48-year-old surgeon dies, first writes his own humor-filled obituary

An Ohio surgeon with a reputation for humor has passed away. Yet even in death, the physician continues to get laughs.

Forty-eight-year-old Dr. Thomas Lee Flanigan died on April 27, but not before taking the time to write his own joke-filled obituary, Fox News reported. 

“Yes, I have joined the likes of Princess Diana, John Belushi, and Steve Irwin the Crocodile Hunter in leaving while still at the top of my game as an iconic superhero who seemed almost too good to be true,” Flanigan wrote.

Never lost his humor

The redheaded Army veteran who referred to himself as the “Ginger God of Surgery and Shenanigans” claimed to have gotten married and had children so that he could enjoy dad and husband jokes.

“It did not disappoint,” Flanigan said, adding, “The jokes I mean, but Amy and the kids were pretty good too.”

“Going to school events, dance competitions, and eight zillion hockey practices at the crack of dawn really makes a man’s life worthwhile,” he continued.

The doctor explained that he hoped to be remembered for his dad jokes, New Years letters, online memes and other attempts to make people smile.

“What was I to this world if not a beacon of light shining upon those who couldn’t scan the internet for their own hilarious and entertaining comic relief?” Flanigan asked readers. “I guess what I am trying to say is that you’re welcome and you owe me big time.”

Former patient: Flanigan “a miracle worker”

Flanigan posted his obituary to Legacy.com, where friends and former patients came to pay their respects, with one person comparing him to a comic book figure.

“Nobody wants to hear that their super hero died but I pray that he knew how amazing he was to so many especially me,” she wrote.

Another praised Flanigan for being “a star whose light continues to shine.” A former patient said Flanigan was “a miracle worker” who treated her injuries after she was attacked by a dog. “I can never thank him enough,” she wrote.

Many others said that while they did not know Flanigan personally, he had a reputation for humor and warmth. The cause of Flanigan’s death is not clear.

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