I think I've seen every form of death imaginable. There are ways I know I don't want to die:

1. Burning to death, which is a bit odd as a number one pick for a professional firefighter. But I was burned once as a child, spent time with my mother in the burn ward when she had very life threatening burns, and have witnessed people trapped, alive, and burning to death.

2. Osteocarcinoma and certain other forms of cancer, which can be unimaginably painful.

3. In a hospital ICU, slowly.

4. Beaten, stabbed or otherwise tortured to death.

5. Suffocation, strangulation or drowning.

6. While doing something stupid. I don't suppose I'll be in a position to care then, but the thought of a humiliating death bothers me.

7. From an otherwise reversible or treatable condition due to lack of access to medical care, poor medical care, or medical error. It would just be so frustrating to me.

8. By legal execution for a crime I did not commit. (one of my secret paranoid fears is wrongful conviction)

Ways I wouldn't mind (too much) dying:

1. While successfully rescuing or saving another, especially a friend, family member or colleague.

2. On fairly short notice after a diagnosis of a fatal, but not too painful or debilitating disease, like some forms of brain cancer. I could say my good-bys and make my arrangements, without lingering on.

3. Unexpectedly, at home, in bed, asleep. But that would be tough on my wife. I've seen it many times.

4. Sudden, unexpected accident, provided I was rendered immediately dead or at least unconscious. Especially if it wasn't my fault, or at least where I've not harmed anyone else. One minute everything's fine, the next - poof, you're gone.

5. TMB Syndrome. (non-specific cause in advanced old age, just "Too Many Birthdays")

6. Anything after my wife goes, so the burden of widowhood falls on me, not her.

7. While out having fun, doing something I love, preferably in the wilderness, alone.

8. Shot by a jealous husband, at age 90.

Jeff