Ron Sly: The final word

Sly, former chief sub-editor on the London World Desk, died on 6 January aged 83.

Some of his poems were recited during the proceedings attended by Allan Barker, Mike Hughes, Derek Parr, Anne Sawyer and Peter Seymour, and at the end the following note, left by him with his Will, was read aloud by his son Christopher:

I am dead.

I couldn’t resist that dramatic opening and – since someone is now reading this piece – it must be a true statement. 

The act of dying is bound to be dramatic, posing as it does, the question: “What comes next?”

It is the most exciting question ever asked because no living person can ever know the answer.

I am dead and therefore finding out.

So, please, try and share my excitement and don’t spoil it for yourselves by too much gloom and morbidity.

There was more comedy in my life than tragedy (the disappointments only helped to make the satisfactions greater) and I see no reason why death should change the mood for long.

And, do have a get-together. Good fellowship was one of the joys of my life. Let it ease the shock and lighten the load for those who have to tidy up after me.

I had good fortune, a wonderful wife and family and plenty of fine friends.

So, put on some music, raise your glasses and join me in saying: “Thank you for having me, life. It’s been great.”

Ronald Sly ■