Mohawk man's cremains launched into space
By: Chelsea Rarrick
Updated: June 1, 2012
Death is sometimes a hard subject to think about, especially when it comes to choosing arrangements.
But for the late Charles Gay of Mohawk, he wanted to leave his family with a unique memory by making his final destination outer space.
Charles Gay, better known as Chuck, died in 2010.
Before his passing, he got the idea of having his remains launched into space from the creator of Star Trek, who had the same final request.
"Anything that was adventurous, he liked to do. From skydiving, bungee jumping, he got a real kick out of it," said Chuck's son, Craig Gay.
And adding on to Chuck's checklist, having his ashes launched into space.
" My father always had in his head that he would like to have that done when it came time, so he found out he was sick and had months to live, we started doing some heavy research," said Craig.
After being postponed several times, Chuck's wish became a reality last Wednesday.
He along with the cremains of more than 300 people were put onto a two stage rocket.
"Roughly ten minutes after takeoff, the first stage will break off, which is the stage that contains everyone's ashes. It will orbit the earth for roughly a year then re-enter the atmosphere and burn up," said Craig.
Along with the wish of ascending into outer space, Chuck's cremains were joined by some notable space seekers.
And it's Chuck's unique wish that will leave his family with an everlasting memory.
But for the late Charles Gay of Mohawk, he wanted to leave his family with a unique memory by making his final destination outer space.
Charles Gay, better known as Chuck, died in 2010.
Before his passing, he got the idea of having his remains launched into space from the creator of Star Trek, who had the same final request.
"Anything that was adventurous, he liked to do. From skydiving, bungee jumping, he got a real kick out of it," said Chuck's son, Craig Gay.
And adding on to Chuck's checklist, having his ashes launched into space.
" My father always had in his head that he would like to have that done when it came time, so he found out he was sick and had months to live, we started doing some heavy research," said Craig.
After being postponed several times, Chuck's wish became a reality last Wednesday.
He along with the cremains of more than 300 people were put onto a two stage rocket.
"Roughly ten minutes after takeoff, the first stage will break off, which is the stage that contains everyone's ashes. It will orbit the earth for roughly a year then re-enter the atmosphere and burn up," said Craig.
Along with the wish of ascending into outer space, Chuck's cremains were joined by some notable space seekers.
And it's Chuck's unique wish that will leave his family with an everlasting memory.
