Class News

Jerry Flannelly ’64 and Boston Zoom group discuss “green burial”

June 23, 2021

Jerry Flannelly, who organizes the Boston-area classmate Zoom events, reported as follows:

Fourteen of us gathered on June 23 via Zoom, ten classmates and four spouses. The attendees were Mike Austin, Tom and Andrea Clardy, Jerry Flannelly and Dorrie King, Gary Griffis, Tony and Margie Lee, Don Leka, David Lindsay, Doane Perry, Mike Price, Bob Rands, and Nancy Upper.

Most of the discussion was about “what to do with our bodies” — traditional burial, cremation, and “green” or “natural burial.” Did not seem to be any advocates for traditional embalming and burial, with embalming being a disgusting process and traditional burial a great waste of resources. We talked about what green burial was and where it was possible — not possible in many places so far but becoming more available as people talk about it and advocate for it. Cremation does consume energy but allows heirs to decide what to do with the ashes and doesn’t require a burial site. Also talked about organ donation and donation of your body for medical use. Overall a very thoughtful and respectful discussion.

We have additional Zoom sessions ahead on July 22 and August 18.  For September we have something special! Bob and Amy Rands are inviting us including spouses/partners to an in-person gathering at their home in Westwood (Wednesday, September 22, 5-7 pm).  Realizing that it will be difficult for our non-Boston members to join that get-together, we will resume with a Zoom session in October.