Gonzo Godfather's Blast Rites

August 22, 2005

In a follow-up to Friday’s final bog posting, I’m pleased to report that the late Hunter S. Thompson’s ashes were blasted into the sky on Saturday night, exactly as he wished. Doc’s ashes were shot from a huge Gonzo cannon that had been placed at the top of a mountain-like hill on Thompson’s property at Owl Farm near Woody Creek, CO.

All of Thompson’s friends, family, former co-workers, lovers and secret admirers that snuck their way into the event, gathered round for a celebration of the late author’s life. Johnny Depp allegedly paid for the $2.5 million soiree including the cannon’s creation, as well he fired the remains. Sean Penn is reported to have been there, as is Bill Murray, Lyle Lovett and Sen. John Kerry; and, of course, Thompson's long-time collaborator and illustrator Ralph Steadman. (Initial reports that members of the Black Panthers were also present at Thompson's Owl Farm to cause a "riot" could not be immediately confirmed.)

Non-celebrity fans were unable to enter. How would Thompson have felt about the celebrity-filled celebration? Eh, tough to say. However, he'd likely have been most pleased with this:

His ashes were loaded into separate capsules along with explosives and fireworks, then shot out of the 15-story cannon. The cannon was modeled after his logo: a clenched fist, holding a peyote button, rising from the hilt of a dagger. Thompson loved guns and explosives, and his final flight represented that.

As reported by local news in Colorado: http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_2960103

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DRB