Estates of Walden Stout, Deceased Lois Stout, Deceased

This article is part of the Tobacco portal on Sourcewatch funded from 2006 - 2009 by the American Legacy Foundation.

In this sad letter, a man writes to Philip Morris (PM) Magazine to say that he received a copy of PM magazine addressed to his deceased father, who died of cigarette-induced lung disease. The man encloses the reply card that came with the magazine, saying

"I have enclosed your reply card with one slight modification. I have included another box to be checked that I would like to see added to all future mailings -- No, Died of Smoking Related Causes."

He adds,

"Both of my parents have passed away. My mother died of lung cancer directly caused by cigarette smoking and cigarette smoking was a major contributor to my father's death...My two boys, ages 9 and 6, will grow up without really knowing my parents. My wife is pregnant now with our third son. He will only know my parents via pictures. Very sad and chances are that they would be alive and well today had they both not smoked their entire adult lives...This is not a personal attack on you so please do not take it as that. I know that we all have to work to put food, on the table and pay bills etc... But, are there no other choices?"

The man copied the letter to Michael A. Miles, then Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Philip Morris Companies, Inc.

Quotes

October 29, 1991

Phillip Morris Magazine
P.O.Box 32081
Richmond, VA 23286-8733
Subject: Estates of Walden Stout, deceased Lois Stout, deceased

Gentlemen,

Your magazine, Phillip Morris Magazine, addressed to my father, Walden Stout, was forwarded to me as I am the Personal Representative of his estate. I have enclosed your reply card with one slight modification. I have included another box to be checked that I would like to see added to all future mailings -- No, Died of Smoking Related Causes.

Please remove his name for your mailing list. Both of my parents have passed away. My mother died of lung cancer directly caused by cigarette smoking and cigarette smoking was a major contributor to my father's death.

I hope you and the other people that work for Phillip Morris Co. and the other tobacco industry companies will someday understand that TOBACCO KILLS! When will the greed in your industry stop? What does it take for the Tobacco Industry to admit that there is a relationship between smoking and cancer. I know that Phillip Morris and the other tobacco companies have your high paid lawyers and consultants that refute all of the claims. But, get serious.

My two boys, ages 9 and 6, will grow up without really knowing my parents. My wife is pregnant now with our third son. He will only know my parents via pictures. Very sad and chances are that they would be alive, and well today had they both not smoked their entire adult lives.

This is not a personal attack on you so please do not take it as that. I know that we all have to work to put food on the table and pay bills, etc. But, are there no other choices?

Sincerely,

Stuart J. Stout

Co-Personal Representative of the Estate of Lois Stout
& Personal Representative of the Estate of Walden Stout
3488 Iris Ct. Boulder CO 80304
W (303)924-4070

cc: Mr. Michael A. Miles
Chairman and CEO of Phillip Morris Companies Inc.

References

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