tributes, with one describing him as 'intelligent, funny, compassionate and caring'.

Another wrote: "You meant so very much to me. The world is dimmer without you in it.

"I would like to thank you for your kindness and compassion in my breast cancer journey."

While a third said: "Nobody wants to hear that their super hero died but I pray that he knew how amazing he was to so many especially me."

A private memorial for Tom is being held on Friday.

Featured Image Credit: Facebook/Thomas Flanigan

Topics: Interesting, US