Meanest Obituary Ever! Rewriting A Final Word

The other day I read a story about the meanest obituary you will ever read. I read obits everyday. I seldom come across one that didn't express a sense of loss, love and sadness at their passing. That is until now.

When I first read the meanest obituary ever I didn't believe it was a real obituary. I searched out the funeral home listed and looked through their pages to find that it truly was the last "tribute" written about Leslie Ray Charping.

Leslie Ray "Popeye" Charping was born in Galveston, Texas on November 20, 1942 and passed away January 30, 2017, which was 29 years longer than expected and much longer than he deserved. Leslie battled with cancer in his latter years and lost his battle, ultimately due to being the horses ass he was known for. He leaves behind 2 relieved children; a son Leslie Roy Charping and daughter, Shiela Smith along with six grandchildren and countless other victims including an ex wife, relatives, friends, neighbors, doctors, nurses and random strangers.

At a young age, Leslie quickly became a model example of bad parenting combined with mental illness and a complete commitment to drinking, drugs, womanizing and being generally offensive. Leslie enlisted to serve in the Navy, but not so much in a brave & patriotic way but more as part of a plea deal to escape sentencing on criminal charges. While enlisted, Leslie was the Navy boxing champion and went on to sufficiently embarrass his family and country by spending the remainder of his service in the Balboa Mental Health Hospital receiving much needed mental healthcare services.

Leslie was surprisingly intelligent, however he lacked ambition and motivation to do anything more than being reckless, wasteful, squandering the family savings and fantasizing about get rich quick schemes. Leslie's hobbies included being abusive to his family, expediting trips to heaven for the beloved family pets and fishing, which he was less skilled with than the previously mentioned. Leslie's life served no other obvious purpose, he did not contribute to society or serve his community and he possessed no redeeming qualities besides quick whited sarcasm which was amusing during his sober days.

With Leslie's passing he will be missed only for what he never did; being a loving husband, father and good friend. No services will be held, there will be no prayers for eternal peace and no apologizes to the family he tortured. Leslie's remains will be cremated and kept in the barn until "Ray", the family donkey's wood shavings run out. Leslie's passing proves that evil does in fact die and hopefully marks a time of healing and safety for all.

I don't know Mr. Charping or his family. I in no way wish to make excuses for the obviously horrible choices Leslie made in his life or the pain his actions caused others but I actually cried that this was the final thoughts on his life. So I decided to try a rewrite with compassion.

Leslie Ray “Popeye” Charping was born in Galveston, Texas on November 20, 1942 and struggled his way through life until his sad passing on January 30, 2017. His tenacity and stubbornness carried him through his lonely and difficult battle with cancer, and kept him here 29 years longer than any expected. Leslie battled more than cancer in his 75 years on earth. Unable to see his true worth, “Popeye” was often his own worst enemy. Incapable of accepting love and help from those around him, Leslie pushed anyone close to him away. Two children, Leslie Roy Charping and Shiela Smith and his six grandchildren mourn the relationship that could have been if Leslie had found the help he needed to achieve peace in this life.

Lacking the life skills, sense of self-worth and treatment for his mental illness he needed to cope, Leslie struggled and often faltered as a parent, husband and friend. His own pain was taken out on those around him. His illness and personal demons affected those closest to him more than he was capable of realising.

Amid legal and mental problems, Leslie enlisted in the Navy as a way to fight his personal war with Mental illness and addiction. Leslie took pride in becoming a Navy boxing champion while serving his country but sadly mental illness was still his biggest opponent. Leslie spent some time in Balboa Mental Health Hospital in hopes of finding help with his debilitating illness.

Unfortunately lack of support, insufficient resources and overwhelming emotional issues plagued Leslie as he struggled to find his place in the world. Having never learned even the most basic coping skills made it difficult for him to respond with anything more than frustration and anger. While his potential was never realised Leslie spiralled into a depression, cycle of addiction and mental health crisis that overshadowed any gifts he could offer. His sense of humour and quick wit will be remembered fondly even through the painful reality of Leslie’s excruciatingly difficult life. May he find the peace, understanding and mercy that so eluded his life and spirit throughout his journey on earth.