Forum Topic

Direct Cremation

Can anyone recommend a company that provides direct cremations? (no service)

Ray White ● 619d23 Comments

Tessa, believe it or not but I heard some put their partners ashes in theback garden, so if there is a wonderful looking rose bush I would wonderwhat is beneath.

Janice Evans ● 615d

For me they can take any bits for organ donation that are still working and stick the rest on the fire. Simple!!

Juliet Hogg ● 616d

I have been on the periphery of a few "direct" cremations of friends who sought this option on their death (or Bowie Cremations as they seem to be called given this was what David Bowie had happen after his death). In all cases they were totally anti-religious ceremony and did not want any mourning process, so it was wholly in line with their wishes.In both cases the friends/relatives despite some resenting the choice had to accept the deceased's wishes, though it should be remembered the executors are the ones who have the final say in executing the deceased's wishes under a Will.The slight variation which I have also now seen a few times is a cremation without any religious service per the deceased's wishes at the crematorium with usually just a few eulogies made by relatives/friends often followed by a Wake for those who attended. One suspects this format is going to become the norm if the perceived levels of non-church goers continues to grow.On the earlier posting about donating your body for medical research (usually to medical training hospitals) the process is not that simple from looking at a few years ago. A full documentation has to be entered into with bodies that have had major surgery or diseases probably being rejected. If the body is accepted, it will be cremated at the end of the process and the ashes returned in accordance with instructions given.

Joe Conneely ● 616d

That sounds disgusting, Janice. I have arranged with the Co-Op for me to be stuffed and mounted me in a glass cage, which in return for making no charge they can use me for promotional purposes at flower shows, farmers' markets, the Notting Hill Carnival and garden fetes, etc. Thus, I will be preserved for posterity.

Roger Talbot ● 616d

Thank you Tracie for providing good information.Maybe it’s the sign of the times, but many people are finding themselves living alone with no relatives left in the world. Making contact with an old work colleague from 20 years ago, the direct funeral subject came up. He said who wants the council to arrange your funeral and clear out you house with no one to over see it.So he has arranged a direct Cremation which is paid for and lodge a will with a solicitor who is to be contacted by his GP when he dies.I’m not quite sure how that has been arranged but I hope it all works for him.But that’s look on the positive, hope he will be around for a while yet

Bernard Allen ● 616d

Resomation or water cremation is coming soon to the UK through the Co-op. Seems to be some type of body bag filled with special mix of water and Potassium hydroxide which, in 4 hours, will take care of anything but the bones which can then be ground and offered as ashes if wished.

Andrew Craig ● 616d

I can recommend the truly wonderful John Davis who was an innovator in  the direct cremation movement. A retired dentist, he found himself appalled by the process of arranging a funeral for one of his relatives. As a result of this, he undertook all the necessary training and obtained his funeral director licence. John is an absolute delight - sensitive, intuitive and very intelligent. (He is now, however, quite elderly and has begun working with someone called Wesley, who I don’t know. I’m sure he is lovely too.) Other operatives have popped up offering low-cost/direct cremations, but John was the first. John arranged my mother’s funeral, which took place at Putney Vale Crematorium. The process was absolutely painless and entirely devoid of BS. The people at Putney said it was the strangest funeral they’d ever experienced, but it was completely ’right’ for us - and my mother. Here’s the the website. All the very best of luck. https://cremation-low-cost-direct.co.uk/

Tracie Dudley Craig ● 616d

My sister just did it and then told people as, I suppose, is her right. Of course ideally such things should be discussed with family members first but then in the end it's her funeral so to speak! She did say people could have a party.

Anne England ● 616d

One thing that happens and know I wouldn't like is for someone to keep myashes,

Janice Evans ● 616d

Janice the thing is everyone has their own boundaries and wishes. I'd quite like the Body Farm option as a Patricia Cornwell fan, after all I'll be dead and won't care.But it's important to accept that people will have very different opinions and very good to talk them through as has been mentioned.I think I've made my feelings quite clear about my death, I'll be dead so do what you like as my heirs. I've been through the thought that a glass carriage and plumed horses would be nice through to being buried in the garden. Though I've been informed that will make my house harder to sell.I  won't be there after my death (as an atheist so far) and whatever my wishes are the people who remain can do whatever makes them feel right.

Tessa Russell ● 616d

Have seen a programme about that Roger, and you can just be dumped out in the open so they can test which insects will infest at what stage of decomposition, quite horrific. Think that was in America.

Janice Evans ● 616d

The cheapest bysey-bye is to leave your carcass (inc innards) to medical science. An NHS department can arrange for one's magnificent body to be collected and taken away for free, for instructing trainee doctors on where a human's bits and pieces are located. Obviously the deceased's loved one are not allowed in to witness the dissection procedures.

Roger Talbot ● 616d

Just try watching afternoon TV - there must be at least one direct cremation ad per break, if not them then mobility scooters, all very depressing given that it is highly likely most people watching will be of a certain age. I suspect more people are drawn to them given the outrageous costs that funeral directors charge these days.

Vanessa Smith ● 616d

We have had 3 close family funerals since Christmas, I think it's a time when family come together and if someone needs support at that time youare able to discuss it during funeral arrangements etc.,

Janice Evans ● 617d

I'd like to reiterate that I am not against Direct Cremation - I think it's a good option to have available and one I would consider myself. My sister is not short of money and chose the DC option for 'no fuss' reasons, but hadn't considered the points I raised at all, and our discussion ended with her questioning the decision she had made.

Michael Brown ● 617d

Maybe it should be discussed with the family first as it will affect thosegrieving.

Janice Evans ● 617d

My sister, too, has opted for one of these direct funerals. It sort of reflects her no-fuss way with things but I wonder whether it also has something to do with how she feels about herself. I have asked whether it wouldn't be 'nice' to have one person in the car to accompany her to the place of cremation - that's if the company would allow it. Perhaps if they did allow it they would be going against the wishes of the deceased person.

Anne England ● 617d

Back to the topic in hand.Michael is right to say it won't be the right decision for everyone, but I think it's good to know there are many ways you can mourn or celebrate the life and death of someone who's died.So many practical, social, religious and cultural factors play into any decisions you make. But for many the decision is a financial necessity and a direct cremation or burial can help ease that particular burden.

Tessa Russell ● 617d

Plus let's not forget those killed as a result of State sponsored terror, bogus wildfires and deadly vaccines.

Michael Brown ● 618d

Yes, even of those killed in terrorist attacks.

Anne England ● 618d

I was talking to my sister about these plans as she has opted for one. I appreciate that they are a good option for some people and their circumstances, but I wonder if everyone properly thinks things through, as funerals are for the benefit of the living, and these cremation plans omit the gathering where relatives respectfully say goodbyes/celebrate/mourn/draw closure etc. as they have done across the world for centuries.

Michael Brown ● 618d

Thanks Tessa, that is very helpful.

Ray White ● 618d

I've used the CO-OP, I think it's becoming more widely available through traditional undertakers not just 'specialist' services.

Tessa Russell ● 619d