An Obit for Philip Gooderham

Philip Andrew Gooderham died on May 18th, this year. I don’t who he is or was. But I read his obituary in the newspaper. I don’t usually read them, my Mom has been an obit reader for years and if I am sitting near enough at the time she gives me the highlights and her opinions on what makes them good.

The obituary for Philip Gooderham wasn’t one she talked about. My eye was draw to the Gooderham name and then I read it on my own. I liked what I read. First came the part about his death and his remaining family. He was only 51 years of age and he died of cancer. The following is worth quoting:

He will be remembered as a rich man with many friends. Phil battled serious illness all his life and most recently, cancer. He fought valiantly to the end. He did not lose his battle he simply decided to call a truce and travelled to a place where there is no pain, only peace.

It was a graceful and dignified note to the end of his life. Nicely written.

New word: Obituarist – One who writes obituaries.

The Blog of Death – Jade Walker’s blog of obituaries.
Obituaries Help.org – Resources for obit writers.
Obituary Guide – Obit writing tips.
Society of Professional Obituary Writers – Also has a blog/ forum.
Obit Magazine
The Globe and Mail: Confessions of an Obituarist
The Obit Writer.com – also on Twitter.

Facebook: Weekend Obituary Readers – A neglected group on Facebook. Needs new owners to revive it.

Word Grrls is my mad science experiment, my adventures with fame and world domination (politely). This is where I inspire people to create: invent mutations, cause change, bring colour into your world. Web writer since 1998. Find me on StumbleUpon , and Tumblr.