protocol for visiting a deceased friend

[TUS373]

Had some terrible news last week that a good friend of mine has died. He had suffered a long illness, and an attempt at surgery went badly wrong. He had been in hospital for quite a few weeks and I had planned to see him after he had had his op, but sadly not possible now.

I don't really know his wife and family very well at all, but I have sent a card to express my condolences and passed word around. I was wondering what the protocol is for visiting him at the funeral home. Is it just family, or would the undertakers allow anyone with good reason to visit? As you can imagine, I don't want to input my foot in it so just wanted to see if anyone can tell me how this could be approached?

Thanks
B

[anonymous-user]

If you want to pay your respects to your friend, just go.

[mr.man]

In my experience it's usually immediate family only that visit the Chapel of Rest at the undertakers.
The vision of your friend lying in the coffin will remain with you for ever so my advice to you would be
remember the happy times and the laughter you shared. These will be more of comfort for you when you need them.