Hunter Takes Out the Bear

Hunter Thompson’s Birthday is Today. I Miss Him.

Happy birthday, Hunter. Born on this day, July 18, 1937, in Louisville, Kentucky.

I wrote the below entry in my journal the night he died, February 20, 2005.

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Dad planned it to a ’T'. He died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

As family will tell you, Hunter had not lost his passion for life. He loved his family and friends; he had something to say every day. He loved Juan, his son, dearly.

© Jon Bailiff, portrait of Hunter the night he checked out

I believe, like many who knew Hunter— and others who didn’t, but are perfectly aware of the state of dying in this country—  that our friend “checked out.” By that, I mean self-deliverance, planned death, not an impulsive action.

I read the same news that was sent to every wire service. But I have my own reckoning.