Pine Coffin pics and funeral planning info available

Hi Folks,
Here's a couple of pics of my own pine coffin (mentioned in the post https://permies.com/t/117574/ungarbage/Reduce-Cost-Leaving#954007) as well as a list of funeral planning info in which you may be interested. If so, you can email me at bwood4d@gmail.com.

In addition to funeral planning you will want to prepare an "Advanced Care Directive" and "Power of Attorney for Personal Care" in the event that you become unable to make decisions for your own physical care before you die.  I have an article on DIY funerals from the National Post Feb.21,2016,  a letter from our Provincial Coroner's Office which verifies that families can indeed care for their own dead without the assistance of a funeral director, some excellent sites on death midwives and how to care for a corpse at home, planning a green funeral at home, "Predetermination of Disposition of Remains" letter for informing a hospital or other institution of the person's wishes so if they die in that institution, the powers that be know they can release the body to the family rather than a funeral director etc.   Also, if cremation is planned, a "Certificate of Cremation" must be acquired from the Coroner before the cremation can take place. (Here in Ontario there is a $75 charge for this certificate.)

Some people find consideration of these matters "distasteful" and this may be the major reason why the vast majority just opt to let the funeral director do his thing!  But huge sums can be saved by pre-planning and choosing not to follow many expensive and absolutely unnecessary traditions!  If I can be of any help to folks who want to go the DIY route, I'd be happy to.

That reminds me of a classical composer who wrote his own funeral march.

I want my son-in-law, the fine carpenter, to build my coffin; but make it do duty as a bookshelf until need.

Bruce! Your woodcraft is beautiful! Thank you for the post and the pictures.

Bruce Woodford wrote: In addition to funeral planning you will want to prepare an "Advanced Care Directive" and "Power of Attorney for Personal Care" in the event that you become unable to make decisions for your own physical care before you die.

I have an article on DIY funerals from the National Post Feb.21,2016,  a letter from our Provincial Coroner's Office which verifies that families can indeed care for their own dead without the assistance of a funeral director, some excellent sites on death midwives and how to care for a corpse at home, planning a green funeral at home, "Predetermination of Disposition of Remains" letter for informing a hospital or other institution of the person's wishes so if they die in that institution, the powers that be know they can release the body to the family rather than a funeral director etc.   Also, if cremation is planned, a "Certificate of Cremation" must be acquired from the Coroner before the cremation can take place.      

Bruce, Thank you for sharing this information.  This has answered a lot of my questions and also confirmed some of the things that I have been told over the years.

Having these items is a must.  I just need to confirm what my state and county require.  I was thinking I would call the Dept. of Health or the Coroner's office.

If I am planning a burial on my land do I need a certificate or would a letter from the proper County Department would be sufficient?

Hi Anne,
I'd be happy to email you any of these articles if you would just email me at bwood4d@gmail.com.

Re burial on your own land, you will have to check to see what your state and local laws have to say on that issue. Here in Ontario it is impossible.

Did you know that Kosher caskets have no metal in them?  All the joinery is done with dowels and glue.  Just a bit of random trivia.

And the more PC term people use today is casket, not coffin.  Not sure why it sounds a bit nicer, but that's the language most funeral homes use.  

Nice craftsmanship.  I'd be honored to be buried in that!

Back in October, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. Then I learned that it had metastasized to my liver and that it was stage 4 cancer. Since then, I have gone "down hill" very rapidly. I believe that I am very near to my end. Since I have decided against immediate cremation but instead have decided to be cremated after a period of visitation and a Celebration of Life service, I wanted to modify my coffin to make this possible. My sons have insulated the coffin so that dry ice can be used to cool by body for a few days to allow time for the visitation and celebration of life.  I also wanted to paint the coffin and apply Bible verses to all four sides. So here are a few pictures of the finished product.

Bruce,
I hope I have the strength and attitude that I feel from you when it is my time.
I missed this thread the first time around and am so sorry to hear your update.

Wishing peace and comfort to you and your family.

Judith

That is beautifully done. well made!
Good on you for taking the time to figure out your end of life plans. My hubby and I are working on ours too, as we want to donate our home to a charitable cause w hen we are gone.