How would you define a "class act" and do you have any exciting or inspirational examples?
I’m almost certain about 30 years ago, I read a Reader’s Digest article about “class acts” and one of the examples mentioned was about this British fellow who explored the Arctic as member of a team but tragically they all perished in the end. Supposedly, someone was able to write down how each of them expired. There were those who panicked and went wild before breathing their last inside their shared tent.
Now this gentleman, knowing he would die in a few minutes, stood up, straightened his clothes, tipped his hat on his remaining friends and just before he walked out of the tent, was asked where could he be going?
He said something like, “Well, I really think this is a perfect time for a good walk. Please, don’t bother to wait up for I shan’t be long.”
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Shackleton (your story reminded me)
Yep, that is definitely a class act!
Among those worthy of that moniker, I nominate Christopher Reeve who, after the accident that left him a quadriplegic who couldn’t even breath without mechanical assistance, instead of just rolling over and dying he created the Christopher Reeve foundation that has done ground breaking work in the area of paralysis and spinal cord restoration.
His deeds proved that perhaps the best attributes of “Superman” were more than just a movie role.
“I am just going outside and may be some time” were the last words spoken by Lawrence Oates during Captain Scott’s expedition to the South Pole in 1912.
The Death of Rob Roy Macgregor
His deathbed was in character with his life: when confined to bed, a person with whom he was at enmity proposed to visit him. “Raise me up,” said Rob Roy to his attendants, “dress me in my best clothes, tie on my arms, place me in my chair It shall never be said that Rob Roy Macgregor was seen defenceless and unarmed by an enemy.” His wishes were executed; and he received his guest with haughty courtesy. When he had departed, the dying chief exclaimed: “It is all over now – put me to bed – call in the piper; let him play ‘Ha til mi tulidh’ (we return no more) as long as I breathe.”He was obeyed, – he died, it is said before the dirge was finished.
From: Memoirs of the Jacobites of 1715 and 1745
By: A T Thomson
Another notable comes to mind. Not sure if it qualifies him as a “class act” but it definitely ranks high in the savoir faire department.
Baron Von Richthoffin – After being mortally wounded while flying his famous plane he managed to land it in a field. His final word is reported to be “kaputt”.
@YoBob Kaputt! Nice one on the Red.
I really think George Washington setting the precedent on two US presidential terms by refusing to run for a third is quite the class act.
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