Unusual Will Requests

Writing a will is not normally considered to be an amusing or enjoyable thing, and most people would never think to get a little more creative in writing them. However, here is a list of the most unusual wills that have been made in recent years, proving that some people manage to keep their sense of humour no matter what the circumstances.

1. I want my ashes to be mixed with comic book ink

This request comes from somebody who knows a little something about comic books – the chief executive of Marvel Comic books, Mark Gruenwald. His wishes came true and his request was granted in his death.

2. I want my friends to have a party

Clearly not one to be miserable, Janis Joplin left $2500 for her friends and family to have a wake party to celebrate her life rather than mourning her death, leaving a positive image behind.

3. Bury me in my night dress and my car

Sandra West, an American socialite and heiress, shockingly died at age 37, and perhaps even more shockingly requested that she would be buried “in my lace nightgown … in my Ferrari, with the seat slanted comfortably”. Very unusual.

4. I want to show my wife I love her

After passing in 1974, actor and comedian Jack Benny instructed that a single red rose should be sent to his wife every day for the rest of her life as a gentle reminder of his love for her.

5. I want to let my wife get drunk

From one romantic request to another not so romantic request. A man named David Davies was not necessarily as traditional in showing his love – leaving his wife the equivalent of 50 cents to ‘get drunk one last time’. And they say love is dead!

6. I want to create a ‘no girl’s’ club

A lawyer that died in 1920 put this wish on his will, stating that it should be a library with ‘no women allowed’ signs, and absolutely no females (including arts or decorations) should be included. Unfortunately for this lawyer, most of his family were women, and this request was never fulfilled.

7. I want to keep my home clean and tidy, and keep making dinner for my family

This request came from a millionaire based in Vermont, whose family has already died. However, believing in reincarnation, he wanted to maintain the family home in case the family came back. This was carried out using the money left in his will until 1950, when the money ran out.

8. I want to be buried in a Pringles’ can

Who else would make this strange request, other than the founder of Pringles Fred Baur, who died in 2008. His family honoured his wishes, and buried some of his ashes in a Pringles can along with the rest of his body.

Thanks to Legalweekjobs.com for their insight into some of the more bizarre happenings that have resulted from people’s wills. Do you know of any strange tales that have been missed out?