When Hunter S. Thompson committed suicide last February, we contemplated his life and death in light of his own words, "[b]eing shot out of a cannon is always better than being squeezed through a tube." (Kingdom of Fear). This man who unabashedly imposed himself onto the world and into his work, wanted to have his ashes fired out of a cannon over his Woody Creek ranch. Plans to fulfill his wishes and more are now coming to fruition.

Yesterday, Thompson's neighbors agreed to elaborate funeral plans, which will, in fact, involve blasting his ashes out of a cannon. The cannon will sit on top of a 150 ft. memorial (roughly the equivalent of a 5-story building) depicting Thompson's gonzo logo - a fist clenching a peyote button. Johnny Depp, who played Thompson in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (if you haven't seen it, run, don't walk to your nearest video store - but only if you have read the book! If not go to the library first), will pay the costs of constructing the giant memorial.

The structure will be temporary and remain veiled until the funeral service on August 20. Don't get too excited about attending the service yourself, as it is by invitation only and the townsfolk are doing everything they can to discourage onlookers.

More on Hunter:

Rolling Stone Obituary and Collection of Hunter S. Thompson Writings

Flying Dog Brewery Releases Gonzo Imperial Porter (with a 9.5% Alcohol content, Flying Dog says "it will bite you in the ass if you don't show it the proper respect")

Modern Drunkard Applauds Thompson's Life