Burial on owned property

[Gina B]

*warning* I tried to word this in a sensitive way but it may have some emotional triggers for those who went through a loss because of the mere nature of the issue.

It appears that this man was given a residential burial permit but after using the front yard, problems ensued.

Here is a link to the story: http://www.mnn.com/your-home/at-hom...inal-resting-place-the-front-yard?hpt=hp_bn16

It doesn't sound like placement was specified in the permit. Nobody expected it to be right out front though.

Still, the permit was given and used. I think higher courts would end up siding with this man on the case because of that permit being issues, provided it didn't give any specifications as to location on the property.

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. The burial is quite deep, so I do not understand some of the comments voicing concern over health issues. All types of animals die and decompose above ground. Why would a buried person be a problem? I don't see why his home not being in a more remote area poses a problem since cemeteries bury many people in the same area and can often be found smack dab in the center of big cities and in the backyards of churches that are surrounded by homes and businesses.

He even took the extra step to use a proper vault, which many do not realize is not a legal requirement. If you are using a cemetery, that cemetery may have restrictions, but one can wrap their loved one in a blanket for burial instead with some cemeteries and take them their in their own vehicle. My own thoughts are that this style may be even more healthy, considering that not enclosing the body leads to quicker and more efficient decomposition without the problems, gasses, and compounds formed and built up when a sealed coffin is used, especially after embalming.

Now if you have your own land, should people have a right to bury their loved ones on their own property? Are people overly sensitive by reminders of death, and does that infringe on the rights of property owners if a neighbor is offended by seeing a grave in plain sight, or should people be more sensitive to offending their neighbors, even if it was the deceased loves one's wish to be buried in a certain part of the property?

 

[targus]

It's not a big deal to me.

The remains of the former owner's wife is in our front yard.

The spot is marked with an engraved plaque mounted on a very large rock.

It is not unusual to get questions from company when they come over for the first time but it seems that no one has ever had an issue with it.

I do wonder though why someone would want to be placed in a spot where the next property owner could just remove the marker.

If I removed the marker her future generations would have no way of finding the grave.

Or I could even turn the spot into a tomato patch or whatever. :laugh:

 

[abcgrad94]

It's his property and there weren't any rules about it, so it shouldn't be a big deal. If it were my family, though, I'd wait until the man passed on and then move his wife's grave elsewhere if the family ever wanted to sell the property. I think the neighbors are worried about their property values, but I'd rather have this next door than meth heads.

 

[billwald]

Will this grave be noted on the property title? Wonder how much it will reduce the sales value.

 

[ktn4eg]

This whole thing reminds me of the time I spent in the employ of (and RESIDENT of!) a funeral home while going through Bible college.

(BTW.....Even though I personally haven't been "called to preach," working as, say an "on-call chaplain," for a funeral home/director is something I firmly believe would be quite helpful to any aspiring preacher/pastor.)

The stories I could tell....some good, some encouraging....and some just down-right heart breaking (in several dimensions!)!!

Please, please.....do your family/loved-ones a BIG favor.....Not only should every Christian take a few hours with them and a funeral home that has a solid reputation and pre-plan your funeral and burial arrangements, BUT ALSO.....

Have both a Last Will and Testament AND a Living Will made out beforehand!!!

And, while I'm on my soapbox, be very careful to seek the advice of a lawyer who has at least some expertise in the state (and sometimes local) laws/regulations especially when it comes to the matter of your own last will and testament.

Although software programs do exist for making out LW&T's, some of them do NOT always take into account what may turn out to be a hotly contested word/words, sentence or provision in some specific cases.

Trust me.....The time you spend in pre-planning your funeral, burial arrangements, LW&T AND a living will with those you call your family/loved-ones/survivors is very much QUALITY time for them!

 

[billwald]

In the Seattle area, The People's Memorial Society http://peoplesmemorial.org/?gclid=CKaz4PSpiLICFSXhQgoddVEATg

has, I hope, eased our future funeral problems. For those who want to be cremated, there is the Neptune Society,

http://www.neptunesociety.com/

 

[Arbo]

It's not a big deal to me.

The remains of the former owner's wife is in our front yard.

The spot is marked with an engraved plaque mounted on a very large rock.

I'll bet Halloween's a real hoot at your place! :smilewinkgrin:

 

[targus]

Will this grave be noted on the property title? Wonder how much it will reduce the sales value.

Why would it be on a propery title?

As to sales value - the marker in our yard was actually placed there by the neighborhood association because the prior owner was so well liked.

My neighbors aren't concerned about their property values.

I don't see the big deal here.

 

[billwald]

A section 8 community?

 

[Melanie]

I know something like this was a huge thing whilst living in Queensland. The council ultimately denied permission as there were concerns over all the things stated by others....property values,etc but most importantly if there was a burial and then the property sold there was no legislation in place to prevent the desecration of the area in the future.

I cannot imagine it would happen in NZ. If there is a shocking crime committed in a house, it often burns to the ground afterwards....because of cultural beliefs etc.