Humanist Funerals
The death of someone we know and love can be shocking and painful, especially if it's sudden or even if it's expected.
Humanist funerals, cremations and memorial services offer a personal way to say goodbye to people who have lived without religion. At Humanist funerals, we bring people together to express sadness at their loss but also to celebrate the life that was lived. The funeral focuses with care on the person who has died, and honours their memory. We pay tribute to them, the relationships that they made, and the way that they lived their life.
Once we have made contact, my priority will be to meet with the partner, family and / or friends of the deceased.
We will talk generally about the outline of the ceremony and I'll try to answer any questions that you may have. We’ll then take a wee while to think about music or poems that may have meant something in the life of your loved one.
I’ll then spend some time asking you questions which will help you to tell the life story of the deceased. This will be sad, and might be difficult, but it can often be a happy time too where you share stories and memories of your time together. I will take careful notes and use these to write a personal tribute (eulogy). I will then write a ceremony which is in keeping with how you want to celebrate your loved one’s life.
I will send you the full ceremony and tribute for comments, corrections, etc, and then prepare a final version which will be presented ‘on the day.’
Friends and family are most welcome and supported where possible to participate in the ceremony through writing memories to share, reading their own words or a particular poem, or by playing a musical instrument or sharing a song.
On the day of the funeral I will meet and greet the family and mourners and present the ceremony as we have agreed, managing the proceedings throughout.
