Issue 15.16
Recently I was browsing through a trade publication for funeral directors and found myself reading through the obituaries of many old time morticians from around the country. I am not sure if there are any of you out there like me, who find that reading a short synopsis of a person’s life to be a positive and uplifting experience.
Reading through obituaries can be a good reminder of those things that are important at the end of life.
These obituaries were somewhat more personal to me as I share a profession with those who are being written about. I was really curious to see if the stress of the job caused an early demise! Not really, but by way of information, many of them lived well into their 80s and 90s!
There were many interesting things in these obituaries and it was an enjoyable read.
What stuck out to me the most through all the varied life stories was a glaring similarity. Time and time again I read things like, “a lifelong member of the Windsor Chamber of Commerce” or “past president of the Palmerton Exchange Club” or “chairman of the Carbon County Heart Fund Drive” or “Farmingdale City Mayor” and many other community, service clubs, civic service and Charity Programs. It was evident that most if not all of these old time funeral directors where very involved in their communities by serving in some capacity other than through their professional duties.
I was reminded of what a seasoned funeral director, for whom I have tremendous respect, once told me, “You need to be a part of your community, give back.” This same gentleman had served as a Judge for many years while being a funeral director.
He reminded me that it is not just about you making a living by serving those in your community but you also need to serve in other ways to make your community better.
Historically funeral professionals have done very well at this.
I would submit that this challenge given to me is a valid challenge for all of us, regardless of profession. It takes all of us to make our community great. Being involved in your community doesn’t mean we have to all be the city mayor or president of the Lions Club. There are many ways to serve the community. There are many service clubs, charities and other service opportunities or some simply chose to serve on their own. I have noticed a woman who often walks my neighborhood with a garbage bag and picks up trash as she walks. What a great way to serve the community.
Here in Southern Utah we live in a great community with many great people from all walks of life. We at Hughes Mortuary are committed to serving our community in more ways than just our profession. We issue the same challenge to all of you who read this article. Find a way to give back to the community that we all call home.
We believe that doing so will keep our community a great place to live.
Jimmie Hughes can be contacted at Hughes Mortuary 435-674-5000.