It was last year when Geoffrey Turner was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.
Even though he died on February 13 knowing it was his bad habit that robbed him a longer life, his obituary carries on a legacy that will be remembered by his family, friends, and many other people.
“I was an idiot who made the same stupid decision, day after day, multiple times a day. I was a smoker and even though I knew it may eventually kill me, I chose to deny the truth to myself,” he started.
“The pain and suffering I caused my family was not worth the perceived ‘satisfaction’ that really did nothing more than waste money, separate me from my family, and eventually destroyed my body.”
“I did many good things, helped lots of people, and even made a decent living,” he added. “At 66 years old, I lived a decent life, but there are so many events and milestones I will not be able to share with my loved ones. The moral of this story- don’t be an idiot.
“If you’re a smoker- quit- now- your life depends on it and those you love depend on your life. Remember life is good- don’t let it go up in smoke.”
Turner left behind his wife of more than 40 years, five loving children, and four grandchildren. His obituary hit his family really hard. Knowing their dad, the writing is not something they expected from him.
Sarah Huiest, his daughter, is surprised at the letter’s response after the obituary was published in the Times Union Newspaper.
“Many people, friends, and strangers have reached out to us regarding his words,” Huiest told TODAY.
“For some, it is the words they wish they had heard from loved ones passed- family members that could never admit their smoking led to their illness. I heard from someone who said that they may be one of those reached before it’s too late. And I have seen hundreds of times that it has been shared in the hopes of compelling someone to quit.”
Huiest believes her father’s obituary is an amazing gift that outshines other things that he has accomplished in life. “My father prided himself on his many entrepreneurial ventures, various business successes, and world travels. Those are the things I expected to read in his obituary.
“I never expected it to be what it was and it is this single act from his life that I am most proud of. Someone told me he was changing his legacy with this obituary, and I couldn’t agree more.”
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