[TwinTurboViper]

Good Morning Fellow Villagers
After attending many seminars and still no decision I was hoping you might help suggest one of the better companies for Burial Cremation services so that we will not have to deal with this at the "last moment"

We have found all kinds of prices and asking for your help as to which one you might suggest as to no service needed here in Fla but just Cremation and transporting if and when we leave the states

Hope I am making sense and...as usual...value your comments. Thank you

[JoMar]

Some years ago a friend of mine lived in NJ and his Dad was there also. When the Dad died he wanted to buried in his home State of Mississippi. The local funeral director handled the cremation and packaged the urn in a protective package. My friend then had the package shipped UPS to a family member who arranged the internment per the Dad's request. He also insured him for $2500.00 so UPS wouldn't get suspicious of a heavy package not being insured. Since then I have found that wasn't unique. We have a neighbor down here that has researched several companies that claim to handle worldwide cremation and make sure your ashes get delivered. Since he is a bit anal, his due diligence found that all the companies in and around TV, while having different names, are all owned by the same Corporation. He also found that the sales and marketing pitch was not mirrored in the contracts and when he wanted them added to the contract they all refused. Not having those sales promises added would have cost additional money depending on where he died. UPS sounds better all the time

[villagetinker]

Just a note, I was informed that ONLY USPS can ship human ashes.

Also, after doing some investigating ourselves, we managed to get one of the promised "forms" for filling out for prearrangements. We have filled these out, and set money aside for the costs, and will just pickup the phone and call a funeral director that specializes in cremation. Then arrange with USPS to send the ashes back up North, and relatives will handle the interment at minimal cost as we have grave-sites. The one company that actually gave us a price was way higher then DIY.

Good luck with your search, one other thing, I saw an article (consumer reports?) that indicated prearrangement plans were not a good investment, especially if you decide to move or something else changes.

[Kahuna32162]

As it happens, my Father in Law passed on 6/2 with no prior planning, will or executor. We worked with Cornerstone Hospice to have the body picked by All Faiths Cremation Services. They handled everything in a flawless and professional manner. Total cost for all services was a little under $1,000. I would highly recommend them. My wife and I have our pre arrangements made with the Neptune Society, which is owned by the same company.

[TwinTurboViper]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

Just a note, I was informed that ONLY USPS can ship human ashes.

Also, after doing some investigating ourselves, we managed to get one of the promised "forms" for filling out for prearrangements. We have filled these out, and set money aside for the costs, and will just pickup the phone and call a funeral director that specializes in cremation. Then arrange with USPS to send the ashes back up North, and relatives will handle the interment at minimal cost as we have grave-sites. The one company that actually gave us a price was way higher then DIY.

Good luck with your search, one other thing, I saw an article (consumer reports?) that indicated prearrangement plans were not a good investment, especially if you decide to move or something else changes.

Thank you for your response and am I understand that you did "not" get the service and just handle the cremation after someone dies. I was told that you could just use an "ID Card" upon death to which you can call and body will be picked up and cremated and remains picked up and death certificates etc made available or...extra price...shipped wherever. Long story short Cremation Company will take care of everything except funeral services...

Just don't want to make the wrong move as this day in time it seems you can't trust or believe in anyone. Thanks again

[Avista]

We attended many seminars and decided on Baldwin Brothers. A friend has recently died and was cremated. Spouse was very pleased with Baldwin Brothers help and services.

[retiredguy123]

I would never pay in advance for any funeral or cremation services. If you want to be prepared, get current prices from local funeral homes, so you know where to go when you need the service. As far as shipping the ashes, personally, I would have no problem just shipping them and not reveal the contents.

[jojo]

My mother prepaid with Baldwin Brothers for cremation here in The Villages and the service was excellent and reasonable.

[LuvtheVillages]

Hubby worked in the administrative office of a large church with attached cemetery. On several occasions, UPS (not USPS) delivered a box of cremains. Just be sure the church or other recipient knows in advance that it is coming, who is inside, and who to contact after box is delivered.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by LuvtheVillages

Hubby worked in the administrative office of a large church with attached cemetery. On several occasions, UPS (not USPS) delivered a box of cremains. Just be sure the church or other recipient knows in advance that it is coming, who is inside, and who to contact after box is delivered.

Apparently, UPS, FEDEX, and DHL will not "knowingly" ship cremated remains, but USPS will, but they want you to fill out a special form. How ridiculous is that? I would ship them anyway I wanted to, and would not reveal the contents of the package. Obviously, others have done the same thing.

[Shimpy]

Originally Posted by Avista

We attended many seminars and decided on Baldwin Brothers. A friend has recently died and was cremated. Spouse was very pleased with Baldwin Brothers help and services.

I can also highly recommend Baldwin Brothers.

[Villageswimmer]

Originally Posted by jojo

My mother prepaid with Baldwin Brothers for cremation here in The Villages and the service was excellent and reasonable.

We came very close to doing this. Baldwin Brothers has an excellent reputation.

At the last minute, we asked the rep what would happen if they went out of business before we passed. She was unable to answer the question and just repeated that the family has been in business x number of years. Yes, they’re reputable and have been in business a long time, but so was Lehman Brothers.

Although we wanted to do it and have it over with, there seemed to be a risk attached we weren’t comfortable with. Part of the $ goes into a trust and one would, presumably, get that portion refunded, but the outcome would then be no arrangements made and inflation would likely eat most of the principal (in the event they went out of business). Rather than making this simple for loved ones, it could be a hassle.

I’d love to hear from someone with a prepaid funeral who has explored this scenario. Perhaps it was our rep who didn’t understand a safety net built in.

[Tom C]

My experience: We needed to have my fathers ashes shipped from California to Alaska. The crematorium would only ship via USPS as we were informed they are the only authorized shipper of human remains. I can tell you, not only were the USPS people SNARKY (morbid humor that was very much NOT appreciated) when I went to the PO to retrieve Dad, but the cost was also greater than 5 X what it would have cost to use almost any other carrier.

Use your own judgment when shipping, just wanted to add my experience to this discussion.

Another experience: Both my parents pre-arranged (prepaid) their wants and desires. Please do this for your family, as we will do the same. At that time leaving the burden to your children or siblings, leaves them apt to make the wrong and maybe very costly decisions “in your memory”.

...very sobering discussion, but also very valuable to our loved ones who survive us.

[retiredguy123]

I just don't see any reason to prepay for a cremation. When someone dies, any funeral home will sell you a cremation and do the job properly, and they are required to have a published price list. What is the advantage to paying for it before you die? What happens if the company is out of business? What happens if you are out of town when you die? What happens if you lose the paperwork or the person arranging the cremation doesn't know about the prepaid cremation? I don't get it. It just seems like a ripoff.

[TwinTurboViper]

Some very interesting comments and yes we have been to a couple of seminars and yes we like Baldwin Brothers vs the others as more information and better pricing.

I guess the fact of just having a number to call in case of a sudden death of myself or a loved one vs the fact that at the last minute you have to "look up" different crematories as well as the fact that if you happen to be out of the country or on a cruise then that too is "taken care of" without the last minute details of finding someone.

As I have told my wife I worry more "now" about "having things in order" and less about dying, therefore, I want things for her...or myself to be uncomplicated as possible ...at the worst time.

I appreciate your comments as I consider each and every one. After attending my last High school reunion and realizing so many around me are leaving I decided and have gotten all my financials in order, downsized all my "toys" and have my trust set up and wills made out and even executors selected to carry out my wishes in order to "uncomplicate" things for my wife

This burial policy will help in knowing all my wife will have to do is "call a number" instead of confusion of knowing what to do next.

Appreciation to everyone. May we all live a healthy long life