Some years ago I “discovered” obituaries or obits as some folk in the industry like to say. As a lover of life stories, biographies, memoir etc, it fits right into my major interest. I’d much rather read this genre than fiction!!
I have a collection of books about Obituary – one by Australian academic Dr Nigel Starck, from Adelaide South Australia (my home state).
In America, there is the Society of Professional Obituary Writers, which I have been a member of, despite the fact that I am not a professional. I read their many articles and dream of one day going to one of their Conferences.
The history of obituaries is very interesting
Australia’s Obituary Expert
Obituaries Q&A with Dr Nigel Starck from Dan Masoliver on Vimeo.
Life After Death by Dr Nigel Starck is a most interesting read, especially about the history of Obituaries.
There are a number of interesting articles on the topic.
Advanced Obituaries
I like the idea of “Advanced Obituaries” – specifically writing your own. You can have a bit of fun with it. Will it be used in the event of your demise? Does it matter?
My children know very little about my early life – so I have documented it. They might use it at my final farewell, or not. It doesn’t matter.
Death is inevitable, and I don’t mind talking about it. Sadly many folk cannot bring themselves to talk with their families. I heard that some 50% of Australians do not have a current will.They’ve not bothered to ensure that their families are protected, not have they bothered to save them the trauma that they will face when they have to sort out their loved one’s possessions.
They’ve not bothered to ensure that their families are protected, not have they bothered to save them the trauma that they will face when they have to sort out their loved one’s possessions.
I found it difficult to speak with my parents about it – and my children have not discussed my demise with me either, but I suspect I am more organised than most people.
