WASHINGTON, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- "Goodbye, My Friend" read the headline for the last column written -- and published posthumously -- by humorist Art Buchwald.
Buchwald, 81, died late Wednesday of kidney failure. He wrote friends encouraged him to write a farewell column, "which is something they claim I shouldn't leave without doing."
Buchwald poked humor at politicians for decades then turned his comedic eye to his own illness and the choices he made as a result. The Pulitzer award-winning columnist thanked his friends and family for allowing him to be a part of their lives.
"Each of you has, in your own way, contributed to my life," he said.
Buchwald said decisions made about the course his life took -- such as not undergoing dialysis, opting instead for hospice care -- were his.
His thoughts turned to food in recent months, he said, adding, "I am now punishing myself for having passed up so many good things earlier in the trip."
He closed by recalling the song lyric, "What's it all about, Alfie?"
"I don't know how well I've done while I was here, but I'd like to think some of my printed works will persevere -- at least for three years."
