A little about Cap

This caught my eye the other day while reading the Eureka Times-Standard:

Kenneth L. Smith, known as "Cap", made his final roll call on the morning of August 12, 2008. He passed away on Fickle Hill surrounded by his sons Roy and Dan and daughter in law Paula...

When asked why he had chosen the Marines, Cap replied "Because I didn't want to be drafted into the Army." His superior's response was "WRONG ANSWER." ...

His regiment was given the assignment of capturing Mount Suribachi which was essential to securing the airfields on the island. He was wounded in battle on the fourth day of the invasion, the same day that his fellow Marines raised the flag on top of Mount Suribachi. ...

His combat experience was probably the defining moment of his life. Upon returning home, he told his mother and sister that while on the hospital shop he made a vow to never worry again. He kept this vow for the rest of his life. He once told his oldest son that everyday he lived after being evacuated from Iwo Jima was a bonus. ...

Cap, always one to enjoy "hoisting a few," directed that any money left over after his cremation be spent on "the winos down at Jimmy Dunn's."

For nearly eighty-four years, Cap lived life pretty much on his own terms. He had a good life. He will be deeply missed by his family.

Forget leaving a beautiful corpse! I want a kick-ass obituary. But now, on this holiday Monday, please join me in hoisting one in memory of all the cool old folks in our life. Cheers!