As a public service employee with a good degree, to whom the world in a very real sense owes a living, I spend much of my time pushing the boundaries of discourse with my colleague and landsman, "Gyppo" Byard.
Today we were struck by a headline in Olly Onion's web blog noting "Strong winds forecast for Marcel Marceau funeral". This set us to thinking about a sub-genre of comedian funeral jokes.
Gyppo (his real name) recalled Peter Sellers's insisting on having the much-despised "In The Mood", the anthem of the GI seducer, played at his service, and I fondly remembered Spike Millgan's chosen tombstone inscription "I told you I was ill". Thither we proceeded to:
George Burns to put on two shows at own funeral. 2300 show is a bit blue.
Tony Hancock's ashes amounted to barely a sleeve-full.
Jacques Tati's coffin was accidentally placed on a conveyor belt leading into a hotel laundry.
Harpo's funeral proceeded in complete silence.
Chico missed his altogether on account of he was playing pinochle at the time
Groucho refuses to attend funeral home that would have him as client.
Rabbi asked to take Henny Youngman's funeral.... Please!
Rabbi Jackie Mason not to take own funeral due to prior engagement.
Oh please yourselves!
Best gags wins Welsh citizenship, again.
Pointy black hat tip, Olly's Onions.
