The Last Good Guy

I read with great interest and much sadness Robert W. Welkos’ excellent piece on Richard Farnsworth (“Farewell to a True Good Guy,” Oct. 13).

I had the great privilege and pleasure of spending time in Lexington, Ky., when I was an executive on the Rastar production “Sylvester,” an equestrian fable starring Melissa Gilbert and Farnsworth.

Dick was in horse heaven and loving every minute. We went to tour the renowned Calumet Farms. The owner showed us a multimillion-dollar stallion and explained that the horse had some leg problems early on in a brilliant career and was put out to stud.

Dick said, “I’ve got a few racehorses of my own and their legs have been havin’ some problems.”

“What kind?” said the Calumet boss.

“Too slow,” replied Dick.

He was the “last” cowboy. Vaya con dios, amigo!

PAUL R. GURIAN

Beverly Hils

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Your tribute to Farnsworth did not mention his excellent work on the TV series “Anne of Green Gables.” I will long remember the characters played by Farnsworth and the late Colleen Dewhurst as the kindest stepfamily an orphan with red hair and freckles ever had.

JANET WHITCOMB

Rancho Santa Margarita

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Millions of moviegoers came to admire Farnsworth for his portrayal of Alvin Straight, a man of uncommon pride and resolve who drove a lawn mower to visit his long-estranged brother. Now comes the news that Farnsworth, dying of cancer and wracked with pain, died by self-inflicted shotgun blast in his home.

It is appalling he had to resort to violence to honor his sense of self-respect and dignity. We are not a decent society until we allow people in such circumstances a choice to die peacefully in bed, held by the people who love them.

BARBARA COOMBS LEE

President, Compassion in Dying

Federation, Portland, Ore.