A major purpose of memorial services is to honor and celebrate the unique aspects of a person’s life. That’s why we encourage you to personalize any and all aspects of these arrangements. Naturally, we’ll be ready to help in any way we can.

Locations.
Funerals can be conducted at the funeral home chapel, at a church, synagogue or other house of worship, cemetery chapel (if available), or graveside. In addition, we take great pride in arranging services in special locations – such as parks, open fields, ranches or other settings that are meaningful to the family.

Rites.
Choose whatever feels most appropriate, from a short, simple service to an expanded celebration of the person’s life.

• Traditional/Religious. A service can be arranged in accordance with any religious tradition. If desired, rites by fraternal orders or other special ceremonial requirements can be accommodated, as well.
• Personal/Non-Religious. More and more, the choice of those with no specific religious affiliation or who simply prefer a more intimate or casual service. The memorial can include readings, music and sharings by family and friends.
• Military. As appropriate, this can range from the simple presence of military personnel at a traditional service to a full formal military service in a national cemetery, complete with flag, honor guard, salute or other protocol.
• Family Participation Ceremonies. These can be personal traditions observed within families for generations – or they may be new rites designed to add meaningful depth and richness to a funeral, or to help some members (such as younger children) say goodbye in a positive way. Such ceremonies can be done in private, added to a traditional service, or act as the basis for a non-traditional service. Ask about the following ceremonies that have proven helpful to local families:

Memory Shared Bear Sharing Heaven Sent

Candlelight Floral Tribute Memorial Keepsake

• Memorial Displays. Individual items or groups of articles – reflecting a person’s special interests, activities and achievements – can provide vivid and positive reminders of a life fully lived. We can provide a special place for such displays in visitation rooms at Porter Loring, or help arrange for memory tables where allowed at other venues.
• Flowers/Music. We can recommend florists or work with any you prefer to assure the kind of floral arrangements desired. We can also contact any organist or vocal soloist you wish, or provide suggestions from a list of available musicians. If you prefer, you may also bring in recorded music that has special significance to your family.
• Speakers/Other Participants. Speakers may include clergy, family members, friends, fraternal organization representatives or others. We can also contact or make arrangements for other participants, including pallbearers, musicians, honor guard for formal military funeral, et al.
• Online Guestbook. This online obituary database, with Interactive Guestbook, provides a unique way for family and friends to share photographs, biography, anecdotes and sentiments.