In Memorium

Popeye, Sailor

By Michael Stone
THE DISSASSOCIATED PRESS
September 20, 2006


LOS ANGELES · Popeye, the sailor and world champion spinach consumer who was married to sex siren Olive Oyl and whose famous nephew is known Worldwide as Sweetpea, has died.

Mr. Popeye died Thursday, according to a family statement. The cause of death was not released, but the family suspected that Mr. Popeye recently ingested some E-Coli tainted Spinach.

Popeye burst on the scene, spinach in hand, in 1929, when he first became enamored of the fickled-hearted Olive Oyl.

He parlayed his spinach-infused strength and physique into a performing career. Popeye battled Bluto for Olive Oyl’s affection in countless big screen features .

Spinach capital Crystal City, Texas, erected a statue in 1937 to honor Popeye for his influence on America's eating habits The spinach growers credited Popeye with a 33 percent increase in U.S. spinach consumption — and saving the spinach industry in the 1930s!

Ironically, the green leafy vegetable that made him famous appears to have also taken his life.

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