Funerals and Memorials

“There are no dead people
There are only the living
On earth and beyond.”
– Anon

The death of someone we love or are close to is never an easy thing to come to terms with. A personally meaningful funeral or memorial service, which truly honours the deceased, can help the grief process, forming a focus for memories and emotions, and allowing those who are left behind to begin to say goodbye.

I meet with the bereaved following a death, to help them to become clear about what kind of funeral or memorial is appropriate, taking into account both the desires of the deceased and the needs of the bereaved. Where possible and appropriate, I encourage family members and friends to write and read the eulogy and to be involved in other aspects of the funeral, to make it truly personal, and a real reflection and celebration of their loved one’s life.

I can also assist individuals with writing a pre-funeral plan. This is not a legally binding document but reflects the wishes of the individual for their funeral and disposition of their remains. Pre-planning your own funeral or memorial ceremony may sound morbid, but it is in fact a unique opportunity to celebrate and appreciate your own life, and what it means to you and to others. It is also a beautiful gift to your loved ones, who will know that, when the time comes – however far in the future that may be – the way they celebrate your life and mourn your death will be “as you would have wanted”.

“I have had my invitation to this world’s feast,
and thus my life has been blessed.
My eyes have seen and my ears have heard.
It was my part at this feast to play upon my instrument,
and I have done all I could.”
– Rabindranath Tagore

To find out more, email me or leave a voice message at 0131 208 4041.

Further Information
The Office of Fair Trading has issued guidelines for funerals, to ensure the public know what their rights are – clicking here will take you to the relevant page on their website.

Excellent information on natural death and green burials specific to Scotland, including a detailed information pack, can be obtained from: Another Way, 16 Midtown, Dalry, Castle Douglas, Dumfries & Galloway.