Why Have a Funeral or Memorial Service?
Why should anyone pre-plan their own funeral? Perhaps you’re telling your family that you don’t care what’s done with your body or how you are remembered. After all, after you die, you won’t be around to enjoy the party. But the people who love you care deeply. My friend Gary, a confirmed bachelor in his 60s with no immediate family in the area, says that he doesn’t want a funeral when he dies. To his way of thinking, he’s not religious, doesn’t like ceremonies or rituals, and doesn’t want people to make a fuss. But so many of his friends will miss him and his warm wit, his deep intellect, his incredible guitar playing, and his appreciation of fine wine. Those who know him and call him a friend will want to honor his life, even though Gary pooh-poohs the idea. My brother Mitch had a life partner named Wes who died from liver cancer in 2007. Within days, my brother and I, along with family and friends, planned a very moving memorial service that reflected the many unique aspects of Wes’
