I can say in all honesty and with sincerity that the greatest man who ever lived has passed away — Arch West, creator of Doritos, at the age of 97.

West, a former Frito-Lay executive, passed away in Dallas on September 20, 2011, and will be buried with the chips he created. During a graveside service set for October 1, West’s family will be throwing the Doritos onto the grave before the dirt is put in.

To my family, please be sure to do the same for me (the Nacho Cheese variety only, please).

This great man first came across fried tortilla chips while vacationing in San Diego in 1961 and went on to create a most spectacular snack food from it. Doritos were put out in the United States in 1964 and all was right with the world.

I’m assuming West frequently partook in his own creation and considering he lived til 97 AND died of natural causes, it looks like I’m in for a very long life.

Arch West, you will be remembered by me with great fondness and admiration as the wizard who concocted the ultimate magical panacea to cure all ills and uplift all spirits. On this day, I raise my family-sized bag of nacho cheese Doritos in solute to you, my hero.

[Source: Kansas City Star]