Specifically mine (after I have finished with it).
I am writing my will and got to thinking that after I am gone I have no qualms about what happens to mine, but if it could be of use for something worthwhile that would good. It's pretty well knackered so breaking it for spares isn't worthwhile.
Can anyone make any suggestions?
QI rules apply - points will be awarded for being entertaining, but useful suggestions would be appreciated.
if it could be of use for something worthwhile that would good
Well, it's going to have to be for "scientific research" of some description then, because there's not much else you can (legally) do with a body except in pre-authorised traditional funeral formats.
Code:
John Brown, a dentist's epitaph:
Stranger! Approach this spot
with gravity!
John Brown is filling
his last cavity."
Given that you don't give a stuff (and that opinion is unlikely to change after your demise) ... why don't you ask those who will have to deal with it what THEY want to do with it?
i.e. - if they want a huge ceremony, horse drawn coaches and the like - then make provision for that.
If they want minimum fuss, then once you have finished with it have the local funeral home stick it in a cardboard box and bury it.
Quote:
It's pretty well knackered so breaking it for spares isn't worthwhile.
"Leaving it to science" means giving it to the local medical college for the students to chop up. The condition of it doesn't matter - but at least it teaches some new doctors a few things
To 'leave it to medical science' you have to have a previous arrangement with a teaching hospital and die within reasonable distance of said establishment and ensure that your relatives are aware of the arrangement. Just as, 'leaving your organs for transplant' you have to perish in an incident that disables your brain whilst the heart remains functioning and (effectively) be on a life-support machine that can be switched-off around the time of the harvesting.
So many people who die of natural causes disqualify themselves from being potential organ donors, because once you are dead your organs are of no use for transplant.
Motorcyclists are referred-to by surgeons as organ donors because they are more likely to fulfil the conditions required, rather than they are more likely to die (though that can also be argued to be true).
If you do succeed in 'leaving your body to medical science' the hospital will (if you require it) dispose of your body afterwards at no expense to your estate (or surviving relatives).
I have informed my children that I want the minimum 'service' (in all senses).
Although I was raised as a Christian (Sunday School, Abbey Choir etc) I'm no longer associated with the local church and my children aren't religious, so getting the local clergy involved would be pointless IMO (when my father-in-law died the vicar got his name wrong). Cremation doesn't require the purchase (and maintenance) of a burial plot, though I have specified that my ashes should be cast to the wind overlooking a headland where gannets dive into the ocean (I have suggested a location, and I'm confident that my children would enjoy the excursion - which wouldn't need to be tied to my date of death).
Those who wish to spend money on ceremony and flowers are entitled to their wish, but it doesn't benefit the departed - except, perhaps, to strengthen the memory of the passing, which (as I have previously reported) is what 'heaven' is about IMO - the memory of the departed held by the survivors - I regularly refresh the memory of my grandfather who died when I was aged 7.
As SWMBO has never attended a funeral, and doesn't intend to break the habit of a lifetime should I predecease her, I proposed that I should give my body to a university. However, despite D2 explaining to her that such cadavers are treated with respect, she couldn't handle the idea of students fondling my body parts. I've therefore specified that my ashes are to be scattered in a rather nice river where I've caught the occasional trout and also spent a bit of time working. I'm sure it will make little difference to me, but will keep the family happy.
I've also made a funerary urn for a gent whose wife died quite young. It is to remain on their bookshelf with the books she liked until his death, when it is to be buried with him.
You die where you die, no-one to pick up the tab and either the local hospital/mortuary dispose of you straight away.If not and they place you in cold storage until they find someone to sort you out - you shouldn't care, you're dead.
Don't even leave any dough aside - spend well now and enjoy yourself!
You say you're a biker, that might accelerate! things if you're not careful. My mate who is a surgeon has a pet name for bikers - he calls them 'Doner's'.
So go and relax, kick off your boots and watch 'Easy Rider' Bro
I'm sure it will make little difference to me, but will keep the family happy.
At the end of the day (your day ) that's what funeral customs are all about. Whatever keeps them happy and results in the least amount of family disharmony.
I understand even a bog standard funeral can cost about four grand now with a exra grand for the hire of a extra limo,how in the name of all that's holy can the robbing bastards justifty costs like that?,the last funeral I attended the journey to the crem was about five hundred yards. Just another case of anybody wearing a suit has the divine right to commit fraud and rob the citizens of this country.
) that's what funeral customs are all about. Whatever keeps them happy and results in the least amount of family disharmony.
