Hunter S. Thompson to receive million-dollar sendoff

In an article called “One More for the Road for Hunter Thompson,” Rocky Mountain News reporter Jeff Kass updates the plans for Hunter S. Thompson’s memorial service. “Preparations are under way for Thompson’s final body of work: the launch of his cremated remains on August 20th from a 153-foot-high ‘cannon’ on his Woody Creek property outside Aspen,” writes Kass. A tower is under construction on the Woody Creek farm which matches the description Hunter gave to a British documentary crew in 1978. According to Kass, “A 143-foot crane boom has been installed on a concrete pad. [. . .] Steel cylinders wrapped in gray cloth are being placed over the crane to form a conical shape that tapers from 12-feet-wide at the base to seven feet at the top.” A seventeen-foot-high replica of the Gonzo fist, made from fiberglass, will top the structure. “The first seven feet of the fist will slide over the top of the crane. The remaining 10 feet will give the structure a total height of 153 feet,” reports Kass. That’s about two feet higher than the Statue of Liberty.

A device similar to a fireworks launcher will be used to fire Thompson’s ashes straight into the air; Zambelli Fireworks Internationale will be handling the launch. Thompson’s ashes will then sprinkle down on his property. Thompson’s widow, Anita, said that at least half of Thompson’s ashes will be launched into the skies; the rest will be kept for private ceremonies.

“Actor Johnny Depp, who portrayed Thompson in the movie version of FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS and became a close friend, is funding the labor and construction costs,” writes Kass. Total costs of the project “are estimated to be between $1 million and $2 million.”

Although the mammoth (but temporary) tower is sure to attract widespread attention, admittance to the August 20th memorial service is by invitation only. The Zone thanks emma for posting the Kass article on the News & Views forum. You can read the entire article HERE.

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