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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