What are everyone's feelings on funerals?

I went to a funeral today. A friend of the family had just died, leaving his ex-wife and two kids. He was active in the community, having owned a car dealership and been an avid sportsman and scout leader. It seemed like half the town showed up at the church for the service.

He touched many lives, and always had a kind word for me. I feel sad for his family, but being a Christian I believe there is an afterlife for him.

But I also have this mix of emotions as well. I know that if I died tomorrow, we needn’t even have a service for who would come? I’ve done good work here and my presence has benefited many people. But I’m a very private person.

Not that I would really want a funeral. First off, I’m dead. Secondly, if someone can’t see me until I’m laying in a box, what’s the point of it all?

I know it’s a selfish feeling that somehow thinking that the size of the funeral is the measure of the man, and that I’m in one of my self-pity modes. I’m just trying to make sense of it all.

Heck, just scatter my ashes over the Big Wapsie and buy a keg.

Was in Hollywood, a combo Buddhist/Jewish ceremony. The departed's dog was there too. It ended up being a celebration, and everyone was telling stories.

The funeral is of course for the living, anyway.

http://www.wgoeshome.com

I didn't. A funeral is more for the family and friends then for the dead. I want to be cremated, then have the ashes dumped in either Ohio Stadium, the Great Miami River or the "Morningstar Road" area.

or a viewing. I just want my loved ones to throw a big party, get drunk, play great music and tell funny stories about me.
I was 21 when my father died and at the viewing and the funeral I felt like I had to put on an act, when deep inside I was devastated.
Funerals are more for those left behind, so have a party.

to the deceased. More people will show up than you realize.

well, that's how I see it.


I don't want much.. but I want to leave money for all those I love to have a big a$$ party to send me off!

death is a stage of life. we humans have rituals that help us cope with various stages of life.

it is to the living that the lesson and insight provided by the funeral ritual belongs.

by then, you're just meat.

But at the same time I still have these selfish feelings. Personally I like the way it's done down south in places like New Orleans. A funeral should be a celebration of life.

Just because you are private, doesn't mean you haven't touched peoples lives. I bet you have, in more ways than you even know. Sorry you are feeling low.

For me and my family - we all believe in cremation. Funerals are for the living mostly, of course while attending to the wishes of the deceased. And the spirit lives on ...

but attend as a show of respect

No flowers, no fancy box, no chemicals, none of that crap. (No cremation either, yuck.) Throw me in a box and put me in the ground. Later on, take the money left over that they saved by not buying a full embalming and a fancy anodized metal coffin to throw a big party with lots of free food, a DJ with my music collection, an open bar in one room and a chill-out area with big piles of joints in another.

Oh, yeah, and people can come in SCA/SF garb if they want. None of this black suits and ties, skirts, and uncomfortable shoes bullshit!