I've never
But i wish i had, in this case.

My Grandad, God Bless him, lost his wife some 10 years before he popped his clogs. To boot, he began to exhibit the signs of alzheimers.

We figured that it was in his best interests to move him into a nursing home, simply because he was having trouble keeping himself together and remembering to do things such as a) lock his door b) feed himself or c) attend any appointments at the doctor.

Bear in mind, this was before the advent of PDA's and other such guff for keeping people electronically moving.

Aaaanyhoo. We moved him into a nursing home, and like the scoundrel that he was, he picked up habits like he was a teenager.

He was approximately 500 yards from the pub, and would often go out at teatime, and stumble home at closing time. My old man, and myself, have also experienced this trait.

At any rate, his life was comfortable. A little ... too comfortable. My dad was given a call one evening from the home, asking if he could come and speak to his father. Apparently there had been an 'altercation' in lift. Fearing that my granddad had gotten drunk and assaulted someone, he drew up the car solemnly outside, apologising to every one of the staff on his way in.

Except, by 'altercation' they're meant fraternisation. Yep, my dear old granddad had been 'altercating' with a ladyfriend in the lift. Nice one granddad, i hope i'm still that randy at 75. I still hope my dad high-fived him, and then quietly told him to keep it 'low-key'.

The reason i bring up this story is that my granddad died in that nursing home; and it's a funny story...

He came home, pissed as a fart one night. Apparently singing lots of old Scots songs at top volume, he proceeded to get into the lift and head for his lady's room. Granddad was a filthy bugger.

However, upon getting halfway along the corridor, he tripped and fell flat on his face. Comedy images aside he -in his fragile, old state- managed to fracture his skull. Some 20 yards from his lady's room. Pissed out of his skull. Wearing a party hat.

He never woke up.

By by God do i wish i'd found him. Simply to give him credit, one last time, for his sheer audacity to die without dignity. For his tenacity for being a randy bugger that i hope one day I will become.

Cheers mate, you will be sorely missed!
(Schumann makes awesome quiches., Fri 29 Feb 2008, 8:58, 6 replies)

Hooray, a story to smile at at last
So many sad stories this week, but this one put a smile on my face. That sounds exactly like I'd like to go, way to go your Grandad! :)
( LemonEntryMyDearWatson This time, Moriarty, the hand is on the other foot, Fri 29 Feb 2008, 9:27, closed)

Ha ha ha
Now that's how I want to go...
( Sonic James Doom forgetting the date since... umm..., Fri 29 Feb 2008, 9:55, closed)

...
*raises glass in a toast*
(Big D, Fri 29 Feb 2008, 10:02, closed)

clicky for him
Sounds like a real top bloke.
(Greencloud Wanted to go fishing on, Fri 29 Feb 2008, 13:57, closed)

Yes!
I love it! That's exactly how I want to go. Good on him.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Fri 29 Feb 2008, 15:18, closed)

*click*
what a guy!
( Smash Monkey lowering the tone of the whole internet, Sun 2 Mar 2008, 2:22, closed)