What Can We Learn From David Brenner?

Stand-up comedian, author and actor, David Brenner passed in 2014 leaving behind a very funny last
will. As to his burial instructions, he wrote, “I request a very modest burial, no fancy box, no pillow
(you think at a time like this I’m worried about a headache?), no special suit (jeans and nice shirt
will be fine, but make sure my high-top sneakers are tied properly).” and went on to say, “Place
one hundred dollars in small bills in my left sock (just in case tipping is recommended where I’m
going).”

He went on to specify that his gravestone should read, “All I want is a small stone on the grave
site with these words; ‘Here lies David Brenner. He lived, he died, but MAN DID HE LIVE!” The
will also stated, “On the flip side I want ‘If this is supposed to be a joke – I don’t get it.’ ” LOL

So what can we learn from this funny man with funny last wishes?

We can learn about final remains. While the last will is a good place to write our final resting
wishes, in my opinion, if you know what you want, it’s always best to make those arrangements
while you still can. If the plot is purchased or the funeral arrangements have been finalized,
there’s a higher chance that what one wants will actually come to fruition. Quite often, I see that
people’s wishes are not carried out exactly as they imagined them….even if they are outlined in
the last will.

Brenner had a personal farewell section in his last will where he wrote, “To those who have
been kind to me and have loved me, I thank you. To those who were not kind to me and didn’t
love me, I hope you’re next!” I have to say, that made me laugh!

So there you have it, we learn that you can be “reasonably” funny in your last will and that final
remains are better when they’re paid for.