Hunter Thompson send-off

'As many as 150 family members and friends of the legendary "gonzo" journalist gathered here and in nearby Woody Creek on Saturday to prepare for a private evening ceremony in the posh ballroom of the Jerome. The guest list of artists and illustrators, writers and photographers, actors and filmmakers was intended to include only Thompson's closest friends. A public memorial is in the works. The initiated were to bring a favorite photo or memento to help mark the occasion at the closed ceremony at the Hotel Jerome. At least three Aspen restaurants were rented for gatherings following the memorial. Guests were to include such marquee names as Jack Nicholson, Sean Penn, John Cusack and Johnny Depp. Former presidential candidate George McGovern was expected to attend and speak. "It only happens when you die that all your friends come," said artist and longtime friend Michael Cleverly, who lives a short walk down the road from the Thompson compound.' More. And here.