Back in June 2008, the iconic founder and chairman emeritus for Southwest Airlines, Herb Kelleher sat down with Texas Monthly's Evan Smith for an interview. As is Herb's beloved persona, this was the photo they shot of him for the interview article. Herb's chain smoking habits are legendary. Twenty some years ago he was treated for prostate cancer and was asked if he was going to quit smoking as he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. His response was so classically Herb: "I don't smoke with my prostate." This excerpt from his 2008 Texas Monthly interview is just one of many vignettes that encapsulate his personality so perfectly: Evan Smith: Before we wrap up, what about your smoking? Not too long ago you were still at five packs a day. Herb Kelleher: I’ve cut back to three. It was a huge sacrifice. I was afraid I might have to go into rehab. Evan Smith: Once an outlier, always an outlier. Herb Kelleher: Let me tell you what happened to me last August. I was outside Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas—I’d gone to visit a friend of mine—and I was having a cigarette. And this fellow I knew came out of the hospital and said, “What are you doing out here?” And I said, “Actually, I’m developing a melanoma so I can sue the hospital for making me stand out in the sun to smoke. I’m building up a tort case.” 03 January 2019 is when Herb lit up one more time and flew west. #Herb #HerbKelleher #avgeek #aviation #Southwest #SWApic #instagramaviation #instaaviation #aviationlovers #flight #AvGeeksAero #AvgeekSchoolofKnowledge #AvGeekNation #TeamAvGeek https://www.instagram.com/p/CYfzHxAMZRu/?utm_medium=tumblr
