By Thomas Flanigan made quite an exit last week when he wrote his own obituary before his death. His final farewell was anything but ordinary. The obit says he met an “unexpected, yet fabulous” end to his wild life at the age of 48, but the family has yet to release the cause of his death to the public.
Flanigan added plenty of humor to his final goodbye. It reads like the ultimate dad joke, but his family is crying real tears.
Saying Goodbye to the “Ginger God of Surgery and Shenanigans”
Dr. Thomas Flanigan was a cheery redhead with more humor than the average surgeon. He worked in a reconstructive surgery unit after completing several tours in the Army. Before his death on April 27th, he wrote what could be called one of the most original obituaries in history.
Referring to himself as the “Ginger God of Surgery and Shenanigans”, he wrote, “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.”
He said goodbye to his wife and three children, Joey, 14, Evelyn, 13, and Sylvia, ten, but not before making light of the situation. “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.”
He added, “Please take good care of them like the priceless treasures they are.”
Flanigan skimmed over his many accomplishments, staying humble up until the very end. “In case you’ve heard the rumors, 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.”
However, his real legacy is one of dad jokes and Facebook memes, he wrote.
“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?” the obit said.
And finally, “I guess what I am trying to say is that you’re welcome and you owe me big time.”
Flannigan ended by writing that he’s riding 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,” the obituary said. He also added that his current whereabouts remain top secret, and that he has made 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,” the obituary said. “You know the deal.”
His friends, family, and even some former patients penned their own goodbyes. “Nobody wants to hear that their super hero died but I pray that he knew how amazing he was to so many especially me,” one of Flannigan’s patients wrote.
The wake is scheduled for Thursday in Toledo, Ohio.
