‘Continue to worship me’: Dad, 48, pens own epic obituary before death

An Ohio father of three, surgeon and army veteran has penned his own incredible and comedic obituary that’s sure to make you smile. The 48-year-old described himself as the “Ginger God of Surgery and Shenanigans” and says due to his “unexpected, yet fabulous, exit” he has now joined the likes of Princess Diana, John Belushi, and Steve Irwin.

Dr Thomas Lee Flanigan’s obituary was posted on Legacy.com – a website dedicated to obituaries – after he died aged 48, on April 27. The cause of his death was not revealed.

The doctor was known for his sense of humour, dad jokes and memes, which he said were his “real legacy” as opposed to his time spent serving his country in combat on two separate tours, his rank of Lieutenant Colonel or the countless lives he saved as an “accomplished surgeon and MD”.

“Well, that’s it. I have completed my shift as the great American cliché, ” the young father wrote. “In the spirit of what turned out to be my last New Year’s letter, my wild and crazy life has again taken a new, unexpected turn with my shocking and unexpected, yet fabulous, exit. Yes, I have 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.”

Thomas said he’d had a “good run”, before correcting himself writing, “No, a great run, but I can’t take all the credit”. He went on to thank university mates, the US Army, “colleagues, various celebrities, random cartoon characters, people who make memes, Russians and other friends and family”, who he said all contributed to making his life “great”.

He then, heartbreakingly, went on to talk about his wife and young children, the oldest just 14 years old. “As you know, my wife, Amy, and my kids Joey (14), Evelyn (13), and Sylvia (10) are the absolute best,” he wrote.

“Please take good care of them like the priceless treasures they are. 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. Going to school events, dance competitions, and eight zillion hockey practices at the crack of dawn really makes a man’s life worthwhile. I also saw some other delightful things in my time here – Hawaiian volcanoes, Egyptian pyramids, and even the advent of air fryers. I will say, it was magical, all of it”.

Thomas then briefly described his raft of achievements in life (which for most would be a focal point) but instead highlighted his legacy of dad jokes, internet memes and New Years letters, joking that his friends and family owe him big time for his hilarious and entertaining comic relief.

“In case you’ve heard the rumours, I did dabble in a few other things along the way during my 48 years, like serving my country in combat on two separate tours, earning the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and saving countless lives as an accomplished surgeon and MD. Oh, there was also that whole, fulfilling, ‘cosmetic and reconstructive surgery’ stint too. Yada, yada, yada,” he wrote.

“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”.

Thomas finished his final goodbye in a style fitting to his humour, saying though he had fought his last cow and ridden off into his final sunset, he still wanted everyone to worship him, light candles and send money.

“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,” he wrote. “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. The Church of Tom is closed for business, but please continue to worship me, light candles, and send money. You know the deal.”

The post was inundated with condolences from family, friends and strangers. One man, who clearly knew Thomas wrote, “Tom Flanigan was a star whose light continues to shine. He lives in those who knew him, especially his family and friends”.

While another, who said he did not know the doctor wrote, “I actually am of the belief, especially after reading this, that we all should write our good-byes, assuming we have the time. I am not sure what possessed him to write it but am glad he did.

“What a way to go out, on top, with a sense of purpose, a sense of humour, and a sense of LOVE to the highest degree”.