The Last Chapter: Gene Amole on Dying

Denver’s beloved columnist Gene Amole stunned readers of the Rocky Mountain News when he announced in his column that he was dying. "Still I am not retiring," he added, "just taking on a new assignment. I’m going to write a diary of my experience and share it with you." And so began an astonishing and unprecedented series of newspaper columns in which Gene frankly and openly wrote about his journey through his last days, until his death, six months later, just short of his 79th birthday.

Gene hoped his diary would help others. He explained, "How many other old folks were feeling what I felt, not knowing or understanding what the hell was happening to us?" With characteristic clarity, he wrote of the insight that came with deepening physical infirmity, of treasuring the richness of waning days. His craftsmanship with the written word did not betray him. His humor, his compassion, his celebration of this place, his love for friends and most particularly his family came shining through.

The Rocky Mountain News will donate all royalties from sales of this book to the Hospice of Metro Denver, which cared for Gene in his final months.