Funerals
Author
Discussion

djcube

Original Poster:

520 posts

94 months

Yesterday (08:16)
quotequote all
Not sure if this is the right place for the topic of funerals but its turned out to be rather amusing to me and the missus.

Neither of us want a funeral, we want what I believe is called a "direct cremation". Ones body is taken away by the undertaker, slipped into the cremation timetable at a convenient point, then post cremation, delivered to the family.

At this point we thought a small gathering of friends and family, if they are still with us, along the lines of drinks and something to eat.

Then comes the disposal or otherwise of the ashes. This has turned out to be a surprisingly joyful subject. It stared off with being left on the mantlepiece in a suitable container. That container has morphed into some very odd ideas, one involving a piston!

The scattering of ashes has been considered, places we have visited, this has brought back very pleasant memories of some wonderful times.

For me, the current favourite is being sprinkled into the air intake of a (running) Spitfire engine.

So, over to you lot, where would you like to end up?


Gary29

4,995 posts

123 months

Yesterday (08:18)
quotequote all
I'd be happy chucked in a random wheelie bin somewhere and save the family a few £. I mean PRE-cremation.

Not sure a Merlin engine would appreciate a load of gritty mass being thrown into it's intake, but it would be good way to go!

Badda

3,680 posts

106 months

Yesterday (08:24)
quotequote all
djcube said:
Not sure if this is the right place for the topic of funerals but its turned out to be rather amusing to me and the missus.

Neither of us want a funeral, we want what I believe is called a "direct cremation". Ones body is taken away by the undertaker, slipped into the cremation timetable at a convenient point, then post cremation, delivered to the family.

At this point we thought a small gathering of friends and family, if they are still with us, along the lines of drinks and something to eat.

Then comes the disposal or otherwise of the ashes. This has turned out to be a surprisingly joyful subject. It stared off with being left on the mantlepiece in a suitable container. That container has morphed into some very odd ideas, one involving a piston!

The scattering of ashes has been considered, places we have visited, this has brought back very pleasant memories of some wonderful times.

For me, the current favourite is being sprinkled into the air intake of a (running) Spitfire engine.

So, over to you lot, where would you like to end up?
You’re aware you won’t be aware of all these plans? Funerals are for those left behind, not the deceased.

Jamescrs

5,983 posts

89 months

Yesterday (08:32)
quotequote all
Have spoken to my parents about this, they brought it up I hasten to add!

My dad wants a simple cremation I think it’s called which is as the OP describes. I think my mum will want the same because she hated having to put on an after service reception on for her mother, in her words “I don’t see why I should have to cater for everyone at my mothers funeral” but she says it’s up to me and my sister.

Whilst I’m fortunate enough to still have both parents I have friends who have lost theirs and they have all said that waiting for the funeral is like a cloud hanging over them so I can see the benefit of not having one but it’s a personal thing, some people need it as an end and to say goodbye.

Monkeylegend

28,547 posts

255 months

Yesterday (08:36)
quotequote all
I have written instructions to be left with my will saying I want a direct cremation, no service or mourners, just straight from the morgue to the oven, in the cheapest box available.

I have no desire for my ashes to be spread anywhere.

If anyone wishes to have a drink afterwards to celebrate my passing they are welcome to do so as long as they leave me out of it smile

ARH

1,663 posts

263 months

Yesterday (08:51)
quotequote all
Be aware if you wish to scatter ashes within the law you will need the landowners permission. Some councils and organisations are not very obliging when it comes to this. Not that anyone has ever asked for permission.

Also if you do want a direct cremation talk to your local independant undertaker before committing to one of those often advertised schemes with a free pen or gift card.

Steve H

6,970 posts

219 months

Yesterday (08:55)
quotequote all
Monkeylegend said:
If anyone wishes to have a drink afterwards to celebrate my passing they are welcome to do so as long as they leave me out of it smile
Presumably you will be well out of it by then whichever way it’s done wink. We should probably all have our funerals while we are still alive so we can enjoy them properly biglaugh.


But it’s worth remembering that funerals are not for the benefit of the person in the box. I understand the bah-humbug feeling that leads to saying you don’t want it but a funeral is part of the process for many people and a it does help to draw a line that they can move forward from.

Arrivalist

2,558 posts

23 months

Yesterday (08:57)
quotequote all
My dad died 2 weeks ago and he didn’t want a funeral.

We had an unattended cremation for him yesterday and are having a party with all his friends and family in 2 weeks to celebrate his life. He had a great 91 years so it’s a perfect send off for him.

I’ll be having exactly the same unless being thrown on a bonfire is legal when I go.

Landlubber

383 posts

73 months

Yesterday (09:15)
quotequote all
Direct, no witnesses, no God bothered. Then scattered at Combe Gibbet overlooking a good chunk of West Berkshire. Do the grass a world of good.

blue_haddock

4,901 posts

91 months

Yesterday (09:18)
quotequote all
My dad died nearly a year ago, he wanted his ashes spreading among the bluebells in the woods where he lived as a child.

Its also where we spread nans ashes so they will be together again.

I just need a nice evening to do the deed.

Halmyre

12,331 posts

163 months

Yesterday (09:24)
quotequote all
Badda said:
djcube said:
Not sure if this is the right place for the topic of funerals but its turned out to be rather amusing to me and the missus.

Neither of us want a funeral, we want what I believe is called a "direct cremation". Ones body is taken away by the undertaker, slipped into the cremation timetable at a convenient point, then post cremation, delivered to the family.

At this point we thought a small gathering of friends and family, if they are still with us, along the lines of drinks and something to eat.

Then comes the disposal or otherwise of the ashes. This has turned out to be a surprisingly joyful subject. It stared off with being left on the mantlepiece in a suitable container. That container has morphed into some very odd ideas, one involving a piston!

The scattering of ashes has been considered, places we have visited, this has brought back very pleasant memories of some wonderful times.

For me, the current favourite is being sprinkled into the air intake of a (running) Spitfire engine.

So, over to you lot, where would you like to end up?
You re aware you won t be aware of all these plans? Funerals are for those left behind, not the deceased.
My wife occasionally asks what sort of funeral I would like. I usually reply "surprise me".

Alickadoo

3,325 posts

47 months

Yesterday (09:33)
quotequote all
I don't think it matters.

Cheapest possible cremation, cheap coffin, drinks after at the rugby club.

Badda

3,680 posts

106 months

Yesterday (09:35)
quotequote all
Halmyre said:
Badda said:
djcube said:
Not sure if this is the right place for the topic of funerals but its turned out to be rather amusing to me and the missus.

Neither of us want a funeral, we want what I believe is called a "direct cremation". Ones body is taken away by the undertaker, slipped into the cremation timetable at a convenient point, then post cremation, delivered to the family.

At this point we thought a small gathering of friends and family, if they are still with us, along the lines of drinks and something to eat.

Then comes the disposal or otherwise of the ashes. This has turned out to be a surprisingly joyful subject. It stared off with being left on the mantlepiece in a suitable container. That container has morphed into some very odd ideas, one involving a piston!

The scattering of ashes has been considered, places we have visited, this has brought back very pleasant memories of some wonderful times.

For me, the current favourite is being sprinkled into the air intake of a (running) Spitfire engine.

So, over to you lot, where would you like to end up?
You re aware you won t be aware of all these plans? Funerals are for those left behind, not the deceased.
My wife occasionally asks what sort of funeral I would like. I usually reply "surprise me".
biggrin

redrabbit29

2,280 posts

157 months

Yesterday (09:39)
quotequote all
I want a week of mourning amongst my tiny number of friends, with family taking part in a 7-day silence, where the only noise made is the sobbing and reluctant weeping. During this time, all daylight will be shut out, with blinds drawn, candles lit.

On the day of my ceremony, I will be carried through in high-grade, wooden box, with gold plated edging. The top though will be entirely see through, and I will be placed in a way that my eyes are physically pulled open, and my face is in a frown.

I will be driven slowly through the local streets, for a period of exactly 90 minutes, with all attendees walking with their heads down next to the procession.

5 priests will be present, with hymns, prayers, choir boys, and at the end white doves will be launched as I am lowered into a very large hold in the ground. My headstone will be very large, visible from 2 miles away if the weather is clear and every Sunday, mourners will attend to lay flowers and candles.

Other than this, I don't want much of a fuss though

Alickadoo

3,325 posts

47 months

Yesterday (09:46)
quotequote all
redrabbit29 said:
I want a week of mourning amongst my tiny number of friends, with family taking part in a 7-day silence, where the only noise made is the sobbing and reluctant weeping. During this time, all daylight will be shut out, with blinds drawn, candles lit.

On the day of my ceremony, I will be carried through in high-grade, wooden box, with gold plated edging. The top though will be entirely see through, and I will be placed in a way that my eyes are physically pulled open, and my face is in a frown.

I will be driven slowly through the local streets, for a period of exactly 90 minutes, with all attendees walking with their heads down next to the procession.

5 priests will be present, with hymns, prayers, choir boys, and at the end white doves will be launched as I am lowered into a very large hold in the ground. My headstone will be very large, visible from 2 miles away if the weather is clear and every Sunday, mourners will attend to lay flowers and candles.

Other than this, I don't want much of a fuss though
White or black horses?

Monkeylegend

28,547 posts

255 months

Yesterday (10:47)
quotequote all
Halmyre said:
My wife occasionally asks what sort of funeral I would like. I usually reply "surprise me".
The answer should be , not sure yet I will wait and see how yours go before I decide.

BunkMoreland

3,801 posts

31 months

Yesterday (10:50)
quotequote all
My Dad is a big steam train guy.

He's said he wants his ashes to go into one and out the smoke stack. Probably the Bluebell Railway in Sussex

My Mum hasn't specified. Her Mother kept her Dads ashes in the cupboard for a decade-ish. We were convinced that she would talk to the urn. When she died they were scattered in the Crematorium garden together. Not out of any spoken desire, but to finally do it! no point in keeping them!


I've always said I want to mine to be put into the stuff they put down at Silverstone when a F1 engine blows up. Make some use of me right at the end.



I did consider Richmond Park in London, since I love that place. But they dont allow ash scattering as it messes up the local soil/environment. (Ashes are toxic) Someone said "just do it quietly" But my thoughts was, I adore the place, so dont want to fk it up in any way! Just like I wouldn't just chuck litter in a bush cause no one saw it!

NDA

24,980 posts

249 months

Yesterday (10:54)
quotequote all
I want a mausoleum, sponsored by Kleenex, where small crowds can go and make offerings to appease the gods.

TV200

181 posts

94 months

Yesterday (10:58)
quotequote all
Left on a hillside to be eaten by the birds

Don Veloci

2,148 posts

305 months

Yesterday (11:05)
quotequote all
BunkMoreland said:
I've always said I want to mine to be put into the stuff they put down at Silverstone when a F1 engine blows up. Make some use of me right at the end.
There's a shout!

Albeit the dust is probably a very specific grade/mix it's a great untapped angle for your favourite racetrack to make a buck.

Track P.A. crackles..... Today's marshalls clean up is brought to you in memory of Uncle Albert who held his race license and raced in historics until 77 years of age. He attended all meetings until age 83 when he died after a short illness. hehe