Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Comparing Funeral Service Charge



How does funeral service compare in St. George and Hurricane with the rest of the country?  Maybe you can reflect on the last funeral you attended in Las Vegas, or maybe you had a relative die in Southern California.  There are two different perspectives – as a loved one attending, or as a member of the family actually helping to make the funeral arrangements.

            You be the judge.  Overall, funeral service is much better in our area than other parts of the country.  Granted, Utah is significantly ahead of the nation in many ways, and Utahans have not forgotten the value of the funeral service for family and loved ones.

            This past week I personally supervised an evening visitation that lasted for over five hours.  Each person attending had the opportunity to pay their personal respects, offer tender words of appreciation and encouragement, or to give a gentle hug.  Each person’s time spent was rewarded as they heard the heartfelt and teary-eyed response of, “Thank you.  You are one of our most loved and valued friends,” or “Oh, thank you for being here with us this evening.”  As we attend viewings, each of us adds a little strength, each one of us lifts the burden, each one of us helps ease the pain.  What a noble and valiant expression of love and affection we give at those times.  You will always be remembered for your thoughtfulness as one who cared enough to be there.

            In searching my memory about large visitations, I recall standing out in the cold because there wasn’t enough room within the mortuary.  Thank heavens those days are bygones!  I can still remember the comment, “It sure would be nice if you would put heaters out here!”  We survived, little knowing that one day Vivian and I would be the owners of such elegant, beautiful, and accommodating mortuaries.  It is a dream come true. 

            Yes, funeral service is definitely better....  Not only are our facilities exceptional, but our personnel is some of the best the industry has to offer, and our equipment technology is State of the Art.  We also provide 24-hour on premises availability.  There is, within reason, always someone in our mortuary.  Are these things important?  Without a doubt!

             I am always amazed that, through cutting corners, others haven’t learned that there is no substitute for first class quality of service and merchandise.  The funeral service should honor the loved one with the highest regard. There are no reruns or dress rehearsals.  There is no excuse for a half-effort.  From the limousine to the ice water at the cemetery, only the best is good enough for the families we serve.

            It is plain to me, and becoming more obvious to others, that the families of Southern Utah are very traditional, and place high value on the funeral service.  They choose to bid farewell in a most dignified manner.   As in the words of William Gladstone, “Show me the manner in which a nation cares for its dead, and I will measure with mathematical exactness the tender mercies of its people, their respect for the laws of the land, and their loyalty to high ideals.”

            So, how does funeral service compare in Southern Utah versus other parts of our great nation? Exceptionally well!  It is a reflection of our heritage.

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