My question is do I have to have a funeral, I'm not leaving much so I don't want it spent on something that is irrelevant to me. I am listed as an organ donor, so can't whatever is left over just be disposed of by the hospital or research centre. I don't see the point in spending thousands on a pointless exercise.

Email address removed Fr Chuck"

You can arrange what you want done with your body ( perhaps to medical school or to a crime lab body farm to be used in science if you want. Or arrange it to be cremated.

Make sure your heirs know of your wishes.

Remember the funeral is not for you ( your dead) it is a closing for the people who care for you.

There is no requirement for a funeral in any state. The easiest solution is to donate your remains to a medical school.

You echo my sentiments exactly but the problem lies with the survivors (relatives, etc). They cannot prevent your action but they should be fully informed and prepared as they will not have the traditional means of expressing their grief that the funeral provides.

Well personally I have left instructions for a party to celebrate my life, big meal, all the music I loved and to celebrate life itself.
Life to me is a journey and death is merely another door leading to the rest of the journey. No sadness for me please.

I had this question myself a while back. I didn't want to be taken to the funeral home, and I didn't want a funeral.

It is possible to avoid it all if you make arrangements in your will, to have your next of kin, arrange transport to a crematorium. Once the task is done, the ashes are picked up by whoever you have selected.

I'm with Fr_Chuck on this one. A celebration afterwards!! My favourite songs, good food, and lots of laughter because that is one thing I have in common with all my close friends. No boo-hooing.

I'm thinking I might even do a video of myself to have played, but light hearted.

Good luck with your plans.

Hi, ramjet1!

Do you have relatives with whom you are close as far as there being a relationship, please?

Thanks!

I want a closed casket with a framed glamour shot of me sitting on top of the casket.

I think donating your body to Science is a good idea. But if there are heirs, they may not like the idea.

The soul has gone on and the body is just that, the shell that held your soul.

I have talked to many people who believe that the cost of death by the family left behind is not worth it. That they would rather people remember them for who they were.

I am beginning to think that Fr. Chuck has it right. Have a party, a celebration, music and food and drink and just have a big smash of a party.

Why be sad, the only people who are truly sad are the ones that they believe there is nothing to look forward to but people who believe in life after life, know that life is just the beginning when we cross over to the other side.

You should do whatever you like. You've lived your life and you should be allowed to make your own decision about what you want to do with your remains.

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Originally Posted by Kitkat22

I want a closed casket with a a framed glamour shot of me sitting on top of the casket.

I think donating your body to Science is a good idea. But if there are heirs, they may not like the idea.

The soul has gone on and the body is just that, the shell that held your soul.

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I get great delight out of your posts to begin with... but read this over again.

Do you want a glamour photo taken of you sitting on top of a casket OR do you want your glamour photo displayed on the casket?

I get this image of you, all dolled up, posing on top of a casket.

At any rate - whatever OP (or anyone else wants or decides to do) put it in writing and put it in a safe place. I knew my husband's wishes, he had them written down and notarized and I still had a problem with his family. It's not as easy sometimes as it sounds.

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Originally Posted by JudyKayTee

I get great delight out of your posts to begin with ... but read this over again.

Do you want a glamour photo taken of you sitting on top of a casket OR do you want your glamour photo displayed on the casket?

I get this image of you, all dolled up, posing on top of a casket.

At any rate - whatever OP (or anyone else wants or decides to do) put it in writing and put it in a safe place. I knew my husband's wishes, he had them written down and notarized and I still had a problem with his family. It's not as easy sometimes as it sounds.

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I am laughing so hard right now.. oh my heavens... JudyKay.. give me a moment! You just made my day. I did word that wrong. But it would be funny, me posed on the top of the casket wearing my Mickey Mouse PJ's... holding a picture of me. Thanks for making me laugh till I've cried.
Now my daughter is laughing.. saying, "Mom you do have that nice navy blue dress, we could use that"... Okay.. You are just so funny.. Thanks
I'm wiping the tears from my eyes. Laughter is good for the soul.

My wife was cremated and in the urn is space for my ashes. Then my kids can do what ever they want with the urn.

Upon my demise I have contracted with a taxidermist. With instructions that he restore to life-like condition, place me in a Lazy boy recliner, dressed in bathrobe, hair uncombed, with Budweiser beer in right hand. I will then be delivered by UPS to the home of my x-wife.

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Originally Posted by DrBill100

Upon my demise I have contracted with a taxidermist. With instructions that he restore to life-like condition, place me in a Lazy boy recliner, dressed in bathrobe, hair uncombed, with Budweiser beer in right hand. I will then be delivered by UPS to the home of my x-wife.

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I know there will be a standing room only crowd at my funeral. It won't be because I'm that well liked... people will want to see how I look with my mouth shut. They'll be surprised to see a glamour shot of me. Closed casket. I hate it when people say ."doesn't he or she look good'. I want to say , "no they don't! Nobody looks good dead.:)

Dr. Bill... be sure to have a note in your hand that says, "Honey..I'm baaaack"