Now that’s a great lead

I'm sure my friend Maddy Graves won't mind if I make a comment about the lead in his obituary, which will appear in the newspaper this week.

Maddy -- that was one fine lead for an obituary notice.

For those who don't know, Maddy died today after a long battle with prostate cancer. Even while he suffered this summer knowing his own death was eminent, he had the grace to call me after my prostate surgery and offer encouraging words. "You're gonna be OK, Sherm," he said. I'll never forget it.

Anyway, Maddy's obit begins: "Madison Bayles Graves II (Maddy) passed away reluctantly Tuesday, Nov. 2 but peacefully, at his Southern Highlands home in Las Vegas ..."

What a beautiful way to begin to say good-bye to a life well lived.