Issue 11.10

(Part 1)

The price of funerals has almost doubled in the last 15 years, and the costs continue to rise.  In 1990, the average price for a full Traditional Funeral was $3,900.00.  Today, the typical expenditure for that same funeral is about $7,500.00.  These prices may seem out of control but the truth is, the funeral profession has held costs down considerably better than other industries, merchants, facilities, and living expenses in general. 

For example, a Ford Mustang, 15 years ago, was around $9,000 to $12,000.  Today that car ranges from $28,000 and up – more than double in price. 

The average wedding 15 years ago was approximately $8,000.  Today, one could expect to spend $10,000.00 to $100,000.00, and that doesn’t include the honeymoon! 

Homes in 1990 were under $85,000, and today a starter home begins about $150,000, with many homes a million dollars or more.

It’s unbelievable to think that 15 years from now a full Traditional Funeral could cost on average $15,000.  But when you compare that increase percentage to other escalating prices, it seems quite a bargain.

Have the costs of today’s funeral services, with the accompanying goods and selections, forced families to choose options that they really don’t want?  Do families have to settle for alternative choices, where their loved ones are shuffled off to a third-party provider out of state, not knowing if protective care has been the priority?  Have they been transported through local “shuttle” services in the passenger luggage compartment?  I would hope not! 

When it comes to the care and remembrance of your family, turn to a firm of longevity and committed track record; a firm that reflects the best the industry has to offer in professionalism, staff, facilities and reputation.             (continued next issue)

Issue 6.10

These days especially, we are more aware than ever of our veterans and the sacrifices they and their families have made and continue to make.  What you may not be aware of are the many wonderful duties these veterans continue to perform here in our local communities.

No doubt you’ve attended a funeral and observed the pride of the men in their uniforms as they performed military honors for a newly fallen veteran.  In 2009, the American Legion performed over 95 military honor services, in respect and gratitude for the sacrifices made by the veterans for our country.

Veterans are highly involved with the Boy Scouts, sponsoring opportunities for local boys, one of which is the Boys State trip to Logan, Utah.  Boys learn about various governmental processes there, and can earn college credits for it as well.

Our local veterans are also available to speak at schools, churches, and other organizations about the proper way to display your flag, how to fold it and the appropriate way to dispose of an old, faded or damaged flag.  They will participate in flag raising ceremonies, where they not only raise the flag, but play the colors, and fire a shot as the flag reaches the top of the pole.

A new website, dedicated solely to local veterans, has been created for and is sponsored by Spilsbury Mortuary.  We would like to introduce this website to you, which highlights the lives and stories of our local veterans, as well as their photos, videos and writings.  You will no doubt be acquainted with some of these vets, but might not be aware of their military involvements.  Please log onto www.ourlocalveterans.com and read the stories they have to tell in their own words.  You will be touched by the experiences they’ve endured.

You may know a veteran whose story belongs on our website.  If you wish to nominate someone for an interview, please contact Julie Brough, Spilsbury Mortuary, (435) 229-5594, or localveterans@gmail.com for further information.

Issue 50.09

This past week I have strongly felt the influence of the U.S. Armed Forces, our men and women that protect this great nation, and their sacrifices that bless our lives each and every day.  Not only are they heroes, serving to protect our daily freedoms, they are called upon constantly throughout the world to perform tasks that are seldom mentioned, that of acts of recovery.   For example, they retrieve our dead from the devastations of natural disaster and terrorism.  They step up, providing equipment, know-how, and manpower to preserve the sacred physical bodies of those whom we love at any and all costs.  Often such duty is mentally and physically overwhelming, such as the recovery of bodies that are in advanced stages of decomposition or that have been victims of drowning, explosion, fire, or other devastation.  We all realize that rescue efforts are being performed, but do we consider who follows through and makes sure that our loved ones make it home?  It is a combination of many, many great and wonderful folks.  It touches my heart, knowing the valiant efforts of those who help to bring closure and peace to grieving families.  Not only does our government and military assist in bringing our dead home, but they once again step up and help us lay them to rest.

For example, military honors, whether honoring those actively protecting us or those who have served this great nation in the past, the President of the United States makes sure that none are forgotten.  I have most recently witnessed our local American Legion, performing military honors in a complete cloudburst.  It made me proud to stand in their presence.  We, in Southern Utah, are blessed to have the finest military honors in this wonderful, blessed country – the United States of America (excepting perhaps the honors provided by full-time active duty trained soldiers at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia).  As “Taps” is played, the 21-gun-salute pierces the air, and the flag presented, I see the tears of gratitude.  They are the great and noble ones, providing a fitting final tribute on behalf of the President and a grateful nation.

How proud we are to be citizens of such a great nation, a nation that reveres their dead and pays proper honor and respect.  May I take this opportunity to say “thank you” to all of our service men and women for all they do, here and abroad.

Issue 49.09

Everyday, our eulogies are being written.  How do you want to be remembered?  As for me, I want to be remembered as one with a great sense of appreciation.  I would like to take this opportunity to express appreciation to many who have enhanced my life, the lives of my family, and my chosen profession.

I appreciate my parents, LeGrande and Bette Seegmiller Spilsbury.  I am today in the funeral profession because of my parents. 

As for the Mrs. Spilsbury of today, I want to express my love and appreciation to my wife, Vivian.  She, like my mother in years past, plays a major role in our family business.

I express appreciation to our fine staff.  The funeral directors, Tony Whitney and Michael Jones, they are each talented, pay attention to every detail, and are kind and compassionate caregivers.  I express appreciation to the lifeline of our whole operation, our officer manager, Aimee Sawyer, and program specialist, Julie Brough who both go the “extra mile,” organizing, creating, dotting the “i’s” and crossing the “t’s.”

Throughout Spilsbury Mortuary there are those in the shadows who keep our beautiful mortuary the “Crown Jewel” of funeral service.  I express appreciation for our gardeners, cleaning personnel, those who run death certificates and transport, all working in harmony.  I express appreciation to the Southern Utah Burial Vault Co., owned and operated by the Hafen boys and D. J. Gull.  They prepare the most beautiful grave sites and bring peace to that sacred place – the resting place of our loved ones.

To all the cemetery sextons throughout Southern Utah and surrounding areas, I express appreciation.  Rain or snow, they always serve faithfully, many going way beyond the call of their employ.

I express appreciation to those who perform military honors.  They are the great and noble ones.  We are blessed to have the finest military honors in this wonderful United States of America.  God bless those who perform military honors for our beloved servicemen.

And, in conclusion, a special appreciation to all clergy who everyday serve others.  Oh, how thankful we all are, especially in the final hour of life.  May their kindnesses be remembered and may they be blessed abundantly.

I hope that I will be remembered as one who has appreciated all people and all things along my path of life.