INDUSTRY INSIGHT
FUNERAL SERVICES
SPONSORED CONTENT
Theme of Life
Yes , We Make It Happen
A caller to our funeral home recently asked , “ Can we go to the crematory ? We want to be there when Mom goes to the crematory .” I quickly answered , “ Absolutely . It is your right to be there .” “ No , really , you don ’ t have a problem with that ?” “ Not at all . You can be there ,” I said . I was taken aback by the caller ’ s shock . I plainly stated , “ If you wish to go to the crematory with your mom , you can be there .” The caller said , “ We will be right over there in a half an hour .”
During our conference , I was told by the family that they were refused the opportunity to see their mother to the crematory by another funeral director . My thoughts are if a funeral director says , “ This is how we do things here ,” or “ We always do it this way ,” you need to leave that funeral home . That family walked out of the funeral home when they were refused consideration of their reasonable request .
In 2015 , more people were cremated than buried in the U . S . Therefore , I am not surprised that more people are asking to go to the crematory . Almost all of us have been to a graveside service at a cemetery . However , I imagine that less than 3 % of people have ever been to a crematory .
Paraphrasing author Thomas Lynch , many choose cremation not so much as an alternative to burial , but as an alternative to bother . Please , let people bother . Cremation is an ancient and honorable means of disposition . Mostly , everyone deserves a final and fitting goodbye . Family and friends need some time to be together to remember and share .
Speaking of sharing , I would like to share the following examples of what families recently have chosen to do at our funeral home .
We hosted a service for someone who loved lawn bowling , an ancient game of skill and strategy . The family asked everyone attending to please wear white polo shirts and white slacks or shorts . Photos of lawn bowling tournaments , news articles and trophies were placed throughout our building . The atmosphere of camaraderie and friendship were present .
One family chose a beach theme , asking friends and family to come in Bermuda shorts , sandals and Hawaiian shirts . We played Jimmy Buffett and reggae music . It was so cool .
Another family asked if we could accommodate a full traditional Buddhist ceremony filled with prayers , chanting , food offerings , burning incense and candles . The funeral was memorable , uplifting and meaningful .
There was a funeral honoring a woman whose hobby was creating beautiful , miniature dioramas . She had created houses , floral shops , and an artist painting a beautiful scene on a beach . These creations were displayed throughout the funeral home as a remembrance of her life .
Your wishes and requests are honored and fulfilled at our spacious , clean and modern facility . We can comfortably seat over 100 people for services . We have a built-in music system that can accommodate CDs , cassette tapes , smartphones and laptops . We offer Wi-Fi service . Parking for over 700 vehicles is within a very short distance . We are conveniently located one block from Route 8 across the street from the Eat ’ n Park Restaurant in Shaler Township .
Many people think all funeral homes are the same ; they are not . We are not .
This Industry Insight was written by Frank Perman , FD , Supervisor , CFSP , CPC , CCO , CFC . He is the owner of Perman Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc ., 923 Saxonburg Boulevard at Rt . 8 in Shaler Township . Mr . Perman believes an educated consumer makes the most personal , affordable and memorable decisions . Inquiries may be made to Mr . Perman at 412.486.3600 or emailed to frank @ permanfuneralhome . com .
Hampton | Fall 2016 | icmags . com 17