My father just passed in January. He was adamant that we not have a funeral for him. He said there was no point in wasting all that money to shove his body in a hole and leave it there. Instead, he signed up to donate his body to science. As soon as he passed, I called a phone number on a card in his wallet and they came and claimed his body. That was it. Whenever they finish whatever research they’re doing, they’ll cremate his remains and return them.
He said, if we really wanted, we could hold a “celebration of life” for him. Just a small barbeque with friend and family to remember him by. He just asked that his favorite beer was left sitting at an empty chair for him.
I find myself wondering about the lives of the corpse-collectors you called. It’s clearly too menial a task for researchers, but someone’s gotta do it…
Back in the bad old days, doctors and med students would outright go rob a grave in the dead of night to get materials. I think it’s better for everyone this way that “corpse collector” is a paid profession.
My father just passed in January. He was adamant that we not have a funeral for him. He said there was no point in wasting all that money to shove his body in a hole and leave it there. Instead, he signed up to donate his body to science. As soon as he passed, I called a phone number on a card in his wallet and they came and claimed his body. That was it. Whenever they finish whatever research they’re doing, they’ll cremate his remains and return them.
He said, if we really wanted, we could hold a “celebration of life” for him. Just a small barbeque with friend and family to remember him by. He just asked that his favorite beer was left sitting at an empty chair for him.
John Oliver did an episode about body donations. I suggest a watch.
https://youtu.be/Tn7egDQ9lPg?si=zTjxKA0HaufmvSxp
I actually wouldn’t suggest this episode to someone whose father’s body is currently donated. But good episode nonetheless
Yeah, I understand, and did consider that. But… it’s better to be aware, surely, so there’s something to be done.
I seriously considered not posting it, but… decided to anyway.
I find myself wondering about the lives of the corpse-collectors you called. It’s clearly too menial a task for researchers, but someone’s gotta do it…
Back in the bad old days, doctors and med students would outright go rob a grave in the dead of night to get materials. I think it’s better for everyone this way that “corpse collector” is a paid profession.